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  Discussion on Frequent Urination & Hypothyroidism
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Posted on Thursday, Jun 29, 2000 - 8:24 pm:

I have been through all the info on hypothyroidism. There is no mention as to whether frequent urination is caused by it.

I have a 12 yr old endurance arab gelding. He was diagnosed with hypothyroidism 2 years ago. He gets 2 teaspoons of Thyro-L a day. I have noticed that he will urinate as much as once an hour. I have not noticed an increase in water intake. The urine is pretty near clear. He always seems to go until he's done. He's not a horse that gets destracted easily.

Any ideas?

Posted on Friday, Jun 30, 2000 - 12:26 pm:

Hello Charlotte,
Though once an hour may be a little frequent it is not far enough out of the norm to, by itself with no other signs of illness, be of a lot of concern.

After reading the article are you still confident your horse has hypothyroidism? Frequent urination can be caused by a number of factors including just habit, but if water consumption is normal, very roughly 8 to 12 gallons a day unless very hot, I would consider lower urinary track irritation first.

Chronic over administraion of thyroid replacement hormone may cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism one of which is drinking and urinating excessively.
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Jul 6, 2000 - 2:00 pm:

Dr O.

His thyroid level is tested every 90 days and is always below normal. I find it hard to believe that he is hypothyroid. He is an endurance horse who always has too much energy to burn.

How do I get him tested for a urinary track infection/irritation? Get a sample to be tested?

Thanks

Posted on Friday, Jul 7, 2000 - 6:02 am:

The problem with the blood tests is even though he is always below normal that really has no meaning because of the variability of normal between individuals: ie he still may be experiencing symptoms of hyperthyroidism and excessive urination r he may be normal, as of yet it is not clear. Be sure to watch your hyper and hypo as it will get confusing if you don't.

Lower urinary tract infection is diagnosed by a urinalysis but the sample must be very fresh when tested and examined.
DrO
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