Going from hypo to hyper

BACK then, Smiley was the sort of dog that made people grin.

This amiable, though somewhat shy, pointer bitch was the sensible one in her little pack, which consisted of a German shepherd, a spaniel and another pointer.

While the other three marauded around the hill, hunting, herding and hounding, Smiley meandered a step or two behind her owner, always surrounded by an air of reluctance, apparently plodding rather than walking.

Congratulating herself at being able to control at least one out of the four, Smiley’s owner relished the different characters of the dogs that she shared with her sister.

It was an ideal ownership plan, as each could blame the other for any of the dogs’ more mischievous foibles. And there were certainly a few of those.

Still, at least Smiley was a paragon of virtue and the one true example of their training techniques. Or so they thought. Little did they know how much things were about to change.

It all started with some unexpected weight gain. Then Smiley’s coat grew sparse and coarse, especially at her flanks.

When once she was two steps behind, now it was four. She had to be dragged out of her bed in the morning and she slept as soon as she got home from her walk. It was clear something was up.

It is not difficult to suspect hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland, situated in the neck, fails to produce adequate hormone.

The signs are variable but include lethargy, weight gain, bilaterally symmetrical alopecia and skin infections.

Actually diagnosing it can be slightly trickier, as many patients fall into “grey” areas when blood samples are taken for hormone assay. So sometimes, if clinical signs and results are suggestive, we will simply go ahead and test treat patients with oral thyroxine supplements.

Fortunately, it is possible to cheaply and easily monitor thyroid levels.

Signs of overdose, such as restlessness and increased heart rate, are also obvious.

In Smiley’s case, the response to medication was quick and somewhat astonishing.

Within a week, her disinclination to exercise was replaced by a good impression of a canine Mo Farah. She streaked in front of her pals, cavorting relentlessly.

Her coy disposition was replaced by an “in your face” attitude that had everyone shocked. All at once, it was go! go! go! full steam ahead.

Delighted at their “new” pet, her owners only occasionally yearned for the calmer, hypothyroid Smiley of old.