Feline hyperthyroidism

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Feline hyperthyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system in domestic cats (feline, adjective derived from the Latin felis, meaning "cat"). It is characterized by hyperthyroidism and is the most common hormonal disorder (endocrinopathy) in cats over ten years of age. In contrast, hyperthyroidism is much less common in other pets. The disease often manifests itself as weight loss despite increased food intake, is usually detected by blood tests, and is easily treatable.

Contents

Occurrence

Feline hyperthyroidism was first described in 1979 [1] and has been increasingly diagnosed in cats since then. It is unclear whether the disease is truly a recent phenomenon, or whether the increasing monitoring of the cat population for this disease is leading to the discovery of more cases. [2] The disease is the most common endocrine disorder in cats over ten years of age. All cat breeds are susceptible to the disease, with no evidence of a predisposition for certain breeds or a gender-specific association.

Pathogenesis

In contrast to hyperthyroidism in humans, the disease is almost exclusively due to benign thyroid enlargement. The most common form of thyroid tumor is adenomatous hyperplasia, which is characterized by the proliferation of glandular cells. Less frequently, autonomous adenomas may also occur. [3] In approximately 70% of cases, multiple small foci are observed, while in the remaining cases, a single focus is evident. [2] It is noteworthy that thyroid cancer can also cause hyperthyroidism in rare cases. However, this is a very rare occurrence in cats, with less than 5% of thyroid diseases being attributed to this phenomenon. To date, there is no evidence that immune-related hyperthyroidism, as observed in humans (Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease), has been described in cats.

As a result of the changes, there is an increased release of the thyroid hormone thyroxine and, in three-quarters of cases, triiodothyronine (another thyroid hormone). The release of these hormones in affected cats is independent of thyrotropin (TSH), which normally regulates the thyroid gland.

What triggers these adenomas is still unknown. Mutations in the thyrotropin receptor genes may be responsible for the unregulated growth of the cells. [3] Diet and environmental factors, as well as genetic factors, may play a role. [4] According to epidemiologic studies, the feeding of commercial cat food is a risk factor for the development of the disease, which is attributed to the high content of thyroid-enlarging (strumigenic) substances such as soy isoflavones or phthalates. [5] [3] Cats fed canned food are 2.5 to 5 times more likely to develop hyperthyroidism. [6] In addition, environmental factors such as the use of certain litters may also play a role in the development of the disease. [7] [8] Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), which are used as flame retardants in textiles (they are now banned in the EU and some US states), could also be involved in the pathogenesis due to their endocrine effects: The chronically increased TSH production could lead to hypertrophy of the thyroid follicles. [6]

Clinical picture

The clinical picture is very variable and also depends on the degree of hyperthyroidism. In the end, most of the observed symptoms are signs of forced metabolic processes in the affected animals caused by the excess of thyroid hormones.

The most common sign is weight loss, which occurs in 88% of hyperthyroid cats. Other signs with a frequency of about 50% include palpable enlargement of the thyroid gland (the healthy thyroid gland is not palpable in cats), heart palpitations and murmurs, and increased food intake and even binge eating. [9] The excess of thyroid hormones can cause the clinical picture of hypertrophic (more common) or dilated (rare) heart muscle disease. This condition is also called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. The hypertrophic form is often reversible after successful treatment of hyperthyroidism.

Other symptoms occasionally seen with hyperthyroidism include increased stool volume, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, increased activity (much less common is decreased activity with rapid fatigue), behavioral changes (anxiety or increased aggressiveness), decreased food intake, shortness of breath, and skin changes (shaggy coat, hair loss, increased claw growth). [9] Hypertension is seen in 5-20% of hyperthyroid cats, but a clear cause-and-effect relationship has not been established. [6] There is one case report of polyneuritis of the cranial nerves with motor deficits in the head. [10]

Hyperthyroidism may also be the cause of life-threatening arterial thromboembolism. In 1.7% of cats with thromboembolism, hyperthyroidism was not previously known. This results in sudden hind limb paralysis and severe pain. [11]

Diagnosis

Based on the clinical picture, a number of other diseases in older cats should be considered, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, heart disease, liver failure, digestive disorders and chronic intestinal inflammation, and intestinal lymphoma. Rare feline diseases such as exocrine pancreatic or adrenal hypofunction should also be considered. Therefore, the diagnosis can only be made with hormone testing or scintigraphy (see below). [4]

Laboratory tests

The blood count often shows an increase in white blood cells (leukocytosis) and a decrease in eosinophil granulocytes (eosinopenia) and lymphocytes (lymphopenia) as a result of the stress response to high thyroxine levels. Red blood cell count and hemoglobin content are in the upper normal range. There is usually a slight to moderate increase in the activity of various enzymes (ALAT, ASAT, LDH, AP) in the serum. The fructosamine level is reduced due to the increased protein metabolism and is usually below 200 µmol/l. [3]

Blood urea and creatinine levels may be elevated as a result of the renal dysfunction often associated with hyperthyroidism. [4] [9] However, the coexistence of hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease may be masked to some extent because thyroxine increases metabolism and cardiac output, improving blood flow to the kidneys. This increases the glomerular filtration rate, which favors the excretion of toxic metabolites. Paradoxically, therefore, renal insufficiency may become clinically manifest after treatment of hyperthyroidism. According to Egner and Carr, [12] these laboratory changes, together with positive palpatory findings, are evidence of the disease.

Special thyroid function tests must be carried out for further diagnosis.

The initial step should be to determine the serum concentration of thyroxine (T4). However, in veterinary medicine, the total thyroxine concentration is typically determined, rather than that of free (non-protein-bound) thyroxine (fT4). Nevertheless, the latter is more sensitive. [13] The normal range for T4 in cats is between 1.1 and 4.5 µg/dl, for fT4 between 1.0 and 2.8 ng/dl when determined by equilibrium dialysis. [2] In approximately 20% of animals, the T4 level is normal despite the presence of disease, which may be due to fluctuations in the hormone level during the course of the day or a reduction in the T4 level as a result of other secondary diseases. The measurement of fT4 has a sensitivity of 95%, but 20 to 30% of thyroid-healthy cats also have elevated fT4 levels. Therefore, if fT4 levels are elevated, total T4 must also be measured, which should be in the upper reference range in animals with hyperthyroidism. [14] Furthermore, various medications, including glucocorticoids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), phenobarbital, and trimethoprim-sulfonamide combinations, can influence T4 levels. [3] In the event of a clinical suspicion, it is advisable to repeat the determination at a later date.

Another method is the thyroid suppression test. In this procedure, a synthetic triiodothyronine (T3, typically Liothyronine) is administered to the cat over two days. A cat with a healthy thyroid gland will respond to this treatment by reducing the secretion of TSH (negative feedback), which will result in a decline in the T4 concentration. However, as the hyperthyroidism has already led to a permanently low TSH level, the administration of T3 in sick cats does not result in a reduction in TSH and T4. [4]

Another diagnostic procedure is the TRH stimulation test. In this test, the cat is administered thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which leads to a significant increase in the T4 concentration in healthy cats. In diseased animals, on the other hand, there is no or at most a slight increase. [15] However, this test sometimes has considerable side effects in cats (salivation, vomiting, palpitations, defecation), which is why it is rarely used. The TSH test, which determines the serum content of thyrotropin, a hormone that regulates the thyroid gland, is now also available for cats. [2] As in humans, early forms of hyperthyroidism can be detected based on low or unmeasurable TSH levels. However, the TSH stimulation test, which functions in a similar manner to the TRH function test, is no longer conducted as TSH is no longer available on the market.

Imaging procedures

Thyroid sonography, a diagnostic technique that has been utilized in human medicine for decades, has only recently been employed in veterinary medicine, primarily for research purposes. The primary reasons for this are the high equipment requirements and the associated high equipment costs. High-resolution linear transducers with at least 7.5 MHz, preferably 10 to 13 MHz, with a small contact surface are utilized. [16] Sonography can be employed to diagnose thyroid enlargement in all hyperthyroid cats, whereas the diagnostic reliability of palpation is only 84%, even among experienced veterinarians. [17] Thyroid scintigraphy is a valuable diagnostic procedure, yet it is only available in a limited number of veterinary clinics. In this procedure, a cat is administered a radionuclide (e.g., the iodine isotope 131I or the technetium isotope 99mTc), and its accumulation in the adenomas is then visualized. The principal advantage of this method is that the precise location of the tumors in the thyroid gland can be determined, which is advantageous with regard to surgical therapy. On rare occasions, additional thyroid tissue may colonize outside the thyroid gland (ectopia, particularly in the mediastinum) and become diseased as a result of disorders during organogenesis. Such displaced thyroid tissue can only be detected by scintigraphy. [18]

To date, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computer Tomography (CT) have not been employed for thyroid diagnostics in cats. Furthermore, such equipment is only accessible at large veterinary clinics.

Therapy

Currently, three therapy options are available for hyperthyroidism in cats: the use of thyrostatic drugs, surgical removal of the diseased thyroid tissue, and radioiodine therapy. Regardless of the procedure selected, subsequent treatment of concomitant and secondary diseases (e.g., kidney damage, high blood pressure, heart disease) is typically necessary. [12] In order to ascertain the potential adverse effects of reduced thyroid hormone levels on renal function, a 30-day course of medication is recommended prior to the implementation of more radical measures such as thyroidectomy or radioiodine therapy. [6]

Thyreostatics

Therapy with thyrostatic agents is relatively straightforward and is therefore the most commonly used. Thyrostatic drugs inhibit the formation of thyroid hormones, but, in contrast to other methods, do not eliminate the pathologically altered tissue. Nevertheless, these drugs can usually be used in long-term therapy without any problems or can also be used to stabilize patients before a surgical procedure. In veterinary medicine, thiamazole (syn. methimazole, trade names Felimazole, Felidale and Thiamatab) or carbimazole (trade name Vidalta) are employed. Carbimazole is rapidly converted into methimazole when administered orally. [19] According to the manufacturer, side effects (including vomiting, lethargy, itching, liver disease, and blood count changes) occur in approximately 20% of cats, particularly with long-term treatment. However, these typically resolve once the drug is discontinued. Additionally, thiamazole cannot be used in cats with concomitant liver disease, diabetes, or blood clotting disorders.

Iopanoic acid may also be employed in the event of intolerance to thiamazole. It inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 and has a negligible incidence of side effects. [12]

Thyroidectomy

Although surgical removal (thyroidectomy) is an effective treatment, it is also associated with a high risk of complications, particularly in cats with severe hyperthyroidism, due to the inherent risks associated with anesthesia. Prior to the surgical procedure, it is common practice to administer thyrostatic drugs. There are several techniques for the removal of the thyroid gland, with the objective of preserving the epithelial cells to the greatest extent possible. Additionally, there is a potential risk of injury to crucial cervical nerves (recurrent laryngeal nerve, vagosympathetic trunk) during surgery. A total thyroidectomy results in a deficiency of thyroid hormones, which must be compensated for by lifelong administration. [20] In the event of unilateral removal, a transient hypothyroidism frequently develops postoperatively, although this is typically not a cause for concern. [4] Furthermore, there is a risk of recurrence with surgical removal, particularly in the presence of ectopic thyroid tissue. [21]

Radioiodine therapy

Radioiodine therapy is the treatment of choice due to its efficacy and tolerability. A single treatment is typically sufficient, eliminating the need for long-term drug treatment (which can be problematic in some cats) and the risks associated with surgical removal. [22] However, it is associated with significant radiation protection requirements and is currently only available at two veterinary facilities in Germany. In addition to the limited availability, the associated costs and the need for hospitalization represent a disadvantage. In close consultation with the responsible supervisory authorities, it has been possible to reduce the required duration of hospitalization from approximately three weeks to a few days. [23] The necessary duration of hospitalization is determined by dosimetry and is seven to ten days. [5]

Thermal or chemical destruction of the thyroid gland

Destruction of the thyroid tissue using a radiosurgical device under ultrasound control (thermal ablation) or by injection of 96% ethanol (chemical ablation) is practically no longer relevant. Both forms of treatment have increased side effects such as laryngeal paralysis or Horner's syndrome. [5]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Goitre</span> Medical condition

A goitre, or goiter, is a swelling in the neck resulting from an enlarged thyroid gland. A goitre can be associated with a thyroid that is not functioning properly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hyperthyroidism</span> Clinical syndrome caused by excessive thyroid hormone

Hyperthyroidism is the condition that occurs due to excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Thyrotoxicosis is the condition that occurs due to excessive thyroid hormone of any cause and therefore includes hyperthyroidism. Some, however, use the terms interchangeably. Signs and symptoms vary between people and may include irritability, muscle weakness, sleeping problems, a fast heartbeat, heat intolerance, diarrhea, enlargement of the thyroid, hand tremor, and weight loss. Symptoms are typically less severe in the elderly and during pregnancy. An uncommon but life-threatening complication is thyroid storm in which an event such as an infection results in worsening symptoms such as confusion and a high temperature; this often results in death. The opposite is hypothyroidism, when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thyroid</span> Endocrine gland in the neck; secretes hormones that influence metabolism

The thyroid, or thyroid gland, is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans, it is in the neck and consists of two connected lobes. The lower two thirds of the lobes are connected by a thin band of tissue called the isthmus (pl.: isthmi). The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck below the Adam's apple. Microscopically, the functional unit of the thyroid gland is the spherical thyroid follicle, lined with follicular cells (thyrocytes), and occasional parafollicular cells that surround a lumen containing colloid. The thyroid gland secretes three hormones: the two thyroid hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) – and a peptide hormone, calcitonin. The thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate and protein synthesis and growth and development in children. Calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis. Secretion of the two thyroid hormones is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. TSH is regulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which is produced by the hypothalamus.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Graves' disease</span> Autoimmune endocrine disease

Graves' disease, also known as toxic diffuse goiter, is an autoimmune disease that affects the thyroid. It frequently results in and is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It also often results in an enlarged thyroid. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include irritability, muscle weakness, sleeping problems, a fast heartbeat, poor tolerance of heat, diarrhea and unintentional weight loss. Other symptoms may include thickening of the skin on the shins, known as pretibial myxedema, and eye bulging, a condition caused by Graves' ophthalmopathy. About 25 to 30% of people with the condition develop eye problems.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypothyroidism</span> Endocrine disease

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. It can cause a number of symptoms, such as poor ability to tolerate cold, extreme fatigue, muscle aches, constipation, slow heart rate, depression, and weight gain. Occasionally there may be swelling of the front part of the neck due to goitre. Untreated cases of hypothyroidism during pregnancy can lead to delays in growth and intellectual development in the baby or congenital iodine deficiency syndrome.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thyroidectomy</span> Surgical procedure involving partial or complete removal of the thyroid

A thyroidectomy is an operation that involves the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. In general surgery, endocrine or head and neck surgeons often perform a thyroidectomy when a patient has thyroid cancer or some other condition of the thyroid gland or goiter. Other indications for surgery include cosmetic, or symptomatic obstruction. Thyroidectomy is a common surgical procedure that has several potential complications or sequelae including: temporary or permanent change in voice, temporary or permanently low calcium, need for lifelong thyroid hormone replacement, bleeding, infection, and the remote possibility of airway obstruction due to bilateral vocal cord paralysis. Complications are uncommon when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (also known as thyrotropin, thyrotropic hormone, or abbreviated TSH) is a pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T4), and then triiodothyronine (T3) which stimulates the metabolism of almost every tissue in the body. It is a glycoprotein hormone produced by thyrotrope cells in the anterior pituitary gland, which regulates the endocrine function of the thyroid.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Triiodothyronine</span> Chemical compound

Triiodothyronine, also known as T3, is a thyroid hormone. It affects almost every physiological process in the body, including growth and development, metabolism, body temperature, and heart rate.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Levothyroxine</span> Thyroid hormone

Levothyroxine, also known as L-thyroxine, is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4). It is used to treat thyroid hormone deficiency (hypothyroidism), including a severe form known as myxedema coma. It may also be used to treat and prevent certain types of thyroid tumors. It is not indicated for weight loss. Levothyroxine is taken orally (by mouth) or given by intravenous injection. Levothyroxine has a half-life of 7.5 days when taken daily, so about six weeks is required for it to reach a steady level in the blood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thyroid disease</span> Medical condition

Thyroid disease is a medical condition that affects the function of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located at the front of the neck and produces thyroid hormones that travel through the blood to help regulate many other organs, meaning that it is an endocrine organ. These hormones normally act in the body to regulate energy use, infant development, and childhood development.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toxic multinodular goitre</span> Medical condition

Toxic multinodular goiter (TMNG), also known as multinodular toxic goiter (MNTG), is an active multinodular goiter associated with hyperthyroidism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liothyronine</span> Chemical compound

Liothyronine is a manufactured form of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3). It is most commonly used to treat hypothyroidism and myxedema coma. It can be taken by mouth or by injection into a vein.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">De Quervain's thyroiditis</span> Medical condition

De Quervain's thyroiditis, also known as subacute granulomatous thyroiditis or giant cell thyroiditis, is a member of the group of thyroiditis conditions known as resolving thyroiditis. People of all ages and genders may be affected.

Thyroid function tests (TFTs) is a collective term for blood tests used to check the function of the thyroid. TFTs may be requested if a patient is thought to suffer from hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, or to monitor the effectiveness of either thyroid-suppression or hormone replacement therapy. It is also requested routinely in conditions linked to thyroid disease, such as atrial fibrillation and anxiety disorder.

Desiccated thyroid, also known as thyroid extract, is thyroid gland that has been dried and powdered for medical use. It is used to treat hypothyroidism., but less preferred than levothyroxine. It is taken by mouth. Maximal effects may take up to three weeks to occur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis</span> Part of the neuroendocrine system

The hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis is part of the neuroendocrine system responsible for the regulation of metabolism and also responds to stress.

An antithyroid agent is a hormone inhibitor acting upon thyroid hormones.

Euthyroid sick syndrome (ESS) is a state of adaptation or dysregulation of thyrotropic feedback control wherein the levels of T3 and/or T4 are abnormal, but the thyroid gland does not appear to be dysfunctional. This condition may result from allostatic responses of hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid feedback control, dyshomeostatic disorders, drug interferences, and impaired assay characteristics in critical illness.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thyroid hormones</span> Hormones produced by the thyroid gland

Thyroid hormones are any hormones produced and released by the thyroid gland, namely triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). They are tyrosine-based hormones that are primarily responsible for regulation of metabolism. T3 and T4 are partially composed of iodine, derived from food. A deficiency of iodine leads to decreased production of T3 and T4, enlarges the thyroid tissue and will cause the disease known as simple goitre.

Thyroid disease in pregnancy can affect the health of the mother as well as the child before and after delivery. Thyroid disorders are prevalent in women of child-bearing age and for this reason commonly present as a pre-existing disease in pregnancy, or after childbirth. Uncorrected thyroid dysfunction in pregnancy has adverse effects on fetal and maternal well-being. The deleterious effects of thyroid dysfunction can also extend beyond pregnancy and delivery to affect neurointellectual development in the early life of the child. Due to an increase in thyroxine binding globulin, an increase in placental type 3 deioidinase and the placental transfer of maternal thyroxine to the fetus, the demand for thyroid hormones is increased during pregnancy. The necessary increase in thyroid hormone production is facilitated by high human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) concentrations, which bind the TSH receptor and stimulate the maternal thyroid to increase maternal thyroid hormone concentrations by roughly 50%. If the necessary increase in thyroid function cannot be met, this may cause a previously unnoticed (mild) thyroid disorder to worsen and become evident as gestational thyroid disease. Currently, there is not enough evidence to suggest that screening for thyroid dysfunction is beneficial, especially since treatment thyroid hormone supplementation may come with a risk of overtreatment. After women give birth, about 5% develop postpartum thyroiditis which can occur up to nine months afterwards. This is characterized by a short period of hyperthyroidism followed by a period of hypothyroidism; 20–40% remain permanently hypothyroid.

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