Canine hypothyroidism and its effects on the cardiovascular system

Abstract

The thyroid is the most important endocrine for regulating the metabolic rate of the animal organism, so the diseases that affect it are of paramount importance in the veterinary clinic. Hypothyroidism is the endocrine disorder that most affects canines, and there is an important relationship between this disease and some cardiovascular changes, such as depression of cardiac activity, since thyroid hormones are related to the expression of some structures of cardiomyocytes, such as β-receptors, which are activated by catecholamines and thus induce increased heart rate and contraction strength. Arrhythmias, atherosclerosis, dilated cardiomyopathy and even neuromuscular disorders are possible pathologies secondary to hypothyroidism. Continuous electrocardiogram (Holter) is an important modality for diagnosing and monitoring cardiac involvement.