Golden Retriever Dog Forums banner

Why different blood test results for Hypothyroidism??

1K views 13 replies 6 participants last post by  Penny & Maggie's Mom 
#1 ·
So, a little while back we had Sheamus at the vet for a blood panel and he was diagnosed with low T4 and we were advised to follow up with the free T4 blood testing for hypothyroidism..well, we were out of town but the vet called today and left a message that Sheamus's thyroid testing was all normal and no low counts...what does this mean??? I will call them tomorrow, but in the meantime I am confused, first test was positive for low T4 and now it is normal?? he is showing all the classic signs of having hypothyroidism so I was hoping we had a diagnosis and could began a proper course of treatment....what do you think??
 
#2 ·
Go to:

Home

Doc Dodds is the expert. If you don't find your answer, send Jean an e-mail...she will answer your questions.

Tailer's is low and is on Soloxine to keep him stable.

Good Luck!
 
  • Like
Reactions: Hali's Mom
#6 ·
I thought I had read somewhere along the way that thyroid levels fluctuate enough that getting an accurate reading can be difficult. Especially if the dog is borderline. They can test low one day and normal the next. I don't remember exactly where I read that, though, so don't take my word for it.

We had a similar problem getting Riley diagnosed. The test from Hemopet came back low, but a test from MSU came back normal. Luckily, the vet we switched to agreed that Riley was symptomatic and wanted to treat. It's made all the difference in the world.

If Sheamus is showing signs, I'd think about having Hemopet run the test and see what Dr. Dodds thinks.
 
#8 ·
Yep, yep, Hemopet is the way to go. I used MSU the first time and results came back borderline normal, my vet said treatment wasn't necessary. The second time I sent the bloodwork to Hemopet and Dr. Dodd recommended that I treat Hali as her results were "low - normal" and in a golden retriever that is reason to treat.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tailer'sFolks
#7 ·
What many vets don't realize is that low normal is actually low for a golden. We use Dr. Dodds too and do a 5 panel (T4, free T4, T3, free T3 and the antibodies) yearly. It runs about $80. And she gives you and your vet her interpretation.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tailer'sFolks
#12 ·
I don't know if she'll interpret a test done elsewhere...? She might, but I would imagine she'll want to run a test herself.
It's really easy to do. All the instructions are on the Hemopet site. I filled out the necessary forms and paid online. Had one of our vet techs draw the blood and spin it to serum. They took care of shipping it to Hemopet (but you can do that yourself, if you want to) and Dr. Dodds emailed me and our vet the results in just a couple days.
We had the complete Thyroid 5 panel, too.
 
#11 ·
After Doc Dodds got us advised...I PayPal'ed her a donation. Got a very nice Thank You from them.

I always have gotten Tailer's analysis back, both to the Vets & e-mailed directly to me. The Thyroid 5...is the way to go.
 
#13 ·
Tailer's first thyroid tests were done at MSU...I scanned the report into my computer and e-mailed it to her for her opinion...no problem!
 
#14 ·
Yes, she'll do consults. However, I think she'd need more than a T4 to go on. When Maggie's annual lab showed a low normal T4, I had our vet draw and spin down the blood sample then sent it off to hemopet. Within a few days, I had an email with the results and Dr. Dodds interpretation and recommendations. It was sent to our vet also.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Tailer'sFolks
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top