Endocrine Diseases Flashcards
what is the most common endocrine condition in cats?
hyperthyroidism
where in the world is hyperthyroidism seen?
everywhere
why is feline hyperthyroidism being recognised much more commonly now?
awareness is better
older cats that are living longer
may be becoming more common
is there evidence that feline hyperthyroidism is auto-immune?
no, unlike in humans
what are 95% of feline hyperthyroidism cases caused by?
benign adenomatous hyperplasia
adenoma pf thyroid tissues
what does benign adenomatous hyperplasia / adenoma of thyroid tissues cause?
spontaneous secretion of thyroid hormones
escaping control of hypothalamus and pituitary gland
what are <5% of feline hyperthyroidism cases caused by?
adenocarcinoma (malignant)
is feline hyperthyroidism more commonly bilateral or unilateral?
2/3 bilateral
1/3 unilateral
where is ectopic thyroid tissue most commonly seen?
mediasteinum
how many cases of feline hyperthyroidism have ectopic thyroid tissue?
5%
what are the potential causes of feline hyperthyroidism?
nutritional factors
environmental factors
genetic factors
circulating factors
what are the nutritional factors which cause feline hyperthyroidism?
high levels of iodine in diet
presence of goitrogens
what cats are much less likely to have feline hyperthyroidism?
siamese or himalayan (10x less likely)
what circulating factors can increase the risk of feline hyperthyroidism?
thyroid growth stimulating immunoglobulins in the blood stream
what are the risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism?
regular use of flea sprays or powders
indoor cats
reported exposure to lawn herbicides, fertilisers and pesticides
cats fed mainly canned foods
what is the signalment of feline hyperthyroidism?
middle aged to elderly cats (10-13 years)
no sex predeliction
what does the severity of signs of feline hyperthyroidism depend on?
duration of disease
presence of concurrent diseases
what are the effects on the body of raised thyroid hormones?
increased: metabolic rate cardiac output HR BP GI motility CNS activity
decreased:
sleep
body weight
what does increased GI motility due to increased thyroid hormone mean for feline hyperthyroidism patients?
may have vomiting and diarrhoea
what are the major clinical signs of feline hyperthyroidism?
palpable enlarged lymph nodes weight loss polyphagia hyperactive for their age PUPD tachycardia
what are the minor clinical signs of feline hyperthyroidism?
lethargy intermittent anorexia voice changes muscle weakness / tremors CHF heat intolerance mild pyrexia dyspnoea / tachypnoea
what is apathetic feline hyperthyroidism?
type of hyperthyroidism seen in a small number of patients (<10%) who likely have underlying comorbidity
in how may patients is apathetic feline hyperthyroidism seen?
<10%%
what are the signs of apathetic feline hyperthyroidism?
lethargy
inappetance
weight loss
obtundation
what is apathetic feline hyperthyroidism likely reflecting?
underlying comorbidity
what abnormalities are often present in patients with apathetic feline hyperthyroidism?
cardiac
what effect can thyroid hormones have on cardiac disease?
often worsen
how should feline hyperthyroidism patients be handled?
cat friendly
hands off
should be allowed to acclimatise and settle
what parameters should be closely monitored in feline hyperthyroidism patients?
RR
what may be provided to feline hyperthyroidism patients on arrival to veterinary practice?
O2 therapy if tachypnoeic
why are feline hyperthyroidism patients often stressed?
high thyroid hormones cause agitation
what can feline hyperthyroidism patients be given before travel to calm them?
50mg Gabapentin 2 hours before travel
how is feline hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
compatible clinical signs
screening tests
confirmatory diagnostic tests
how can thyroid glands be palpated?
lift head with one hand and extend neck
use other hand thumb and index finger to feel all the way from the larynx to the thoracic inlet
what are screening tests used for when diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism?
baseline health
what screening tests are used during feline hyperthyroidism diagnosis?
haematology
biochemistry
urinalysis
BP
what is often seen on biochemistry in a cat with feline hyperthyroidism?
elevated liver enzymes (mild to moderate)
what can be shown by biochemistry when testing for feline hyperthyroidism?
CKD
what will urinalysis show in a feline hyperthyroidism patient?
if concurrent CKD
what sudden issue can severe feline hyperthyroidism patients get?
sudden blindness due to hypertension
what is the gold standard confirmatory diagnostic test for feline hyperthyroidism?
serum total thyroxine (T4) - TT4
how elevated is total T4 in most hyperthyroid cases?
> 50-60 nmol/L
what total T4 level may be seen in some feline hyperthyroidism patients?
fluctuating
high normal
why may high normal total T4 levels be seen in some feline hyperthyroidism patients?
early disease
presence of non-thyroidal illness that lowers T4 prodution
what are the 4 main treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism?
medical management with antithyroid drugs
iodine restricted diet
thyroidectomy
radioactive iodine treatment
which of the treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism are curative?
thyroidectomy
radioactive iodine treatment
what should be tried first to treat feline hyperthyroidism?
medical management
what should be assessed before undertaking any irreversible feline hyperthyroidism treatment?
renal function when patient is euthyroid
what must be done before any surgery/GA if the patient has feline hyperthyroidism?
patient should be stabilised
what is the purpose of anti-thyroid drugs?
block thyroid production
what is the main drug used to treat feline hyperthyroidism?
methimazole
how often should Methimazole be given?
BID
in what form can Methimazole be given?
tablets
transdermal gel
oral liquid
where is transdermal Methimazole applied?
pinna
what tablets are available to treat feline hyperthyroidism that can be given once a day?
slow-release carbimazole tablets
what is the role of slow release anti-thyroid tablets?
converted in the body to methimazole which is then utilised
who should be careful when handling anti-thyroid drugs?
pregnant women
when is a feline hyperthyroidism patient normally euthyroid after anti-thyroid drugs?
<2-3 weeks
when should total T4 be checked following anti-thyroid treatment?
2-3 weeks
what tests should be run in the first 1-3 months following anti-thyroid drugs?
CBC and biochem
what is the purpose of CBC and biochem tests in the first 3 months after beginning treatment for feline hyperthyroidism?
monitor for side effects
what may anti-thyroid drugs be used for in the short term?
stabilisation prior to more curative therapy
what are the advantages of anti-thyroid drugs?
readily available rapidly effective inexpensive practical no GA or hospitalisation
what are the disadvantages of anti-thyroid drugs?
lifelong
long term resistance
compliance is crucial
side-effects
what are the minor, common, transient side effects of anti-thyroid drugs?
vomiting
anorexia
lethargy
what are the major, rare and persistent side effects of anti-thyroid drugs?
persistent GI signs blood dyscrasias (leukopenia, anaemia and thrombocytopenia) dermatitis hepatopathy lymphadenomegaly myasthenia gravis
what sort of dermatitis is commonly seen as a major side effect of anti-thyroid drugs?
facial excoriation
what is lymphadenomegaly?
enlarged lymph nodes
what should happen if major side effects of anti-thyroid drugs are seen?
stop treatment
how can diet be used to control feline hyperthyroidism?
iodine restricted diet fed to reduce T4 production
what iodine restricted food is available?
Hills y/d
what can be fed alongside and iodine restricted diet?
must be fed as sole food - no treats
how quickly can feline hyperthyroidism patients be euthyroid when fed an iodine restricted diet?
within 3 weeks
how long must be feline hyperthyroidism patient be on the iodine restricted diet for?
lifelong
when is an iodine restricted diet less effective / unsuitable?
for severe hyperthyroid cats
what are the main pre-surgical considerations for treatment of feline hyperthyroidism?
systemic effects of feline hyperthyroidism
cardiac disease
hypertension
other diseases
what should happen to a feline hyperthyroidism patient prior to surgery?
stabilisation
what is removed during thyroidectomy?
one or both of the thyroid glands
what must be preserved during a thyroidectomy?
parathyroid tissue
why must the parathyroid tissue be preserved in thyroidectomy?
to avoid post op complications such as hypocalcaemia
why could hypocalcaemia occur following thyroidectomy?
PTH is essential for calcium homeostasis
in what % of patients does thyroidectomy achieve euthyroidism?
> 90%
when is euthyroidism achieved following thyroidectomy?
24-48 hours
what structures must you be careful of when performing thyroidectomy?
parathyroid
vagus nerves
is is possible to save the parathyroid gland if feline hyperthyroidism is advanced?
not usually due to enlargement of glands
what are the advantages of thyroidectomy?
curative
rapidly effective
short hospitalisation period
what are the disadvantages of thyroidectomy?
GA skill required to save parathyroid location recurrance cost complications
what are the complications associated with thyroidectomy?
damage or removal of parathyroid tissue leading to post op hypoparathyroidism
damage to recurrent laryngeal nerve
damage to sympathetic trunk
possible recurrence of feline hyperthyroidism if only unilateral thyroidectomy
is laryngeal paralysis a common complication of thyroidectomy?
no
what is a condition that can be caused by damage to the sympathetic trunk during thyroidectomy?
Horner’s syndrome - nictating membrane prolapse and myosis
when does iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism occur?
usually after bilateral thyroidectomy
how long does iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism last for?
usually transient
what will cause resolution of iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism?
recovery of glands/restored function of ectopic tissues
how long does it take to recover from iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism?
weks to months
when are clinical signs of iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism seen?
withi 2-3 days
what are the signs of iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism?
due to hypocalcaemia inappetance weakness tremors ptyalism pawing at face progression to tetany seizures coma death
what should be monitored if concerned about iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism or there has been bilateral thyroidectomy?
serum calcium twice a day
how should iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism be treated?
IV 10% calcium gluconate slowly (10-20 mins)
what is the initial bolus of calcium gluconate to treat iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism followed by?
CRI
what fluids should be avoided when giving calcium gluconate?
bicarbonate, lactate or phosphate containing fluids as will precipitate calcium
not Hartmann’s
can calcium gluconate be given SC?
no
why can calcium gluconate not be given SC?
skin sloughs
what should patients receiving calcium gluconate be monitored for?
ECG for arrhythmia and bradycardia
what should happen once the patient with iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism is stabilised on IV calcium gluconate?
oral therapy ASAP of calcium and vitamin D
how is the patient switched from IV calcium gluconate to oral therapy?
elemental calcium in divided doses to wean off IV
how are iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism cats managed orally once IV calcium gluconate has stopped?
oral vitamin D only
can iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism patients be weaned off all treatment?
yes - eventually
how long does oral therapy for iatrogenic hypoparathyroidism take to work?
1-3 days
what is the gold standard treatment for feline hyperthyroidism?
radioiodine treatment
how is radioiodine treatment administered?
systemically
where does radioiodine therapy target?
excessive T4 producing cells in the thyroid
what do beta particles of radioiodine cause?
cell death
how long must the cat be isolated for following radioiodine treatment?
1-2 weeks post injection
why does the cat need to be isolated for 1-2 weeks following radioiodine injection?
gamma rays they emit are dangerous
how many centres are available for radioiodine treatment in the UK?
15 (including Bris)
what are he advantages of radioactive iodine treatment for feline hyperthyroidism?
gold standard curative simple procedure higher dose to treat adrenocarcinoma no GA cost
what are the disadvantages of radioactive iodine treatment?
limited availability isolation period irreversible may take some time to achieve euthyroid very rarely iatrogenic hypothyroidism cost
what is the risk associated with feline hyperthyroidism and CKD?
hyperthyroidism may mask CKD and so treatment may unmask it
how much can treatment of feline hyperthyroidism change CKD level?
maximum of one IRIS stage
what must be considered about feline hyperthyroidism and CKD?
medical management of feline hyperthyroidism before curative treatment to see effect on kidneys
reassess once euthyroid
what may not prevent definitive feline hyperthyroidism treatment relating to CKD?
unmasking of mild azotemia through thyroid medical management
when should feline hyperthyroidism patients be monitored irrespective of treatment regime?
6 monthly check ups if stable
soone if not
what are you monitoring for when having feline hyperthyroidism check ups?
recurrence
hypertension
CKD (urea, creatinine, BP, urinalysis)
what is the prognosis of feline hyperthyroidism dependent on?
severity / presence of concurrent disease (especially heart disease)
what cats have excellent feline hyperthyroidism prognosis?
uncomplicated with curative treatment
what are the main types of canine thyroid neoplasia?
carcinomas more common
adenomas usually incidental
what sort of masses are canine thyroid neoplasia?
large, solid, palapabel
what type of tumor is canine thyroid neoplasia?
locally invasive
some metastatic
what are most canine thyroid neoplasia patients thyroid levels like?
most euthyroid or hypothyroid
what percentage of canine thyroid neoplasia patients are hyperthyroid?
10%
what is the signalment of canine thyroid neoplasia?
10 years
what are the signs of canine thyroid neoplasia?
mass in ventral neck
may have cough or dyspnoea due to pressure on trachea
how is canine thyroid neoplasia diagnosed?
histopathology of mass
FNA
surgery usually needed to confirm
why must care be taken when gaining histopathology of a mass to diagnose canine thyroid neoplasia?
very vasular area
what is the issue with FNA of canine thyroid neoplasia?
often blood contaminated sample
how is canine thyroid neoplasia treated?
surgical removal
chemotherapy or radiation to follow
why is radioactive iodine treatment for canine thyroid neoplasia not often performed?
high doses required
what does the prognosis of canine thyroid neoplasia depend on?
size
local invasion
functional status
histological diagnosis of carcinoma or adenoma
what is the prognosis for dogs with large, invasive canine thyroid neoplasia masses?
guarded to poor
6-24 months if aggressive treatment
when is the prognosis for canine thyroid neoplasia excellent?
surgical removal of adenomas
when is the prognosis for canine thyroid neoplasia good?
removal of small, well circumcised carcinomas
what is the most common endocrine disorder in dogs?
canine hypothyroidism
why is canine hypothyroidism likely to be over-diagnosed?
due to tests used
where are the thyroid glands located?
lateral to the proximal tracheal rings
what hormones are produced by the thyroid?
thyroxine - T4
triiodythyronine - T3
what are thyroid hormones formed from?
tyrosine amino acids
what enzyme causes the oxidation of iodine?
thyroid peroxidase
what is the main thyroid hormone that is secreted?
T4
where is 99% of T4 found in circulation?
bound to proteins
what is the role of unbound T4 (fT4)?
biologically active and exerts a negative feedback on TSH production
what happens to fT4 within the cell?
diodinated to form either T3 or reverse T3
what does T3 bind to in the cell?
nuclear receptor
how does the HPA control T4 and T3 release?
hypothalamus releases TRH
causes pituitary gland to release TSH
this stimulates the thyroid glands to release T4, T3 and rT3
how is T4, T3 release controlled?
T4 and T3 negatively feedback on hypothalamus and pituitary to stop TRH and TSH release
where does primary hypothyroidism occur?
at the level of the thyroid gland
what is the most common type of canine hypothyroidism?
primary
what are the 2 causes of primary canine hypothyroidism?
lymphocytic thyroiditis
thyroid atrophy
what is lymphocytic thyroiditis caused by?
immune mediated destructive process
infiltration of lymphocytes and other WBC
thyroid tissue is replaced by fibrous connective tissue
when do clinical signs of lymphocytic thyroiditis occur?
when 75% of gland is destroyed
what causes thyroid atrophy?
degenerative process
progressive replacement of thyroid tissue with adipose and connective tissue
possibly due to end stage lymphocytic thyroiditis
what are the causes of secondary hypothyroidism?
pituitary hypoplasia - congenital (disproportionate dwarfism) or dysfunction (neoplasia)
is secondary canine hypothyroidism common?
rare
what is the most common cause of secondary hypothyroidism?
suppression of TSH secretion by exogenous glucocorticoid administration (steroids) and hyperadrenocorticism (cushings)
what is the mean age of diagnosis of canine hypothyroidism?
7 years
what animals tend to develop canine hypothyroidism sooner?
those breeds predisposed to lymphocytic thyroiditis
what breeds are predisposed to lymphocytic thyroiditis?
english setter
golden retriever
cocker spaniel
boxer
what are the areas of the body which may exhibit signs of canine hypothyroidism?
decreased metabolic rate dermatologic repro cardiac neuromuscular occular GI
what are the clinical signs of canine hypothyroidism linked to decreased metabolic rate?
weight gain
lethargy
inactivity
what are the clinical signs of canine hypothyroidism linked to dermatologic signs?
endocrine alopecia
rat tail
tragic facial expression hair in telogen phase
mixoedema
what is endocrine alopecia?
symmetrical hair loss
non puretic
what is mixodema?
thickened skin
what are the clinical signs of canine hypothyroidism linked to the reproductive system?
persistent anoestrus weak/silent oestrus prolonged oestral bleeding inappropriate lactation no effect on males
what are the clinical signs of canine hypothyroidism linked to the CVS?
bradycardia
association with atrial fibrilation
some reports of atrial thromboembolysm
what cardiac condition may canine hypothyroidism be linked to?
DCM
what is the mechanism of neuromuscular disease linked to canine hypothyroidism?
accumulation of mucopolysaccharides leading to impaired transport along axons and arthrosclerosis
what are the clinical signs of canine hypothyroidism linked to neuromuscular diseases?
megaoesophagus
laryngeal paralysis
peripheral vestibular syndrome (head tilt)
facial nerve paralysis
are neuromuscular diseases usually linked to canine hypothyroidism?
more likely concurrent disorders than causal effect of hypothyroidism
what is myxoedema coma?
life threatening potential consequence of hypothyroidism
what are the signs of myxoedema coma?
profound mental dullness weakness hypothermia bradycardia hypotension
what usually leads to a hypothyroid patient developing myxoedema coma?
precipitating factor e.g. surgery, heart failure or sepsis
what are the clinical signs of canine hypothyroidism linked to the eyes?
corneal lipid deposits due do hyperlipidaemia
ulcreation
uveitis
what are the clinical signs of canine hypothyroidism linked to the GI tract?
diarrhoea due to bacterial overgrowth
constipation due to reduced peristalsis
how is canine hypothyroidism diagnosed?
appropriate history and clinical signs
haematology and biochemistry
specific thyroid testing
what signs are typically seen on the biochemistry and haematology of a canine hypothyroidism patient?
mild non-regenerative anaemia (normocytic and normochromic)
hypercholesterolaemia
hypertriglycerideaemia
what effect do thyroid hormones have on lipids?
stimulate synthesis, mobilisation and degradation (no T4 no degradation of lipids)
what thyroid abnormalities do you expect in a canine hypothyroidism patient?
low T4 high TSH (no inhibition)
what is total T4 useful for in canine hypothyroidism?
initial screeing test
why is total T4 not used as a definitive canine hypothyroidism diagnosis?
thyroglobulin antibodies can falsely increase TT4
TT4 decreases with age, breed, non thyroidal illnesses and drug therapy (steroids)
when are thyroglobulin antibodies produced?
in lymphocytic thyroiditis
what other tests apart from TT4 can be used to diagnose canine hypothyroidism?
canine TSH
anti-thyroglobulin antibodies
why is TSH increased in canine hypothyroidism cases?
lack of negative feedback
why does the canine TSH test have moderate sensitivity?
low TSH in central hypothyroidism (pituitary cause)
low TSH if there is corticosteroid therapy
what is canine TSH level not affected by?
largely unaffected by non-thyroidial illness or drugs
when may TSH be elevated in euthyroid dogs?
if recovering from NTI