Understanding the Thyroid
The thyroid would be just under a bow tie (if your pet wore one), in the same place and the same shape. It makes three main hormones; calcitonin, which affects calcium levels; thyroxin (T4); and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 and T4 affect metabolic rate - the speed at which cells perform chemical reactions. Higher levels speed metabolism. The parathyroids are pea-like glands embedded in the posterior (rear) parts of the thyroid. They make parathormone (parathyroid hormone) which, with calcitonin, regulates calcium levels. More parathormone means more calcium is released from bones to satisfy the constant, small demands of your pets muscles and nerves for this vital mineral.
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