Looking For Normal Thyroid Values

[Guest JoyceJ]

Did routine labwork (IDEXX) in preparation for our nine year old, 80# male's dental.

If I had suspected any possible thyroid problem, I would have asked that the bloodwork be sent to MSU.

 

This boy exhibits NO signs of hypothyroidism.

BUT. his Free T-4-e.d. (ng/dl) came back at 0.5....IDEXX reference range 0.7-2.5 ng/dl

his Free T-4-e.d. (pmol/L) came back at 6.4....IDEXX reference range 9.0-32.2 pmol/L,

his T-4 came back at 0.4 ..IDEXX reference range 1.0-4.7 ug/dl

and his

cTSH was 0.54. ..IDEXX reference range 0.05-0.42 ng/ml

 

I'm looking for the most current "greyhound normal" ranges for T-4, fT4 and cTSH for comparison.

 

Since he appears to have low free T4 by dialysis, a low total T4 and a high TSH (even for a greyhound), is there a reason I would want MSU to redo this same bloodwork?

 

Also, would it make sense (based on his numbers and his weight) to start him at 0.6 Soloxine for the first 30 days and then readjust after labwork?

 

Thanks in advance.!!

Edited August 1, 2008 by JoyceJ

[Guest jurishound]

Does this help?

 

http://www.greyhound-data.com/dir/396/Hypo..._Greyhounds.pdf

 

or this?

 

http://www.animalmedicalcentreofmedina.com...d%20Labwork.pdf

Edited August 1, 2008 by jurishound

[feemandvm]

Can you list the lab's normal ranges for the various tests next to his levels? The normal values of different labs can vary.

 

 

[Batmom]

There really is no such thing as a greyhound-normal range -- it's lab-dependent. For T4 and fT4, normal could be less than half of what is normal for other breeds, and could go even as low as zero. For TSH, the range is the same for all breeds. If it's high and out of the range listed as normal on your test, then that would be significant.

 

[Guest JoyceJ]

Can you list the lab's normal ranges for the various tests next to his levels? The normal values of different labs can vary.

 

 

IDEXX reference range added to original post....

Edited August 1, 2008 by JoyceJ

[Guest JoyceJ]

BUMP

 

IDEXX "reference ranges" added to original post...

Edited August 1, 2008 by JoyceJ

[Batmom]

Here is some info about thyroid test results from MSU. #11 might be of particular interest to you as your dog's fT4 is low but probably not exceptionally low for a greyhound. The TSH is high, tho. #11 suggests some reasons why that could happen and suggests that in the complete absence of symptoms, it wouldn't be out of line to wait 6 months and retest.

 

http://www.animalhealth.msu.edu/FAQ/Endocr...d_Canine.php#11

 

I'm not a vet. Be interested to see what Dr. Feeman thinks.

[Guest JoyceJ]

Here is some info about thyroid test results from MSU. #11 might be of particular interest to you as your dog's fT4 is low but probably not exceptionally low for a greyhound. The TSH is high, tho. #11 suggests some reasons why that could happen and suggests that in the complete absence of symptoms, it wouldn't be out of line to wait 6 months and retest.

 

http://www.animalhealth.msu.edu/FAQ/Endocr...d_Canine.php#11

 

I'm not a vet. Be interested to see what Dr. Feeman thinks.

 

 

Thanks for that link Batmom. Last night I did not even think to check the MSU site. Because the fT4 was not exceptionally low and because he has no other symptom, I too will be interested to see Dr Feeman's thoughts. Maybe we caught this just at the right time or maybe he's always been on the low end. I don't have any previous readings for comparison

[feemandvm]

Interesting levels. If there is no evidence fo disease... I'd be hard pressed to medicate just yet. I'd probably do a thyroid panel through MSU in a couple of months. I'd comment on the lab sheet that the dog has no clinical signs and ask for a "interpretation by the endocrinologist". If it is borderline, you can have your vet speak directly to teh specialist and discuss the case.

 

 

[Guest JoyceJ]

Interesting levels. If there is no evidence fo disease... I'd be hard pressed to medicate just yet. I'd probably do a thyroid panel through MSU in a couple of months. I'd comment on the lab sheet that the dog has no clinical signs and ask for a "interpretation by the endocrinologist". If it is borderline, you can have your vet speak directly to teh specialist and discuss the case.

 

Thank you for your input.

The only thing that I (crazy GH momma that I am ) have noticed is that his chest seems to bruise easier these days. Could that be related to lower thyroid levels? I love and appreciate my vet but feel that I am more conservative in my approach to putting any grey on thyroid meds. His dental is scheduled for Monday so I will re-visit the subject of waiting 6 weeks and retesting using MSU before starting any meds.