Published results can be found here.

Study Start Date: 07/01/2009
Study End Date: 01/01/2010

A link between hypothyroidism and aggression was first reported in humans during the 1940s. More recently, Drs. Nicholas Dodman and Linda Aronson, of Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine (TCSVM) began treating dogs with aggression for low, or borderline-low, thyroid levels and noting a reduction in their aggressive behavior. While such reports of behavioral improvement are helpful, more conclusive evidence is necessary to validate the therapeutic efficacy of thyroid replacement therapy in the treatment of canine aggression. To address this need, researchers at TCSVM are currently enrolling dogs that demonstrate owner-directed aggression and have concurrent low or borderline low thyroid levels into an 8-week clinical trial.

Study Design:
Placebo-controlled, Double-blinded prospective RCT

Sample Size:
n/a

Inclusion Criteria:

• owner-directed aggression that occurs 3 or more times/week
• low or borderline low thyroid levels (funds available for testing if dog shows at least one clinical sign of hypothyroidism)

Exclusion Criteria:

• dogs that are currently taking supplementation for hypothyroidism or any other medication for a behavior problem
• dogs that bite and break skin
• owners with small children at home

Study Controls:
Placebo group

Study Endpoints:
8 week behavior assessment. Patients do NOT need to be presented to the Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to be enrolled in the study.

Samples:
CBC, Differential, Superchem & Thyroid Antibody Profile. 1mL whole blood in a lavender-top tube (EDTA) and 1.5mL separated serum in a red top tube. Send with an ice pack, but do not freeze.

Samples will be submitted to:
HEMOPET
11330 Markon Drive
Garden Grove, CA 92841

Files for Download:
Consent Form
Protocol Details

Costs/Reimbursements:
Participating veterinarians will be reimbursed via credit card or check for cost of drawing a sample and shipping it to HEMOPET.

Full Disclosure information:

• The study is funded by a private donation to the investigators.
• The investigator does not have a conflict of interest.
• The study will be published if results are negative
• The study will be reported on VIN
• The authors will acknowledge VIN if the study is published and VIN contributes to assisting with recruitment.