Stormie was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My vet prescribed Soloxine tabs (2 a day - 1 in the a.m. and 1 in the p.m.). Anyone have any experience/concerns/issues with this medicine? And if there's anyone else out there with a hypothyroid basenji, how long did it take on the medication until you saw some signs of improvement w/ weight and grouchiness etc.? Any input is much appreciated!
Lorraine
I have no experience w/dogs and hypothyroidism, but I do have a child w/it. I imagine it is much the same.
A tiny pill a day solves the problem beautifully. As I recall, dd was feeling energized within a week of taking the meds.
Wow! A week?!?! That's wonderful! Thank-you Jazzy's Mom! Stormie has a wretched attitude most of the time, so I'm really hoping this medicine helps it somewhat (so are the cats!) lol! Plus, it would be nice to his waistline again! (don't tell him I'm saying this as he'll be terribly insulted that I think he's fat AND grouchy! )
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Stormie was just diagnosed with hypothyroidism. My vet prescribed Soloxine tabs (2 a day - 1 in the a.m. and 1 in the p.m.). Anyone have any experience/concerns/issues with this medicine? And if there's anyone else out there with a hypothyroid basenji, how long did it take on the medication until you saw some signs of improvement w/ weight and grouchiness etc.? Any input is much appreciated!
Lorraine
No concerns, 3 of mine are on Soloxine (and please make sure it is the real stuff, not the generic, in this case it really makes a difference)… and you should see a difference in a few days. Also most Fanconi dogs have hypothyroidism .... that is pretty common.....
My oldest male (OJ) has been on soloxine for about 5 yrs now... if I miss his dose he breaks out in hives within 3 hours...:eek: With the soloxine, not one hive ever.....
And remember to re-test I think it is within 6 months to check the dose. OJ started on 2mg morning and nite, but was adjusted up after 6 months. Mickii was on the same dose and adjusted down.....
Thank-you, Pat!
I was aware that most Fanconi dogs go hypothroid (any insight as to why that is?). I was almost certain he had it and the blood test confirmed it.
I just double checked the bottle, and it is Soloxine. I'm so glad to hear your pups are doing well on it and how quick it works! I'll probably have Dr. H. re-test at Storm's next blood gas test to make sure he's on the proper dose.
Again, thank-you for your insight!
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Thank-you, Pat!
I was aware that most Fanconi dogs go hypothroid (any insight as to why that is?). I was almost certain he had it and the blood test confirmed it.I just double checked the bottle, and it is Soloxine. I'm so glad to hear your pups are doing well on it and how quick it works! I'll probably have Dr. H. re-test at Storm's next blood gas test to make sure he's on the proper dose.
Again, thank-you for your insight!
No problem… and I have no idea why Fanconi dogs seem to always have thyroid issues... but then on the other hand it is pretty darn common (thyroid problems) in Basenjis anyway. Especially older spayed/neutered Basenjis...
what signs did you see before they diagnosed it?
what signs did you see before they diagnosed it?
There can be many different signs of thyroid problems, most notable is overweight or underweight, temperament changes, and coat condition. Really everyone should have their dogs thyroid check as routine Vet Care.
Mantis the only sign that Storm showed pre-diagnosis was weight gain. I had him down to his ideal weight before we started the Fanconi Protocol. He began taking all kinds of meds. and in order for him to take the meds, I have to wrap them in a goodie - typically cream cheese and of course he won't eat fat free cream cheese (lol!). I wasn't sure if the gain was due to the extra food intake or not. Turns out he is hypothyroid. I have cut back his food a little bit, too to make up for all the extra cream cheese balls.
As a side note, I can tell a difference in Stormie already, and it's only been a week that he's been on Soloxine. He's much more eager to play and run now! It's almost like he's regained his puppyhood all over again!!
Max (basenji) and Pepper (german shepherd mix) were on soloxine for many years, and I had no problem whatsoever with the medication. I have heard like Pat says that you really should make sure that it's not a generic. The only symptoms I saw were hair loss and weight gain–no grouchiness. Mine both had to be retested in 6 mos for dosage and then once/year after that. I think Max's dosage changed once during the years he was on it.
No problem… and I have no idea why Fanconi dogs seem to always have thyroid issues... but then on the other hand it is pretty darn common (thyroid problems) in Basenjis anyway. Especially older spayed/neutered Basenjis...
The endocrine system works so closely w/the liver/kidneys, etc to help maintain weight gains, energy levels, etc. that if one organ gets out {ie, the liver} of whack it can throw the system function off which can lead to endocrine problems {like thyroid}.
And the fact that thyroid problems are prevelent in Basenjis may also point to why Fanconi is so present w/the breed. They're all tied in together somehow w/endocrine function.
R&WR-I'm so sorry that Stormie is not feeling well 
Lots of prayers your way that he has a speedy recovery!
Thank-you JYS! Storm seems to really be responding well to the Soloxine, so I'm very pleased by that. It's wonderful to see the puppy sparkle back in his eyes again!
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Thank-you JYS! Storm seems to really be responding well to the Soloxine, so I'm very pleased by that. It's wonderful to see the puppy sparkle back in his eyes again!
Yay! Glad to hear he is feeling better.
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Thank-you JYS! Storm seems to really be responding well to the Soloxine, so I'm very pleased by that. It's wonderful to see the puppy sparkle back in his eyes again!
That is super!!!! Usually when the thyroid is off it only takes a few days for the Soloxine to start to work…
Thank-you Pat and Andrea! He's quite a handful all over again, and it's wonderful!!! I walked him…errrrrrr...he walked me (lol!) at the local state park today and we both had a blast - he outlasted me on the mountain hike!
Some pictures of our afternoon walk:
C'mon Mom Commando Crawl under this with me:
Enough with the pictures, let's keep walking!
End of the trail:
He looks great!!!! Thanks for the pics!!!
Great pics RWF. Stormie is gorgeous. It is wonderful he has a great Mom! I'm so glad that his meds are working well - paws crossed.
Thank-you Pat and Duke - he's my baby, I'll do whatever I can to keep him healthy and with me for as long as I can. I cherish the ground his little feet walk on (yeah I know I'm pathetic! 
).
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Thank-you Pat and Duke - he's my baby, I'll do whatever I can to keep him healthy and with me for as long as I can. I cherish the ground his little feet walk on (yeah I know I'm pathetic!
No your not… you are just like us.. a true B lover... and you take what you get and deal with it... My hat is off off to you and anyone that has cared for a Fanconi dog....
