Species: Dog
Condition: Thymic Atrophy
Organ System: Urogenital
Thymus is a large organ located in the chest cavity. While it is present in the young animals, it regresses and loses its function after reaching adult age and size. The role of thymus is to defend the body from foreign impacts such as infections. It is important for the normal immune response. Thymic atrophy is a condition in which the thymus begins to deteriorate prematurely. Affected puppies have decreased capability to fight off infections and are progressing slower than expected. Such damage to the thymus can be caused by various infectious diseases (eg. Canine distemper), toxins or inadequate nutrition.
Breeds exposed to Thymic Atrophy – Research Reference
Australian Silky Terrier Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
“Miniature Poodle Cross – (Harvey 1989
Labradoodle Cross – (Harrus et al. 2002)
Labrador Retriever Cross – (Harrus et al. 2002)
Chihuahua Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pug Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Poodle – Toy Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Shih Tzu Cross – (Johnson 2000)
Pomeranian Cross – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Yorkshire Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Poodle – Toy – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Skye Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Yorkshire Terrier – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Australian Silky Terrier – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pomeranian – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Chihuahua – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Pug – University of Sydney (LIDA Dog Disease Database)
Labrador Cross – (Harrus et al. 2002)
Skye Terrier Cross – Canine Inherited Disorders Database (CIDD)
Labrador – (Harrus et al. 2002)
Labrador Retriever – (Harrus et al. 2002)
Labradoodle – (Harrus et al. 2002)
“Miniature Poodle – (Harvey 1989
“Cavoodle – (Harvey 1989
Shih Tzu – (Johnson 2000)
Disease Author
Dr Merliza Cabriles, Professor of Veterinary Medicine
To learn more about Thymic Atrophy or any other condition we invite you to search this website. Even better, pick up the phone and call your vet. Your vet knows your pet better than anyone else and is a fountain of information.
This information is accurate as at May 2014 and is subject to change without notice.
For Petmed Pet Health Insurance – pre-existing condition exclusion applies. Annual Benefit Limits and excess amounts vary based on pet health insurance plans.
