Thyroid carcinoma in Dogs

Category: Cancer
Breeds documented: 4
Published sources: 4

Overview

These cancers develop in the thyroid glands, which sit beside the windpipe in the neck and make hormones needed for normal body function. A tumor may invade nearby tissues or spread elsewhere in the body. Most thyroid tumors found in dogs are cancerous, but they rarely cause excess thyroid hormone production. Some dogs have no noticeable signs at first.

Signs to watch for

A new lump or swelling in the neck.
Coughing or difficulty breathing.
Gagging or trouble swallowing.
A change in the sound of the bark.
Weight loss or a reduced appetite.

Thyroid tumors are seen most often in middle-aged and older dogs.

Emergency Go to an emergency vet now if your dog struggles to breathe.

Diagnosis and tests

An ultrasound scan helps vets assess the size of a thyroid mass and whether it has grown into nearby tissues. A tissue sample examined under a microscope provides a definite diagnosis. Blood tests and imaging of the chest and abdomen help check hormone production, other organ function and possible spread.

Breeds with documented risk

4 breeds

By breed size

1 Small
1 Medium
2 Large

Golden RetrieverLarge · Sporting Group
BeagleSmall · Hound Group
BoxerLarge · Working Group
Siberian HuskyMedium · Working Group

Inheritance

Not yet known
None of the sources we use states how this is inherited in dogs yet.

We've gathered what published sources say about this condition, so you can talk it through with your vet. It isn't veterinary advice: you and your vet know your dog best.