What med for hypothyroid?

[duke212]

Now that Duke has been diagnosed with a low thyroid we'd like to begin a medication, but I'm just trying to figure out which one would be best for him. In general, I am a no medication type person, but I understand if it is necessary for him. So what medication do you give your boxer? Any alternatives to medication to help with low thyroid?

Thanks a lot!

[johann]

We give Johann thyroxine. A lot of people on here use soloxine (brand name), but we've had no issues with the generic versions (thyroxine or levothyroxine).

It's not a medication in the same sense as a pain medication/anxiety med/etc, but replacing a naturally occurring substance that he's lacking. Try to think of it as replacing a chemical that his body isn't making (similar to using insulin for diabetes) enough of instead of "medicating" him. I'm sure you can find a "thryoid supporting" supplement or diet plan, but it still won't replace the T4 that his body isn't making enough of. They may help to preserve what thyroid function he does have.

Good luck to Duke. I bet he will be feeling a lot better once he starts on medication. Johann was like a different dog once we started his thyroxine.....in a good way. Back to being bouncy, happy, and healthy again. And, having hypothyroidism can lead to all sorts of long term health issues like cardiac arrhythmias......so please follow your vet's advice on meds.

[Cami]

I've been told by a couple of different vets and a human doctor that the only medications they WON'T go generic with is thyroid supplementation.
Soloxine (LEVOTHYROXINE), is the gold standard for thyroid medication. There are many generics available however the use of fillers comes into play. Soloxine too uses fillers however from what I have been told the quality of the fillers is what comes into play.
When you also factor in that *some* vet offices typically buy what is the least expensive for them you many not always get the SAME generic if you go that route. Your dog may be fine with a 3 month supply of a specific generic but when you go for a refill you may end up with a different generic for the following 3 months. Perhaps you notice issues not realizing that it is a slightly different chemical compound in that new generic.
It has also been proven that the brand name Soloxine verses generics seem to just work better in all breeds, (not all dogs in general but in breeds tested).
If something works better you can *sometimes* offer less of the drug and garnish the same results.
In the grand scheme of things thyroid meds are fairly inexpensive. Generics are a bit cheaper but we are talking a few dollars and not much more.
I had to get my girls Soloxine from a vet hospital via a script from her regular vet since they didn't carry the brand name. They would order it for me but in such a large quantity that a good portion of the bottle would have expired prior to me being able to administer it.
A lot of dogs won't have any problems with the generics but for me it just wasn't worth the risk and I liked being able to offer less of something (strength-wise) since she was taking so many different medications.