Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How thyroid scans help diagnose hypothyroidism in dogs
By Shiel, R E et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2012·School of Veterinary Medicine·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Assessment of the value of quantitative thyroid scintigraphy for determination of thyroid function in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 21 dogs showing signs of hypothyroidism had their thyroid function assessed using a special imaging test called thyroid scintigraphy. The results showed that many dogs had normal thyroid function despite their symptoms, indicating they had other health issues instead. In five dogs, true hypothyroidism was confirmed, while one dog had a different condition affecting its hormone levels. This study suggests that thyroid scintigraphy can be helpful in evaluating thyroid function in dogs, but results can sometimes be unclear, especially if the dog is on certain medications.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of thyroid scintigraphy to determine thyroid status in dogs with hypothyroidism and various non-thyroidal illnesses. METHODS: Thyroid hormone concentrations were measured and quantitative thyroid scintigraphy performed in 21 dogs with clinical and/or clinicopathological features consistent with hypothyroidism. RESULTS: In 14 dogs with technetium thyroidal uptake values consistent with euthyroidism, further investigations supported non-thyroidal illness. In five dogs with technetium thyroidal uptake values within the hypothyroid range, primary hypothyroidism was confirmed as the only disease in four. The remaining dog had pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism. Two dogs had technetium thyroidal uptake values in the non-diagnostic range. One dog had iodothyronine concentrations indicative of euthyroidism. In the other, a dog receiving glucocorticoid therapy, all iodothyronine concentrations were decreased. Markedly asymmetric technetium thyroidal uptake was present in two dogs. All iodothyronine concentrations were within reference interval but canine thyroid stimulating hormone concentration was elevated in one. Non-thyroidal illness was identified in both cases. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In dogs, technetium thyroidal uptake is a useful test to determine thyroid function. However, values may be non-diagnostic, asymmetric uptake can occur and excess glucocorticoids may variably suppress technetium thyroidal uptake and/or thyroid hormone concentrations. Further studies are necessary to evaluate quantitative thyroid scintigraphy as a gold standard method for determining canine thyroid function.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22533320/