Endocrine System Flashcards
Causes of hyperthyroidism
Overactive thyroid glands, resulting in excessive production of thyroxine (T4)
Clinical signs of hyperthyroidism
Polyphagia, polydipsia, polyuria, weight loss, aggression, hyperexcitability, restlessness, dull coat, goitre, tachycardia, vomit, diarrhoea Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
Tests for hyperthyroidism
History and full physical examination
Blood tests for haematology and biochemistry - total T4
Radiograph and ultrasonography (HCM)
Treatment of hyperthyroidism
Thyroidectomy Anti thyroid drugs e.g. methimazole/carbimazole Radioactive iodine treatment Beta blockers Postop care following thyroidectomy
Nursing care for hyperthyroidism
Monitor vital and clinical signs
Assist vet with diagnostic test
Admin drugs as prescribed
Post op care following thyroidectomy e.g. hypocalcaemia
Causes of hypothyroidism
Under active thyroid glands resulting in reduction of thyroxine (T4)
Clinical signs of hypothyroidism
Obsesity, lethargy, weakness, exercise intolerance, bradycardia
Dermatological changes e.g. alopecia, seborrhoea (excess discharge of sebum), hyperpigmentation, pyoderma
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism
History and full physical examination
Blood tests for haematology and biochemistry - T4 and TSH
Treatment of hypothyroidism
Thyroid replacement therapy e.g. levothyroxine
Improvement normally seen within 7 days
Causes of hyperparathyroidism
Primary - neoplasia
Secondary - renal disease
Nutritional secondary - deficiency of calcium or excess phosphorus in diet
Clinical signs of hyperparathyroidism
Polydipsia, polyuria, anorexia, inappetence, lethargy, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, tremors
Rubber jaw, pathological fractures, depression, lameness, pain on locomotion, loosening of teeth
Diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism
History and full physical examination Blood tests for haematology and biochemistry (calcium) Fine needle aspiration Urinalysis e.g, SPG, dipstick, sediment Radiograph/ultrasonography
Treatment of hyperparathyroidism
Identify and correct underlying causes
IVFT
Parathyroidectomy of affected glands
Feed balanced diet or reduce phosphate levels
Nursing care of hyperparathyroidism
Monitor vital and clinical signs Administer drugs and diet as prescribed Postop care (primary) Handle with care, analgesics, cage rest (secondary and nutritional secondary) Take outside regularly
Cause of diabetes mellitus
Insufficient production of insulin due to either immune destruction (dogs) or obesity (cats)
Cushings disease, increased progesterone during oestrus, neoplasia, pancreatitis
