Endocrinology

Welcome to the Endocrinology Studies Page!

If you would like more information about a study, or think you would like to enroll your pet, contact the person listed under the study.  You may also Contact Us at the CIC.

Determination of Breed-Specific Reference Intervals for Assessing Thyroid Function in English Setters, Golden Retrievers, Collies, Keeshonden, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, and Siberian Huskies

Current Status:  Active and enrolling (see below for breeds)
Principal Investigators:
Rebecca Davies, PhD
Sheila Torres, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVD
Contact:  Dr. Rebecca Davies, 612-626-0168, rdavies@umn.edu

Hypothyroidism, or low levels of thyroid hormones, is very common in dogs.  Thyroid hormones are needed for nearly all aspects of healthy physiology.  Today's test for hypothyroidism measures the concentration of thyroid hormones in serum and compares it to a reference interval derived from tests done on samples taken from large groups of normal dogs without regard to breed.  In some breeds, the true reference range is different from the general range, which may result in dogs being incorrectly classified as hypothyroid, and perhaps put on thyroid medication and/or removed from breeding programs. 

Currently, we are looking for healthy, purebred Alaskan malamutes, samoyeds, keeshonds and Amercian collies to participate in a study to establish breed-specific reference ranges for thyroid hormone levels.  We need to examine these dogs and take blood and urine samples.  Participants will receive the results of these tests at no charge.