Integrative Management of Canine Hypothyroidism Using Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine

A 9-year-old neutered male Labrador Retriever mixed-breed dog was diagnosed with hypothyroidism on the basis of physical examination findings and clinicopathologic testing, including low total T4 and Free T4 concentrations measured by equilibrium dialysis. Traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) examination findings were consistent with Qi-Yin Deficiency with Heart Fire and Damp/Phlegm. Treatment with levothyroxine and Chinese food therapy were initiated, followed by addition of the Chinese herbal medicine, Jia Bing Fang. Acupuncture was also attempted in this Wood-constitution patient but was discontinued due to treatment intolerance. Post-pill total T4 concentrations were assessed every 4–6 weeks to objectively monitor response and guide progressive levothyroxine dose reductions while Jia Bing Fang was continued. Clinical improvement was accompanied by maintenance of total T4 concentrations during levothyroxine dose reduction. This case provides serial total T4 data and suggests a potential adjunctive role for TCVM, particularly Chinese herbal medicine, in the integrative management of canine hypothyroidism.