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Itchy Sores and Yeast in a Dog With Hypothyroidism

by A reader

Reader Question
My 5-year-old Lab and pit bull mix was diagnosed with hypothyroidism. He was put on antibiotics, which did nothing. His skin has sores that look like bullet holes, with a raised top like a volcano and callus-like skin in the center. He is itching, licking and whining. As a test I put an over-the-counter antifungal (yeast) cream on him, and he stopped itching and the skin really started to look better. His skin is also extremely dry, and the vet wants me to give him fish oil once this is resolved. He has a very sensitive stomach, and some of his medicines made him vomit. The thyroid medicine seems to be making him more playful and active. The sores are in both armpits, on his belly near his nipples and now moving toward his neck, and the skin at the base of his tail by his bottom is raw from him scooting on the rugs, with no worms seen in his stool. Is this likely from the thyroid problem? Everything I read says hypothyroidism causes bacterial infections. Was he misdiagnosed, and is yeast common with hypothyroidism?


Answer from Our Team

It may not be a misdiagnosis, but it's fair to ask your vet whether it was confirmed with more than a single low T4 test, because other illness and some medicines can lower T4. Hypothyroidism itself usually causes hair loss that doesn't itch, but it makes dogs prone to skin infections, both bacterial and yeast (Malassezia). Yeast often thrives in warm, moist folds like the armpits and belly, and it itches a lot. The fact that an antifungal helped makes yeast likely, possibly along with bacteria.

Allergies are the most common reason dogs get repeated yeast and bacterial skin infections, so your vet may also look into allergies. Scooting and raw skin under the tail can also come from full or irritated anal glands, which your vet can check. Raised, crusted sores can have other causes too, so it's worth confirming what's there.

Ask your vet to do quick skin tests, such as tape or swab samples looked at under the microscope, to see whether yeast, bacteria or both are present. That tells them which medicated shampoo, wipes or tablets to use. Human creams aren't ideal on large areas, because dogs lick them off. A blood test 4 to 8 weeks after starting thyroid medicine checks that the dose is right, and the skin can take up to 3 months to fully improve.

See thyroid disease in dogs, yeast infections in dogs and skin infections in dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.

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