27. Diseases of the thyroid gland in dogs and cats Flashcards
Main thyroid hormones
TRH - thyrotropin releasing hormone
TSH - thyroid stimulating hormone
T3 - triiodothyronine
T4 - thyroxine
Effect of thyroid hormones
Regulation of catabolism (weight loss/gain)
Regulation of chronotrop (oheart rate)
Regulation of body temperature
Regulation of digestion (alters the speed)
Control of muscle contraction
Control of cell apoptosis & replacement
is Canine Hypothyroidism congenital
Rarely
Usually acquired
Primary Canine Hypothyroidism
Thyroid failure
Autoimmune destruction of thyroid gland
Decreased T4
Increased TSH
Secondary Canine Hypothyroidism
Pituitary failure
TSH deficiency —> follicular atrophy
Due to extrathyroidal gland illness - SES, neoplasia
Decreased T4
Decreased TSH
Tertiary Canine Hypothyroidism
Hypothalamus failure
Due to decreased TRH
Decreased T4
Decreased TSH
Predisposed to Canine Hypothyroidism
Dogs > cats
Young/ middle aged
Larger
Retriever
Dobermann
Boxer
Dachshung
Poodle
Schnauzer
Pathogenesis of Canine Hypothyroidism
Usually lymphocytic thyroiditis –> slow cellular metabolism –> decreased metabolic rate
Clinical signs of Canine Hypothyroidism
- Exercise intolerance
- Lethargy
- Weight gain/obesity
- Arthropathy
- Skin thickening
- Anoestrous
- Hyperpigmentation
- ↓ Fertility
- Alopecia (rat tail)
- ↓ Libido
- Testicular atrophy
- Facial paralysis
- Facial expression changes
- Ataxia
- Vestibular signs
- Obstipation
- Megaoesophagus
- Bradycardia
- ↓ ECG amplitude
- Weak heartbeat
- Myxoedema
Lab D of Canine Hypothyroidism
Anaemia
Lipaemia
Increased ; cholesterol
Decreased ; Thyroxine, TSH
Diagnosis of Canine Hypothyroidism
Lab d
TRH / TSH stimulation test
Thyroid scintigraphy
Treatment of Canine Hypothyroidism
L- thyroxine
Acute myxoedema coma cases
IV thyroxine
IV steroids
Broad spec abx
Passive rewarming with blankets
Canine Sick Euthyroid syndrome
Decreased T3
Decreased T4
with no thyroid involement
Causes of Canine Sick Euthyroid syndrome
Cushing’s
Surgery
Addison’s
Anaesthesia
DM
T3/ T4 supressing drugs