Have you heard of my canine patient Arbuckle? He's an Insta-famous social media star having amassed over 90,000 followers on his @AllAboutArbuckle Instagram page as of 12/18.
Why is Arbuckle so famous? Well, he’s got quite the story of overcoming adversity as he was found abandoned in the Los Angeles area weighing in at a massive 116 pounds and with skin, joint, back and other health problems including hypothyroidism.
Besides being neglected and likely being overfed, Arbuckle’s unregulated hypothyroidism is the primary cause contributing to his morbid obesity. Hypothyroidism is a common glandular condition affecting adult and senior dogs that is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormones from the paired thyroid glands in the neck. Fortunately, it is a very manageable condition with the regular prescription of thyroid hormone, which greatly improves a pet’s quality of life through weight management and better whole-body health.
Arbuckle was taken into the care of A Purposeful Rescue and started on the road to becoming a healthier version of himself.
Once he lost some weight and could walk, Arbuckle found a forever home with Jane Lynch and her partner Jennifer Cheyne and family of rescue dogs. His star continues to rise and there’s even an Etsy shop featuring collectibles bearing his likeness with a portion of the funds helping other rescue animals. Check out TheArbyShop for inspirational, any-time gifts.
I had the opportunity to share Arbuckle’s story and discuss hypothyroidism on the ABC7 WJLA program The Pet Show with Dr. Katy. See Hypothyroidism in pets and canine social media star Arbuckle the dog.
Check it out and share the link with anyone who needs a little pick-me-up to jumpstart their human or pet health program. Feel free to share your perspective in the Comments section.
Dr. Patrick Mahaney
Please leave your constructive perspective in the below Comments section and communicate with me and follow my adventures in veterinary medicine and life via Instagram (@PatrickMahaney), Twitter (@PatrickMahaney), and Facebook (Patrick Mahaney: Veterinarian Acupuncture Pain Management for Your Pets). Copyright of this article (2018) is owned by Dr. Patrick Mahaney, Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and Certified Veterinary Journalist. Republishing any portion of this article must first be authorized by Dr. Patrick Mahaney. Requests for republishing must be approved by Dr. Patrick Mahaney and received in written format.