Vaika’s researchers, in collaboration with Cornell University, found that the racing Alaskan sled dogs have a lower range of serum thyroid hormone concentrations that veterinarians should consider when assessing serum thyroid status. The original research article was published in Frontiers in Veterinary Science on June 14, 2022.
What’s the problem?
Retired sled dogs sometimes are misdiagnosed with hypothyroidism. Incorrect diagnoses occur because many dogs of this type have thyroid hormone concentrations below the diagnostic laboratories’ reference range. A wrong diagnosis can lead to unnecessary treatment.
Finding a solution
Vaika’s researchers, in collaboration with Cornell University, measured the level of thyroid hormones in eighty-six retired sled dogs of normal body condition (9–13 years old) and found that the level of thyroid hormones is nearly 40% lower than the reference range.
According to the study, the racing Alaskan sled dog has a unique reference range that should be considered when assessing serum thyroid status. For this reason, the researchers propose to determine a new normal reference range of hormones for this category of dogs.