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  Discussion on Suspect misdiagnosed thyroid "problem".
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Posted on Friday, Oct 8, 1999 - 12:30 pm:

Dr. O,-- I just purchased a new horse, an 8 year old Arabian mare. She has been
diagnosed by her previous owners' vet as being hypothryoid on the basis of one blood test only. The only symptom she has is that she is a little cresty in the neck, and fatty on her rump at the base of her tail. However, she was also being very well fed and perhaps underexercised. After reading your article on this forum it seems that I should slowly withdraw the Thryo-L and see how she does. Currently she gets one scoop twice a day (the scoop that comes with the medication). Over what period of time should I withdraw the Thryo-L?

Another thing I want to mention here in case its related to thyroid conditions is that although her coat is in excellent condition she has several small dime sized roaning areas (she is bay). The previous owners said that their local hay (SW Pennsylvania) is low in selenium and the roaning was caused by a seleneium deficiency, and also it can be caused by a Zinc deficiency, so they have her on Clovite, 2 Tablespoons twice/day to correct this. Do you think they are on the right track here? Thanks!

Posted on Saturday, Oct 9, 1999 - 4:31 pm:

Hello Susan,
I would do it over a four month period by removing 1/4 of the scoop every four weeks. Watch her weight carefully, the fact she is on thyroid medication suggests she has had past episodes of founder so keep the wieght on the thin side and watch that spring and fall lush grass.

No, areas of roaning in an otherwise very healthy horse seem unlikely to be related to selenium deficiency to me and more with genetics. Zinc deficiencies result in slow growth, developmental abnormalities, hyperkeratosis (thickend flaky skin and horn), hair loss, acne, lethargy and diarrhea.
DrO

Posted on Friday, May 12, 2000 - 10:41 pm:

I, also, have a bay 8 yr. old Arabian mare who is cresty necked and has excess fat in the tail area. My mare is well cared for and kept in "show condition." My mare has a rather lazy way of going but tends to be a little nervous when stressed. Her hoofs are dry and crack easily despite excellent farrier and hoof care. It has been suggested to me on these symptoms that she needs "thyroid supplimentation." I question whether she is hypothyroid and don't really feel that this disease can be adequately diagnosed. What would be your suggestion for a possible diagnosis of her condition and testing procedures to obtain a definite diagnosis, whether hypothyroidism or other disease process? Thanks.

Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 2:12 pm:

ann,
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