Thyroid Hormone Powder for Hypothyroidism and Metabolic Support in Horses

Product Description

Levothyroxine Sodium Powder is a prescription synthetic thyroid hormone used by veterinarians to treat horses with low circulating thyroid hormone levels. It works by standing in for the natural thyroid hormone thyroxine, which the body relies on to keep metabolism, energy production, and endocrine balance on track. Veterinarians commonly prescribe it for equine hypothyroidism and as an added treatment for insulin resistance, equine metabolic syndrome, obesity, and laminitis prevention.

Benefits

• Hypothyroidism Treatment: Addresses low circulating thyroid hormone in horses and ponies, helping restore normal metabolic function over time.
• Insulin Resistance Support: Boosts metabolic rate and helps bring down fat deposits in horses dealing with insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome.
• Laminitis Prevention: Helps lower the metabolic imbalances behind laminitis in horses with insulin dysregulation, reducing the risk of flare-ups.
• Hyperlipidemia Management: Part of a veterinarian-directed plan to bring abnormally high blood fat levels down to a healthier range in horses.
• Easy Feed Administration: A palatable powder that mixes well into feed, making it one of the easier medications to give horses on a daily basis.

Ingredients

Active Ingredients

Levothyroxine Sodium 0.22% (Each teaspoon contains 12mg; each tablespoon contains 36mg)

How to Use

Levothyroxine Sodium Powder is a prescription-only medication. A valid veterinarian prescription is required to purchase this product.

Please follow your veterinarian's specific instructions for the dosage and administration of this medication for your horse.

Disclaimer: Dosage and administration of this medication must be determined by a licensed veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian before administering or adjusting any prescription medication for your horse.

Additional Information

Precautions

• Avoid in Heart Conditions: Horses with significant heart disease or hypertension need careful evaluation before starting, as a faster metabolic rate may put extra strain on the heart.
• Not Evaluated in Pregnancy: How this medication affects pregnant or lactating mares is not fully known, so a veterinarian should assess the risks before use.
• Known Allergy Caution: Horses with a known sensitivity to levothyroxine sodium or related synthetic thyroid preparations should not receive this medication.
• Avoid in Thyrotoxicosis: Horses diagnosed with thyrotoxicosis or untreated adrenal insufficiency should not be given this medication under any circumstances.
• Daily Monitoring Required: Keeping a close eye on horses each day for early signs of hyperthyroidism or sensitivity reactions is important throughout treatment.
• Drug Interaction Risk: Share a full list of your horse's current medications, including warfarin, insulin, digoxin, and sympathomimetics, with your veterinarian before starting.
• Do Not Stop Abruptly: Bringing this medication to a sudden stop, particularly at higher doses, can be harmful and should only be done under veterinary guidance.

Possible Side Effects

• Signs of Hyperthyroidism: Excitability, nervousness, a faster heart rate, or excessive panting may be signs the current dose is too high.
• Increased Heart Rate: A racing heart can develop when the medication pushes the metabolic rate higher than the cardiovascular system can comfortably handle.
• Excessive Appetite: A noticeable increase in hunger or feed-seeking behavior may signal that the thyroid dose needs to be reviewed by a veterinarian.
• Powder Not Consumed: If the horse consistently leaves the powder behind or it sinks to the bottom of the feed bucket, let your veterinarian know.

Storage Information

• Store Below 86°F: Keep the powder somewhere cool at all times, making sure the storage temperature stays below 30°C or 86°F.
• Keep Lid Tightly Closed: Sealing the container well after every use keeps moisture out and helps the powder stay effective for longer.
• Out of Reach: Keep this medication somewhere children and untreated animals in the home cannot get to it.

NOTE: For generic medications, the product image shown may not reflect the actual item received. Generic medications can vary in size, color, and shape between orders depending on the manufacturer. Additionally, your medication may arrive packaged in a HardyPaw Pharmacy vial.

Shipping & Return

We offer ground, express, and priority delivery; see our shipping policy for details.

For return instructions or product concerns, please refer to our detailed refund policy.

Prescription items are NON-RETURNABLE and NON-REFUNDABLE.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is levothyroxine sodium powder used for in horses?

Ans: Levothyroxine sodium powder is prescribed for horses with hypothyroidism and conditions tied to low thyroid hormone levels. It is also used alongside other treatments for equine metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, obesity, laminitis prevention, and hyperlipidemia under veterinary supervision.

Q2: How is levothyroxine sodium powder given to horses?

Ans: The powder works well when mixed into grain or a concentrated feed. Lightly wetting the grain with water or a liquid supplement before adding the powder helps it stick better and reduces the chance of it settling to the bottom. Follow your veterinarian's instructions for your horse.

Q3: How will I know if the levothyroxine dose is too high for my horse?

Ans: Watch for excitability, nervousness, a rapid heart rate, increased appetite, and excessive panting, all of which point to over-supplementation. If any of these come up, get in touch with your veterinarian right away for a dose review and do not make any changes on your own.

Q4: Can levothyroxine sodium powder interact with other horse medications?

Ans: Levothyroxine can affect how warfarin, insulin, digoxin, and sympathomimetic drugs work in the body. It may strengthen anti-coagulation effects and shift insulin needs in horses with diabetes. Give your veterinarian a full picture of every medication your horse is on before starting treatment.

Q5: Is levothyroxine sodium powder safe for all horses?

Ans: Horses with thyrotoxicosis, untreated adrenal insufficiency, or a known sensitivity to levothyroxine should not receive this medication. Extra care is needed for horses with heart disease, diabetes, or advanced age. How it affects pregnant mares is not fully known, so always check with a veterinarian first.