Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Persistent organic pollutants and feline hyperthyroidism risk review
By Jones, Bernt et al.·Published in Acta veterinaria Scandinavica·2019·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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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 diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, may have higher levels of certain harmful chemicals called persistent organic pollutants in their blood. These pollutants, particularly brominated flame retardants, have been suggested as potential contributors to the development of hyperthyroidism, which is the most common hormonal disorder in cats. While the exact cause of hyperthyroidism is still not fully understood, this research highlights the importance of environmental factors in the disease's rise. Pet owners should be aware of these potential risks and discuss any concerns with their veterinarian.
People also search for: cat hyperthyroidism causes · older cat thyroid problems · persistent organic pollutants in cats
Abstract
Feline 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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31581952/