Methimazole and thyroid issues

[Hailey7777]

Hi everyone,

I have another medication related question, but this time for my parents dog.

He was recently diagnosed with a thyroid issue which is apparently rare for dogs. He seems hot and hungry all the time so I assume it is overactive. Because this is apparently rare, the medication is actually for humans but apparently used on dogs in this situation. The issue was that the vet really didn't seem sure how much to give him and the amount has changed frequently throughout this process, luckily it was drastically reduced before we actually got it and started giving it to him.

This last weekend was his first dose and he has to go back in a month to get a blood test to see if the dose should increase or decrease and we are told that it may take a couple of weeks before any change is noticed.

Just being such a rare situation, we are wondering if anyone else has had this issue and used this medication. I assume that the dose per pound would vary from dog to dog depending on how severe the issue is, but we are just wondering what others may have seen to get a rough idea of what to expect.

Thank you for any helpful tips or information anyone might have, we appreciate it.

[MaxaLisa]

I don't know much about this because it is so rare. Normally the dog would have been worked up to check for a tumor on the thyroid, which may have been done. Also, check for any supplements that might be high in kelp, and might even be a good idea to change the dog's food in case this is induced from diet.

[Hailey7777]

Thanks for the suggestions. My parents told me that after three days they noticed he isn't panting as much and isn't really hungry all the time. So it sounds like the dose they are giving him is helping and there so far are not really any negative side effects.

So far so good. Hopefully he continues to improve and can enjoy life a little more. I guess the next blood test will help zero in on what the best dose will be going forward but at least the dose he is on right now seems to be effective so far.