Thyroid hormones and lipid profile in Labrador Retriever male dogs

A study was conducted to assess the thyroid hormones and lipid profile in Labrador Retriever male dogs presented to the Veterinary College Hospital, Bengaluru for routinehealth check up and vaccination. Based on their age, they were randomly divided into Group I, Group II and Group III that consisted of one to three years age (young age), more than three years to six years age (middle age) and more than six to nine years age (old age), respectively. In all the dogs the body weight was recorded. The profile of thyroid hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodo thyronine (T₃) and Thyroxine (T₄) were estimated by using ELISA kits. Thelipid profileparameterssuch astriglycerides, cholesterol and HDL cholesterol were estimated by using biochemical reagent kits. The values of LDL and VLDL cholesterol were calculated by using Friedewald formula. Further, the blood glucose level was estimated using the Glucochek^® glucometer and serum total protein level by using reagent kit. Results revealed that the increased body weight was observed as age advanced. The T₃ levels did not vary significantly among different age groups. Whereas, in the advanced age groups there was reduction in T₄ levels and increase in TSH levels which was suggestive of hypothyroidism. Triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and VLDL levels were significantly higher in older dogs followed by middle age group compared to young age group. However, the alterations in blood glucose and serum total protein levels were non significant between different age groups. It was concluded that the Labrador Retriever male dogs could be more prone to hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia and therefore master health checkup could be taken up at least once in a year as a precautionary measure to avoid complications of hypothyroidism and hyperlipidemia.