| HYPERTHYROIDISM IN CATS, THYROID NEOPLASIA | |
| Description | Hyperthyroidism is the most frequently-diagnosed feline endocrinopathy. Hypersecretion of thyroid hormone is usually due to adenoma or adenomatous hyperplasia and is less often caused by adenocarcinoma. The enlarged thyroids can be palpated close to the trachea anywhere from caudal to the larynx to the thoracic inlet; in about 3/4 of cases both thyroid lobes are enlarged. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that might lead to signs of heart failure can accompany hyperthyroidism. Adenocarcinomas can metastasize. |
| Species | Feline |
| Signs | Abnormal behavior, aggression, changing habits, Abnormal lung or pleural sounds, Alopecia, Anorexia, Arrhythmia, Ataxia, Atrial premature beat, Atrial tachycardia, Bundle branch block, Change in voice, Congestion oral mucous membranes, Coughing, Decreased, muffled, lung sounds, Dehydration, Diarrhea, Dryness of skin or hair, Dullness, Dyspnea, Excitement, Fever, First degree atrioventricular heart block, Gallop rhythm, Generalized weakness, Heart murmur, Hematuria, Hyperesthesia, Increased respiratory rate, Increased strength of pulse, Laryngeal, tracheal, pharyngeal swelling, Matted or dirty hair, Muffled, decreased, heart sounds, Neck swelling, Neck weakness, Oily skin, hair or feathers, greasy, Polydipsia, Polyphagia, Polyuria, Propulsion, Rough hair coat, Second degree atrioventricular heart block, Seizures or syncope, Sneezing, Steatorrhea, fatty stools, feces, Subcutaneous crepitation, Tachycardia, Trembling, Tremor, Underweight, poor condition, thin, emaciated, unthriftiness, ill thrift, Unusual or foul odor, stools, feces, Ventricular enlargement, Ventricular premature beat, Vomiting or regurgitation, Weak pulse, Weight loss |
| References | Frénais R et al. Clinical efficacy and safety of a once-daily formulation of carbimazole in cats with hyperthyroidism. Journal of Small Animal Practice 2009;50:510-515 [Web Reference] Wakeling J et al. Risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in the UK. Journal of Small Animal Practice 2009;50:406-414 [Web Reference] De Wet CS et al. Prevalence of and risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism in Hong Kong. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:315-321 [Web Reference] Boretti FS et al. Thyroid enlargement and its relationship to clinicopathological parameters and T4 status in suspected hyperthyroid cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:286-292 [Web Reference] Syme HM. Proteinuria cats. Assessment and clinical relevance. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:211-218 [Web Reference] Hibbert A et al. Feline thyroid carcinoma: diagnosis and response to high-dose radioactive iodine treatment. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:116-124 [Web Reference] Harvey AM et al. Scintigraphic findings in 120 hyperthyroid cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2009;11:96-106 [Web Reference] van Hoek I et al. Short- and long-term follow-up of glomerular and tubular renal markers of kidney function in hyperthyroid cats after treatment with radioiodine. Domestic Animal Endocrinology 2008;36:45-56 [Web Reference] Henik RA et al. Efficacy of atenolol as a single antihypertensive agent in hyperthyroid cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2008;10:577-582 [Web Reference] Paepe D et al. Within- and between-examiner agreement for two thyroid palpation techniques in healthy and hyperthyroid cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2008;10:558-565 [Web Reference] Lapoint C et al. N-Acetyl-β-d-Glucosaminidase Index as an Early Biomarker for Chronic Kidney Disease in Cats with Hyperthyroidism. Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine 2008;22:1103-1110 [Web Reference] Wakeling J et al. Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats with mild chronic kidney disease. Journal of Small Animal Practice 2008;49:287–294 [Web Reference] Frénais R et al. Pharmacokinetics of controlled-release carbimazole tablets support once daily dosing in cats. J Vet Pharmacol Therap 2008;31:213–219 [Web Reference] Riensche MR et al. An investigation of predictors of renal insufficiency following treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery 2008;10:160-166 [Web Reference] Ward CR ed. The Thyroid. Vet Clin N A: Small Anim Pract 2007;37:617-828 [Web Reference] |
