Introduction

Neuromuscular changes in hypothyroidism are described in humans as well as in dogs. When these neurologic changes are compared to the metabolic and dermatological signals, they become unusual, and their knowledge is important to differentiate canine neurological manifestations.

Objectives

Describe the clinical findings of a dog with neuromuscular manifestations caused by hypothyroidism.

Methods

A dog, 10 years old, was attended with complaints of progressive difficulty in locomotion, weakness, intolerance to physical activity for eight months. During physical exam it was verified that the skin was dry, scaly and hyperpigmented. The fur was opaque, brittle and easily removed, and it was evident the absence of fur on the tail region. It was possible to observe abnormal pace and posture characterized by wide base of pelvic members and rigid pace with short steps in the thoracic members (“two-engine”), besides weakness, more evident in the thoracic members. Postural reactions were decreased. The simple reflexes were analyzed and it was observed a reduction of withdrawal reflexes in the four limbs, muscular tone and patellar reflex. The cutaneous body and perineal reflexes were normal and painless to epaxial palpation in all the extension. It was requested complementary hematological tests for the hyperthyroidism diagnosis, verifying its involvement.

Results

After 90 days of hormone replacement therapy, it was observed complete remission of the neuromuscular and metabolic clinical condition.

Conclusions

Hypothyroidism can present, in addition to clinical signs already identified in literature, several neuromuscular changes, such as rigid pace, pseudohypermetria, pseudohypometria and muscular weakness.