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  Discussion on Hypothroidism
Author Message
Member:
redback

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 2:34 am:

Hi Dr O:
I've read through the article on the experiment with pregnant mares and endophyte infected grass. I don't quite get what they are suggesting the association between the two is. Are you able to provide me with a simply explanation? Am I right in believing that hypothyroid horses have a problem with digestion of protein and sugars?

Regards
Geoff
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 7:01 am:

I think it is the summary from that bit of research that answers both your questions best Geoff:

Summary
A high percentage of Thoroughbred mares and their foals on two large farms in central Kentucky were found to have low thyroid hormone levels...None of the mares or foals was known to be clinically ill or showing any signs associated with thyroid dysfunction. Attempts at treatment appeared to have little, if any, beneficial effect relative to thyroid function and may have contributed to the low thyroid hormone levels.
DrO
Member:
redback

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 1, 2008 - 8:00 pm:

Hi Dr O:
Sorry to bother you again, but the summary is still a bit confusing to me. Lets forget about the article and I'll ask some questions in general.
1. Does endophyte infected grass affect pregnant mares or foals?
2. Is there a connection between endophyte infected grass and hypothyroidism?
3. Does Hypothyroidism affect metabolism of proteins and sugars?

Thanks Again
Geoff
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008 - 7:17 am:

1) Yes. For more on this see Diseases of Horses » Reproductive Diseases » Birthing Problems » Fescue Toxicity and Lactation Failure.
2) Not that we are aware of.
3) Probably, but adult horses only very rarely have problems with hypothyroidism.

Geoff I think you may be confusing the two terms: "low measured levels of circulating thyroid hormone" and "hypothyroidism". The two are not the same and horses appear to have a more variable blood level than other species. The finding of low levels when compared with the population as a whole on simple serological testing does not equate to having a disease process going on. For more on this see the article.
DrO
Member:
redback

Posted on Thursday, Jul 3, 2008 - 7:01 am:

Hi Dr O:
Thanks for that. I have read the articles and understand the issue with low thyroid hormones and testing for hypothyroidism. I have a particularly complex horse and this series of posts are related to some of my previous one's. At this stage I wouldn't like to make any unsubstantiated thoughts. I just needed to check where things were at officially with this. I'll let you know if my research, testing and experimentation takes me anywhere.
I could add that Australia could be a very interesting study as,I believe the whole human population has low Iodine levels as our soil is very low in iodine. This indicates that I'm hoping that my answer is in iodine in the diet rather than hypothyroidism. But as I say i'm only beginning my investigation.

Regards
Geoff
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Saturday, Jul 5, 2008 - 9:24 am:

Geoff do you use a trace mineral block? It supplies iodine in sufficient quantities and is part of our recommended feeding schedule.

I seem to remember reading somewhere iodine deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies in the world which is why the use of iodized salt is so prevalent. Does your country eschew iodized salt?
DrO
Member:
redback

Posted on Saturday, Jul 5, 2008 - 9:01 pm:

Hi Dr O:
Three days ago I introduced a mineral block with iodine in it. So we will see how she goes with that. I've also placed her on a small dose of a kelp supplement (high in iodine) This is a short term addition for about a week to see if it has any impact.

p.2 Only very recently has iodized salt become available as a result of public health concerns. I believe the government is suggesting that it be added in commercial food production. Another area of interest is that I believe that Nitrate can reduce iodine. We know that we are heavy nitrate users on the farm as a part of fertilizer so that may also be having an impact.

Regards
Geoff
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