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Endocrine skin
disease:
History:
A 4 year old female British bulldog presented with non-pruritic (not itchy),
bilaterally symmetrical alopecia and hyperpigmentation of skin of flanks
and perineum. The condition had been developing over several months. Serum
total T4 level was normal but owners requested treatment trial for possible
hypothyroidism. Cutaneous lesions improved to a mild degree on oroxine
therapy.
Skin (x40)
Slide ref: 1466/93 *
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism is the commonest endocrine disorder
in dogs and is extremely rare in cats. In dogs, hypoT can result from
a wide range of causes, but the commonest is due to primary, naturally
occurring, acquired disease such as lymphocytic thyroiditis. The age of
onset is typically 6 – 10 years and due to the wide ranging systemic
effects of thyroxine, the clinical syndrome resulting from hypoT is varied.
Generally clinical signs include weight gain, lethargy, eye disease and
skin atrophy.
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