Endocrine Diseases Flashcards
What is the aetiology of hyperthyroidism?
-functional thyroid tumour
-usually benign
What is the pathophysiology of hyperthyroidism?
-affected gland overproduces thyroxine
-this leads to a hyper-metabolic state
-as thyroxine affects a number of body tissues there are a wider ranges of clinical signs
-complications such as hypertension and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may occur
What are the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism?
-polyphagia and polydipsia
-weight loss
-hyperactive, aggressive, restlessness
-tachycardia
-vomiting and diarrhoea
-poor coat
How can hyperthyroidism be diagnosed?
-blood tests
-blood biochemistry
(Rules out other conditions)
-scintigraphy
-evaluate cardiac function and measurement of blood pressure
Why are blood tests used to diagnose hyperthyroidism?
-high levels of serum T4 (thyroid) levels confirm diagnosis
-run in house
-rapid results
Why is scintigraphy used to diagnose hyperthyroidism?
-imaging using radioisotopes injected into the patient and imaged using a gamma camera
-used to locate thyroid tissue and/or plan for surgery
What is the aetiology of diabetes mellitus?
Type 1
-immune mediated
-some breeds predisposed
Type 2
-obesity, steroids, cushings
Describe the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
-types 1 the pancreas in unable to synthesis insulin
-due to B cells being destroyed
-type 2 has reduced ability to respond to insulin
-due to obesity, oestrus, Cushings, steroids
What is the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus?
-absolute or relative insulin deficiency
-reduced tissue utilisation of glucose
-leads to hyperglycaemia in bloodstream and low glucose levels in cells
-eventually fats broken down as cells can’t access glucose
What are the clinical signs associated with diabetes mellitus?
-polyphagia
-polyuria
-polydipsia
-weight loss
-vomiting
-dehydration
-development of cataracts seen in dogs
What causes polyuria and polydipsia?
-increased glucose in the bloodstream
What cause weight loss in diabetes mellitus?
-body not absorbing glucose into the cells which is used for energy
-so will start using stored fats causing weight loss
How can diabetes mellitus be diagnosed?
-history and clinical signs
-blood testing
(Increased blood glucose, using glucometer)
(Quick and cheap, stress may affect results)
-urine testing
(Glucose and ketones present in urine)
What is the aetiology of hyperadrenocroticism (cushings)?
-increased blood cortisol levels
-middle aged or older dogs affected
What can cause hyperadrenocorticism?
-pituitary tumour
-adrenal tumour
-increased production of ACTH
What is the pathophysiology of hyperadrenocorticism?
-overactive tissue in pituitary or adrenal gland leads to increased production of cortisol
-high levels for cortisol leads to hyperglycaemia and inhibits ADH leading to PUPD
-high cortisol also causes protein catabolism leading to muscle wasting and poor wound healing
What is the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism?
-polyuria and polydipsia
-weight loss
-alopecia or thinning of skin
-pot bellied
-muscle weakness
How is hyperadrenocorticism diagnosed?
-history and clinical signs
-ACTH stimulation test
-low dose dexamethasone suppression test
-imaging of pituitary or adrenal glands
How is ACTH or low dose dexamethasone tests carried out in diagnosis?
-blood at 0 and 1 hours
-injected after first sample
-blood at 0, 4, 8 hours
-injected after first sample
-low dose shows wether it is pituitary or adrenal gland affected
