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Peer-reviewed veterinary case report

Signs and lab results of 48 cats with hyperthyroidism in Japan

By Namba, Shinichi et al.·Published in Veterinary Science Development·2014·View original on Crossref

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Original publication title: Clinical and laboratory features of 48 feline hyperthyroidism cases in Japan

Species:
cat

Plain-English summary

A group of 48 cats with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) in Japan showed various symptoms, including vomiting, weight loss, and increased thirst. Most of these cats were older, with a median age of over 15 years, and many had other health issues like kidney disease or heart problems. The study highlighted that while hyperthyroidism is common in cats, the specific symptoms and laboratory findings can vary by region. Treatment options typically include medication, dietary changes, or surgery, which can help manage the condition effectively.

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Abstract

Feline hyperthyroidism (HT) is a common endocrine disorder worldwide, but clinical and laboratory features might vary geographically. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate feline HT in Japan, and compare results to those of previous study for feline HT. We evaluated 48 feline HT cases clinical and laboratory features. Surprisingly, the youngest patient was 32 months of age (2 year 9 months). There was no significant difference among the study subjects in sex, but frequency of spayed/castrated cats was high (85.4%). Median age was 186 months (32-272 months). 91.3% (n=42) of subjects were over 10 years of age, and 8.7% (n=4) were under 10 years of age. Clinical symptoms included vomiting, 56.3% (n=27); diarrhea, 2.1% (n=1); hyperactivity, 12.5% (n=6); emaciation, 41.7% (n=20); polyuria and polydipsia, 22.9% (n=11); chronic weight loss, 60.4% (n=29); and palpated enlarged thyroid, 2.1% (n=1). Concurrent findings included chronic kidney disease, 20.8% (n=10); congestive heart failure, 20.8% (n=10); tachycardia (over 240 beats/min), 18.8% (n=9); gallop rhythm, 31.3% (n=15); neurological disorders such as hind-limb paralysis, 14.6% (n=7); cystitis, 8.7% (n=4); gingivitis, 4.2% (n=2); diabetes mellitus, 4.2% (n=2); and arterial thromboembolism, 6.3% (n=3). In addition, laboratory features (complete blood counts and biochemistry) differed from those of previous reports in certain respects. Our results show that it might be important for practitioners to comprehend epidemiologic differences regarding feline HT worldwide.

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Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.4081/vsd.2014.5080