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Primary Hypothyroidism

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Primary hypothyroidism is “caused by the inability of the thyroid gland to make T3 and T4” (Hurd, 2006). It is the inability to make and retain sufficient amounts of T3 and T4, the common thyroid hormones. Secretions are controlled by a negative feedback mechanism, which controls the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary, which then stimulates T3 and T4 secretions (Wiersinga, 2014). Normal functions of the thyroid hormones are to maintain the basal metabolic rate, stimulate oxygen consumption, absorb carbohydrates from the intestines, regulate lipid metabolism, as well as activating the next phase of the hair growth cycle (Melmed, 2011)(Contreras-Jurado, 2015). In dogs, “the two most common causes of primary hypothyroidism include lymphocytic thyroiditis and idiopathic atrophy of the thyroid gland” (Kahn 2010). Lymphocytic …show more content…

This is because the thyroid is unable to perform its’ normal functions, such as cellular metabolism. Lethargy results in response to “slowing of cellular metabolism” (Kahn, 2010). Compared the normal thyroid, “about half the increase in oxygen consumption produced by the thyroid hormones is related to activation of the plasma-membrane-bound Na/K ATPase… Changes are linked directly to calorgenic effect of thyroid hormones” (Kahn, 2010). If less oxygen is getting to the cells, this can begin to cause anaerobic respiration and will cause a decrease in energy and become stiff. “The muscles will appear pale and swollen. The fibers may show swelling, loss of normal striations, and separation by mucinous deposits. Type 1 muscle fibers tend to be predominate” (Melmed, 2011). Also, if the thyroid is unable to metabolize lipids and absorb carbohydrates, this will cause decreased energy production. The decrease in energy is what causes humans to feel fatigue or lethargic, which is indirectly caused by the corrupted metabolism of lipids and breakdown of

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