The tests in the panel facilitate the diagnosis of thyroid disorders, particularly autoimmune thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. The latter is the most widespread canine endocrine disorder, and up to 90 percent of cases are a direct result of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Total T4 measures bound and unbound circulating T4 (thyroxine), and is the most common, although incomplete, initial screening test for detecting thyroid disorders. Free T4 measures for the small, unbound fraction of biologically active thyroxine, and has a higher level of diagnostic accuracy. Total T3 on the other hand, measures the amount of bound and unbound forms of circulating triiodothyronine, and can indicate if a dog (that is not taking thyroxine) has a circulating T3 autoantibody if T3 levels are very high or, in some assay systems, very low. Meanwhile, free T3 assesses the small biologically active fraction of T3. Lastly, the Canine Thyroglobulin Autoantibody (TgAA) test is used for screening breeding stock for inheritable thyroiditis.
Use of the complete thyroid profiles allow for a more accurate diagnosis, and Hemopet is the sole laboratory to offer this technology using “green” methodology - namely patented non-RIA technology. To learn more about Hemopet’s canine thyroid testing services, log on to http://www.hemopet.org/
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About Hemopet:
Established by Dr. Jean Dodds in 1986, Hemopet started out as the world’s first private, non-profit animal blood bank, and is recognized today as a leading veterinary specialty diagnostic laboratory. Offering advanced canine thyroid testing, the laboratory provides highly comprehensive diagnostic profiles to detect and interpret hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. Visit http://www.hemopet.org/
