Congenital Hypothyroidism (Tenterfield Terriers)

Body function:

Skeletal & Joint

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Congenital hypothyroidism is a hereditary condition that affects Tenterfield Terriers, among other breeds. This condition is characterized by the inability to produce adequate levels of thyroxine (T4), a hormone critical for regulating metabolism and overall development. The genetic mutation was first identified in Tenterfield Terriers and is particularly concerning due to its impact on skeletal development along with other physiological systems.

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List of affected breeds:

Genetic research has linked this gene and condition in the following breeds:

Tenterfield Terrier

A brown dog is sitting on its hind legs with its front paw raised. The dog is looking up at the camera with a hopeful expression.

What does this mean for a dog with this trait?

Congenital hypothyroidism is a lifelong condition that can be managed with proper veterinary care. The primary treatment involves lifelong thyroxine (T4) supplementation to replace the deficient hormone and mitigate the symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent severe complications, such as myxedema coma, a life-threatening state of extreme lethargy, low heart rate, and body temperature.

Symptoms

Puppies with congenital hypothyroidism typically exhibit symptoms shortly after birth, often beginning to show signs between 3 and 8 weeks of age. These signs include sluggish growth, a disproportionate dwarfism where the limbs and spine are abnormally short, and a distinctive “tragic” facial expression due to water retention in facial tissues. Affected puppies may also present with delayed mental development, a sparse and abnormal coat, and a goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland struggling to compensate for the lack of hormone production.

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