Thyroid disease affects both dogs and cats but in opposite directions. Hypothyroidism in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats cause significant welfare harm that is highly treatable.
Thyroid disease welfare management transforms affected animals from suffering to thriving with appropriate treatment. Dogs with untreated hypothyroidism experience chronic fatigue and physical discomfort that owners may attribute to normal aging. Cats with untreated hyperthyroidism lose weight and develop hypertension and cardiac disease progressively. Both conditions are highly treatable and welfare outcomes with appropriate therapy are excellent.