Anyone have a dog on Thyrosine for thyroid?

[tftmom]

My fifteen year old dog has been on Thyrosine for several years. Her vet drew blood annually to check levels. I had to change vets and the new vet wants to check levels monthly which he says is routine for his practice. I would like to know the experience of others who have dogs on this medication. How frequently does your vet test?

[chacha]

Fred is on Soloxine. He gets is blood levels checked yearly. I think monthly is a waste of time and money. Just like humans it takes at least 8 weeks for a new dose to adjust its self in the body. Unless your dog is showing signs of Hypo or hyperthyroid,I wouldn't check it that frequently. If your new vet doesn't agree,I would change vets.

[LVT]

Hi-
I'm a vet tech in NY and over the years have worked at quite a few practices. i have never heard of testing monthly, except for when they are first diagnosed and they want to make sure they are adjusting well to the medication (and then it is usually 6-8wks). Then, every practice I've worked at tests every 6 months to make sure the liver is not being compromised by the drug. If you are comfortable doing once a year despite the small risk, then continue that; every month? rediculous. Find another vet who is more reasonable.

[Marty]

Very good info, Thanks for joining LVT, and Welcome to the site :D

[LVT]

Thanks Marty. Cute dog photo in your avatar!

[tftmom]

Thanks LVT for your response. Interesting that you should mention the liver. We did a total body function a month after the initial increase in her medication. She was dropped back down to what she had taken previously. But her liver levels were off and she is now being treated with denosyl and l/d prescription diet. she wouldn't eat the l/d so he put her back on Science Diet Senior. She is supposed to go in this week (two weeks later) to have her liver levels checked. I think perhaps I will look for a new vet.

[LVT]

Good luck. Keep us updated.

[tftmom]

Telly, my 15 year old Golden/Poodle is doing much better. A different vet in the same office reduced her thyrosine to what it had been previously. I had lab work done again and her liver levels are normal. I am keeping her on Sam-e and Science Diet Senior. She has regained the weight she lost while trying to get her to eat l/d. Thanks to everyone who responded.