Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
How common is hyperthyroidism in older cats in Greece
By Kokkinaki, KCG et al.·Published in Journal of the Hellenic Veterinary Medical Society·2025·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism in Greece
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A study found that 5% of cats aged six years and older in Greece had hyperthyroidism, a common condition that affects the thyroid gland. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include lethargy, difficulty breathing, and a noticeable lump in the neck where the thyroid is located. If your cat shows any of these signs, it's important to have their thyroid hormone levels checked by a veterinarian. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage the condition effectively.
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Abstract
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease of cats and usually occurs in middle-aged to older animals. The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of feline hyperthyroidism in Greece, and a secondary aim was to compare the clinical signs, haematological and serum biochemical findings between hyperthyroid and non-hyperthyroid cats. A total of 80 cats, six years of age or older, were prospectively enrolled. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was based on serum concentrations of total thyroxine (measured by a solid-phase chemiluminescent competitive assay) and free thyroxin (measured by an equilibrium dialysis radioimmunoassay). Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in 4/80 (5%) of the cats. Clinical and laboratory findings that were significantly more common in hyperthyroid compared to the non-hyperthyroid cats included a palpable thyroid nodule, depression-lethargy, dyspnoea, and decreased blood urea nitrogen concentration. Feline hyperthyroidism appears to be relatively common in Greece and routine measurement of thyroid hormone concentration should be considered in all middle-aged and older cats.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.12681/jhvms.35138