Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
CT scans show thyroid changes in hyperthyroid cats
By Bush, Jennifer L et al.·Published in Veterinary radiology & ultrasound : the official journal of the American College of Veterinary Radiology and the International Veterinary Radiology Association·2017·Department of Clinical Sciences·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE THYROID GLANDS IN EIGHT HYPERTHYROID CATS PRE- AND POSTMETHIMAZOLE TREATMENT COMPARED WITH SEVEN EUTHYROID CATS.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
An 8-year-old domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, a condition that can cause symptoms like weight loss, increased appetite, and hyperactivity. The cat underwent a CT scan to assess its thyroid glands before starting treatment with methimazole, a medication that helps manage the condition. After 30 days of treatment, the cat's thyroid function improved, and the CT scan showed changes in the thyroid's characteristics, although its size remained the same. The vet adjusted the methimazole dosage based on the cat's thyroid size, helping to stabilize its condition effectively.
People also search for: cat hyperthyroidism treatment · methimazole for cats · cat thyroid problems symptoms
Abstract
Hyperthyroidism is the most common feline endocrinopathy; thyroid computed tomography (CT) may improve disease detection and methimazole dose selection. Objectives of this experimental pre-post with historical case-control study were to perform thyroid CT imaging in awake or mildly sedated hyperthyroid cats, compare thyroid gland CT appearance in euthyroid and hyperthyroid cats pre- and postmethimazole treatment, and determine whether thyroid size or attenuation correlate with methimazole dose needed for euthyroidism. Premethimazole treatment, eight hyperthyroid cats received CT scans from the head to heart, which were compared to CT of seven euthyroid cats. Total thyroxine levels were monitored every 3-4 weeks. Postmethimazole CT was performed 30 days after achieving euthyroid status. Computed tomography parameters recorded included thyroid length, width, height, attenuation, and heterogeneity. Median time between CT was 70 days (53-213 days). Mild sedation was needed in five hyperthyroid cats premethimazole, and none postmethimazole. Thyroid volume was significantly larger in hyperthyroid cats compared to euthyroid cats (785.0 mmvs. 154.9 mm; P = 0.002) and remained unchanged by methimazole treatment (-4.5 mm3; P = 0.50). Thyroid attenuation and heterogeneity decreased with methimazole treatment (96.1 HU vs. 85.9 HU; P = 0.02. 12.4 HU vs. 8.1 HU; P = 0.009). Methimazole dose ranged from 2.5 to 10 mg daily with a positive correlation between pretreatment thyroid gland volume and dose needed to achieve euthyroidism (P = 0.03). Euthyroid and hyperthyroid cats are easily imaged awake or mildly sedated with CT. Methimazole in hyperthyroid cats significantly lowers thyroid attenuation and heterogeneity, but not size.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27918152/