I've been following a lot of the thyroid discussions, but it seems we have a different measurement system for T4 results in Canada than you do in the U.S. It seems for the US system most people have come to a consensus that the results should be between 2 - 4. Out of curiosity, does anyone know what an acceptable result is for the Canadian system of measurement? I believe below 13 is officially considered low, and I believe above 60 is considered high - that seems like a massive gap. Can anyone help break this down for me? Thanks!
Thyroid Results - Canadian vs. US
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BarbV
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Yes it is confusing. I think part of the problem may be that we are on the metric system but the US is not.
And it doesn't help that from time to time the labs/vets change up the ranges as they perfect the testing approaches.
From Bacca's tests on Nov 13, 2012:
T3 - His result 0.68 Range: 0.90 -2.10 nmol/L
T4 - His result 21.3 Range 13.0 - 53.0 nmol/L
Free T4 - His result 33.3 Range 7.7 - 47.6 pmol/L
Canine TSH - His result <0.03 Range 0- 0.60 ng/mL
Canine TgAA - His result Negative.
I can't tell you exactkt what nmol/L and pmol/L is exactly. But you can see from Bacca's results that after years of med's he's finally back into almost the normal zone.
We are still on liver watch for him and he goes for an ultrasound on Jan 17th. So any and all of his test results might be impacted by either disease. His Bile Acids, ALT and AST are still over the top bad!
In addition, he has a major bad case of skin funk going ong (not uncommon in dogs with hypothyroidism), so we are back to the vet next week to get that looked at as well. Oily, scaly, dandruff patches, losing hair and super itchy. Poor baby!
And it doesn't help that from time to time the labs/vets change up the ranges as they perfect the testing approaches.
From Bacca's tests on Nov 13, 2012:
T3 - His result 0.68 Range: 0.90 -2.10 nmol/L
T4 - His result 21.3 Range 13.0 - 53.0 nmol/L
Free T4 - His result 33.3 Range 7.7 - 47.6 pmol/L
Canine TSH - His result <0.03 Range 0- 0.60 ng/mL
Canine TgAA - His result Negative.
I can't tell you exactkt what nmol/L and pmol/L is exactly. But you can see from Bacca's results that after years of med's he's finally back into almost the normal zone.
We are still on liver watch for him and he goes for an ultrasound on Jan 17th. So any and all of his test results might be impacted by either disease. His Bile Acids, ALT and AST are still over the top bad!
In addition, he has a major bad case of skin funk going ong (not uncommon in dogs with hypothyroidism), so we are back to the vet next week to get that looked at as well. Oily, scaly, dandruff patches, losing hair and super itchy. Poor baby!
Hi Barb!
Since the general consensus seems to be shelties should be in the upper half to third, did you ask your vet whether meds should be increased to elevate his T4 to the 30s? (I'm sorry if this is a dumb question or one already answered in another thread - this subject is new to me, and you've obviously had a ton of experience dealing with this)
Tara
Since the general consensus seems to be shelties should be in the upper half to third, did you ask your vet whether meds should be increased to elevate his T4 to the 30s? (I'm sorry if this is a dumb question or one already answered in another thread - this subject is new to me, and you've obviously had a ton of experience dealing with this)
Tara
I suggest that you get a copy of the Thyroid Epidemic by Jean Dodds. I know your breeder is not a fan of hers, not a judgement just a fact, but it is really informative and got Tin on the right track. I think it was about $20 and you can get it through Dogwise.com if you can't find a copy in your local pet store.
Thanks for the suggestion! Luckily my dog's thyroid is in the normal range, but if I continue with shelties as "my breed", I figure I'd rather get more information as opposed to less so I know what to watch/test for, and I've heard Dodd's book is excellent. I've learned SO much from these threads.
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Oops...sorry...I'm a horrible dog parent 
. I was thinking "breeder" so I just updated about Starr. I actually tested both of my dogs at the same time.
Serendipity, my rescue dog (sheltie/corgi/husky), does have a low thyroid , so while the book will help in the future with other shelties, it will also hopefully help me understand what's going on with her right now. Thanks again for the suggestion.
. I was thinking "breeder" so I just updated about Starr. I actually tested both of my dogs at the same time.Serendipity, my rescue dog (sheltie/corgi/husky), does have a low thyroid , so while the book will help in the future with other shelties, it will also hopefully help me understand what's going on with her right now. Thanks again for the suggestion.
BarbV
Forums Celebrity
No there was not discussion about that. There is so much going on with Bacca with his liver issues, we were both happy that he was within range on his hypo tests.
He's going for a skin test this week because of his nasty skin funk, and then the following week for an ultra sound on his liver.
Good thing I'm a dog nut.....
I don't even want to think about what his testing and meds have cost me......
I feel your pain Barb. With all of Tin's costs this year, no hay so I had to buy it, Phoebe's unexpected liver failure and now my 13 year old cat suddenly can't make noise and isn't easily being diagnosed, my bank account is dismal. Phoebe's goes back for repeat testing in a couple of weeks and Sybil, the cat, will have to be put under and scoped as the broad spectrum antibiotics haven't done anything for her. If you see an old lady sitting on the corner with a can full of pencils........that will be me
No there was not discussion about that. There is so much going on with Bacca with his liver issues, we were both happy that he was within range on his hypo tests.
He's going for a skin test this week because of his nasty skin funk, and then the following week for an ultra sound on his liver.
Good thing I'm a dog nut.....
I don't even want to think about what his testing and meds have cost me......
I'm wincing internally for both of you
. May the new year bring lots of health, wealth, and blessings. 