Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a disease caused in human beings and animals by the inefficient production of thyroid hormone secreted by thyroid glands. The thyroid gland is the biggest endocrine gland in the body of the animals and humans. This gland is situated below the Adam's apple in the neck region. Thyroid gland is one of the vital glands in the body. This is because it controls the rate at which energy is burnt, which in turn results in the formation of proteins. It also decides the responsiveness of the body to the other hormones.

There are a number of reasons for the occurrence of this disease. One of the main cause for the occurrence of this disorder is the deficiency of Iodine in the body. Like the other elements that are required for growth, iodine is also one of the necessary growth elements in the body of Human beings and animals. Though required in a small quantity its absence or deficiency cannot be tolerated. That can lead to a serious disorder like Goiter. The other causes are the lack of the thyroid gland. It can also result due to the deficiency of the hormones from the hypothalamus or the pituitary. In the case of dogs the thyroid disorder can be hereditary.

Reason for its occurrence: There are three different types of Hypothyroidism. They are mainly the primary Hypothyroidism, the secondary hypothyroidism and the third is the tertiary hypothyroidism. It is based on the organ from where it originates. The primary hypothyroidism has its origin in the thyroid gland, the secondary hypothyroidism has its origin in the pituitary gland and the tertiary hypothyroidism has its origin in the Hypothalamus.

Symptoms and Diagnosis: As thyroid glands are involved in the energy burning process they can affect almost every metabolic process of the body. The effect of this is immediately reflected on the mood, the energy levels, etc. In case of the Pediatric patients hypothyroidism results in an additional disorder of short stature or mental retardation. The Diagnosis of this disorder is done by studying the amount of the thyroid stimulating hormone in the body of that patient. The treatment of this disease is done by taking the synthetic thyroid supplement to replace the missing hormone.