Can you tell me something about thyroid disease in dogs? My Labrador retriever, Georgia, was diagnosed with this condition.

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid disease, is a common problem in many dogs and can occur in dogs of any age. A common cause is when the dog’s antibodies attack its own thyroid gland. In many instances, the disease is diagnosed during routine blood testing, before clinical signs occur.

There are many manifestations of the disease. Chronic infections, ear disease, skin disease, weight gain, lethargy, dry eye and even neurological problems can occur. In a study by Antech Diagnostics, the breeds of dogs most commonly diagnosed include golden retrievers, Shetland sheepdogs, American cocker spaniels, English setters, boxers, Doberman pinschers, Labrador retrievers, German shepherds, akitas, Irish setters, Old English sheepdogs and collies.

Dogs should be tested before breeding, and affected dogs should be spayed or neutered.

As is true with some blood disorders, thyroid disease may occur as a result of overvaccination.

Dogs with hypothyroidism should be treated with thyroid supplementation, and repeated testing is needed to fine-tune the medication needed.

My dog, Tucker, was diagnosed with lupus. The recommended treatment is steroids. Is there a more natural therapy?

The most common form of lupus, called discoid lupus erythematosus, is a benign form. In DLE, usually, only longer-nosed breeds are affected. The nose becomes dry, discolored, cracked and bloody. A skin biopsy is necessary to make sure that skin cancer is not present, as cancer resembles DLE.

Typically, high doses of steroids are needed to get the disease in remission. In most cases, the patient responds quickly.

In my practice, I use a combination of corticosteroids to get the pet in remission and then use natural therapies, including antioxidants, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids and various proprietary whole-food supplements. Topical therapy is used to relieve itching.

I also limit sun exposure and minimize vaccinations to prevent recurrences.

— Dr. Shawn P. Messonnier is a veterinarian and pet care advocate.