Rapid Resolution of Megaesophagus by Low-dose Levothyroxine in a Hypothyroid dog with Mitral Valve Degeneration

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Published: Jul 10, 2022
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.26553
Keywords:
canine hypothyroidism regurgitation thyrotropin
Dohee Lee
Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
Taesik Yun
Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
Yoonhoi Koo
Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
Yeon Chae
Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
Byeong-Teck Kang
Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
Mhan-Pyo Yang
Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
Hakhyun Kim
Laboratory of Veterinary Internal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Republic of Korea
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8882-2329
Abstract

A 14-year-old intact female Maltese dog weighting 4.84kg was presented with acute regurgitation. At presentation, the dog was diagnosed with megaesophagus and primary hypothyroidism based on the radiography and thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulation test, respectively. Treatment was initiated with oral low-dose levothyroxine (0.0025 mg/kg b.w., orally, SID) considering underlying myxomatous mitral valve disease. Ten days after the management, the clinical and radiographic signs of megaesophagus were completely resolved. The dog was managed by levothyroxine administration with a gradual increase of the dose along with the monitoring of serum thyroxine concentrations since the dog was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. At 10 months after presentation, the dog continued to do well clinically. This is first case report describing rapid resolution of generalized megaesophagus after low-dose levothyroxine administration considering underlying cardiac disease in a hypothyroid dog.

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