Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Are pollutants linked to hyperthyroidism in older cats
By Jones, Bernt et al.·Published in Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica·2019·View original on Crossref →
PetCaseFinder translated the abstract of this peer-reviewed paper into plain English so pet owners can read it. We do not publish original research — every detail traces back to the citation above. How we work →
Original publication title: Are persistent organic pollutants important in the etiology of feline hyperthyroidism? A review
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that older cats, especially those with hyperthyroidism, often have higher levels of certain harmful chemicals called persistent organic pollutants in their blood. Hyperthyroidism is a common hormonal issue in cats that can lead to symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, and hyperactivity. Researchers believe that exposure to these pollutants, particularly brominated flame retardants, may play a role in developing this condition, but other unknown factors are likely involved as well. If you notice any unusual behavior or symptoms in your cat, it's a good idea to consult your veterinarian for advice and possible testing.
People also search for: cat hyperthyroidism symptoms · older cat weight loss · brominated flame retardants in cats
Abstract
AbstractFeline hyperthyroidism is a rather new disease, first reported from the North American east coast in 1979. The prevalence is increasing, especially in older cats, and hyperthyroidism is now reported worldwide as the most common feline endocrinopathy. Several studies have been performed trying to identify important etiological factors such as exposure to persistent organic pollutants, and especially brominated flame retardants, have been suggested to be of importance for the development of the disease. Recent studies have shown higher concentrations of these contaminants in serum of hyperthyroid cats in comparison to cats with normal thyroid status. However, other still unknown factors are most probably of importance for the development of this disease.
Find similar cases for your pet
PetCaseFinder finds other peer-reviewed reports of pets with the same symptoms, plus a plain-English summary of what was tried across them.
Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13028-019-0478-9