Possible thyroid problem with my dog

[quietmum]

We got our 4 year old Tibetan Terrier a month ago and so far the poor dog has been in and out of the vets every few days. Turns out now that he might have thyroid problems (he is very lethargic and also very overweight and although he has been on a diet for a month has lost very little weight).

He has a blood test tomorrow, but in case the news is bad, has anyone any experience of what to expect (on-going costs, how often the tests are repeated, what should happen now etc etc?)

We hadn't got round to getting him insured, but I expect that even if we had, this would probably be classed as a pre-existing condition and wouldn't be covered anyway!

It sounds like your vet is suspicious of an underactive thyroid gland. If this is confirmed, it is not really 'bad news' as the condition is easily controlled by daily thyroxine tablets. Most dogs respond well to treatment and have a normal quality of life, usually becoming more active and gradually losing weight.
The thyroid level needs to be checked by a blood test a few weeks after treatment starts and then at intervals according to how the dog is doing. I'm not at work today so can't check the exact price of the tablets for you, but it is not a particularly expensive drug and you only have quite a small dog.
Good luck.

That's a relief - thanks for your reply.