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[[File:Galapagos_giant_tortoise_Geochelone_elephantopus.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Galapagos Tortoises are a commonly affected species (Wikimedia Commons)]]

==Introduction==[[File:Galapagos_giant_tortoise_Geochelone_elephantopus.jpg|200px|thumb|right|'''Galapagos

Tortoises are a commonly affected species (Wikimedia Commons)]]

'''Hypothyroidism''' can be seen in '''herbivorous reptiles''' that are fed a diet '''deficient in iodine'''. This is most commonly seen in species that evolved in an '''volcanic environment''' such as Galapagos tortoises, as plants that hold large quantities of '''halogens''' (such as iodine and bromine) are plentiful in these areas. Problems are often exacerbated by the feeding of plants that actually decrease [[Thyroid Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|thyroid gland function]], such as cabbages.  

'''[[Hypothyroidism]]''' can be seen in '''herbivorous reptiles''' that are fed a diet '''deficient in iodine'''. This is most commonly seen in species that evolved in an '''volcanic environment''' such as Galapagos tortoises, as plants that hold large quantities of '''halogens''' (such as iodine and bromine) are plentiful in these areas. Problems are often exacerbated by the feeding of plants that actually decrease [[Thyroid Gland - Anatomy & Physiology|thyroid gland function]], such as cabbages.  

==Clinical Signs & Diagnosis==

==Clinical Signs & Diagnosis==

The reptile normally presents with '''large fibrous [[Goitre|goitres]]'''. When combined with the history and signalment this should be diagnositic. Normal thyroid hormone values are not normally available for the affected species, therefore it is of little use to measure them.

The reptile normally presents with '''large fibrous [[Goitre|goitres]]'''. When combined with the history and signalment this should be diagnostic. Normal thyroid hormone values are not normally available for the affected species, therefore it is of little use to measure them.

==Treatment & Prevention==

==Treatment & Prevention==

The condition can be prevented by supplementing the diet with '''kelp tablets''', which are a non-toxic source of iodine.

The condition can be prevented by supplementing the diet with '''kelp tablets''', which are a non-toxic source of iodine.

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