Doses - THYROTROPIN (THYROID-STIMULATING HORMONE; TSH)

Dogs:

For TSH stimulation test:
a) Draw pre-dose baseline sample. Administer 0.1 IU/kg IV (maximum of 5 IU). Collectsample for T4 6 hours after dose. (Peterson and Ferguson 1989)
b) 5 IU IV or 0.1 IU/kg IV. Measure serum T4 at 0 hours (pre-sample) and 4 or 6 hoursafter dose. (Morgan 1988)
For treatment of acanthosis nigricans or temporary supportive therapy in hypothyroidism(labeled indications):
a) 1 - 2 IU SQ once daily for 5 days. (Package Insert; Dermathycin®¯Coopers)

Cats:

For TSH stimulation test:
a) Draw pre-dose baseline sample. Administer 1 IU/kg IV or 2.5 IU IM. Collect samplefor T4 6 hours after dose. (Peterson and Ferguson 1989)
b) 2.5 IU IV. Measure serum T4 at 0 hours (pre-sample) and 4 or 6 hours after dose.(Morgan 1988)

Horses:

For TSH stimulation test:
a) Draw pre-dose sample, then 5 - 10 IU of bovine TSH IV. Draw follow-up samples 4-8hours after dosing. Normal thyroid gland should produce a 2-4 times increase in serum
T3 and T4 levels. (Chen and Li 1987)
Client Information - Usually TSH will be used by professional staff. If the drug is to be used athome, the owner should follow directions carefully, shake the vial well after reconstituting, and storein the refrigerator.
Dosage Forms/Preparations/FDA Approval Status - Veterinary-Approved Products:
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (Veterinary) 5 IU per vial (with 5 ml of Water for Injection asdiluent); Dermathycin® (Schering Plough); (Rx) Approved for use in dogs. This product maynot be currently on the market.

Human-Approved Products:

Thyrotropin (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) Powder for Injection 10 IU per vial (with diluent);
Thyrotropar® (Armour); (Rx)
Thyroxine Sodium - See Levothyroxine