Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Juvenile cat with rare congenital hypothyroidism symptoms
By N.S.N.B. Diniz & S.S.L.R. Freitas·Published in Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia·2025·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: A rare case of congenital hypothyroidism in a juvenile cat - case report
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 9-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was brought to the vet because she was lethargic, small for her age, and had a low body temperature. The vet found several health issues, including low blood pressure, rapid breathing, and poor fur condition. Tests showed she had low thyroid hormone levels, which led to a diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism (a condition where the thyroid doesn't produce enough hormones). After starting treatment with levothyroxine sodium, her hormone levels improved significantly within a month, indicating a positive response to the medication.
People also search for: cat lethargy treatment · kitten thyroid problems · domestic shorthair cat health issues
Abstract
ABSTRACT A 9-month-old female domestic shorthair cat was presented to a veterinary hospital with an unusual combination of clinical signs, including apathy, dwarfism, and hypothermia. Physical examination revealed notable findings such as hypotension, tachypnea, matted fur, and retained deciduous teeth. A complete blood count revealed lymphopenia and toxic neutrophils and activated platelets, while the biochemical profile indicated decreased levels of urea, alkaline phosphatase, and phosphorus, all below the reference intervals. The FIV/FeLV rapid test was positive for FeLV. Radiographic examination showed open physes; abdominal ultrasound revealed microhepathia, and a suspected portosystemic shunt. Electrocardiography demonstrated left axis deviation, prolonged QRS complex duration, and bifascicular block. Hormonal testing revealed a Total T4 concentration markedly below the reference interval and an elevated TSH level. Levothyroxine sodium therapy was initiated, and a follow-up hormonal test one month later showed values within the normal range.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4162-13539