Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Cat developed swollen lymph nodes after methimazole
By Niessen, S J M et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2007·Queen Mother Hospital, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Generalised lymphadenomegaly associated with methimazole treatment in a hyperthyroid cat.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 9-year-old domestic shorthair cat was treated for hyperthyroidism with a medication called methimazole. Unfortunately, within two weeks, the cat became very tired, stopped eating, and developed swollen lymph nodes all over its body. After stopping the medication, the cat's symptoms improved quickly, and within two days, everything returned to normal. The cat was then successfully treated with radioactive iodine, which cured the hyperthyroidism without any return of the swelling.
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Abstract
A nine-year-old, domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and treated with methimazole, which resulted in lethargy, inappetence and marked generalised lymphadenomegaly within two weeks of initiation of therapy. Cytology, histopathology and immunohistochemistry were suggestive of atypical lymphoid hyperplasia. Cessation of treatment resulted in resolution of all clinical signs and physical abnormalities within two days. Subsequent treatment with radioactive iodine cured this cat of its hyperthyroidism. The lymphadenomegaly did not return at any stage and the cat is currently asymptomatic. Although methimazole administration for feline hyperthyroidism has been associated with many side effects, lymphadenomegaly has, to the authors' knowledge, not been previously reported.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17355609/