Endocrinology AI Flashcards
What are the two main forms of canine hyperadrenocorticism?
Pituitary-dependent (PDH) and adrenal-dependent (ADH)
What is the difference between pituitary-dependent and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
PDH is caused by excess ACTH secretion and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, while ADH is caused by adrenal adenomas or carcinomas independent of pituitary control.
What is the normal function of the adrenal cortex?
The adrenal cortex synthesizes and secretes steroid hormones, including glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids.
What are the three zones of the adrenal cortex?
Zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, zona reticularis
What hormones are produced by the zona glomerulosa?
Mineralocorticoids, such as aldosterone
What hormones are produced by the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis?
Glucocorticoids and sex hormones
What is the role of corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH)?
CRH is synthesized and released by the paraventricular nuclei in the hypothalamus and travels to the anterior pituitary to stimulate the production of ACTH.
What is the initial hormone produced in the synthesis of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids?
Pregnenolone
What is hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)?
HAC is a condition characterized by excessive production of steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids, from the adrenal cortex.
What are the two forms of spontaneous HAC?
Pituitary-dependent (PDH) and adrenal-dependent (ADH)
What percentage of HAC cases are pituitary-dependent?
80-90%
What causes pituitary-dependent HAC?
Excess ACTH secretion and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
What are microadenomas and where do they arise from in pituitary-dependent HAC?
Microadenomas are tumors <10mm diameter and arise from the pars distalis (70%) or pars intermedia (30%)
What are macroadenomas and what are their characteristics?
Macroadenomas are tumors >10mm diameter, slow growing, and do not always produce neurological signs.
What is adrenal-dependent HAC caused by?
Adrenal adenomas or carcinomas
What are the two main types of tumors that cause adrenal-dependent HAC?
Adrenal adenomas and adrenal carcinomas
What are the differences between microadenomas and macroadenomas?
Microadenomas are smaller (<10mm diameter) and more common, while macroadenomas are larger (>10mm diameter) and slower-growing.
What is Cushing’s disease?
An alternate name for hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) in reference to the MD who first described the condition in people.
What is iatrogenic HAC?
HAC induced by exogenous prednisolone treatment
What is the role of cholesterol in the synthesis of steroid hormones?
All steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol.
How are steroid hormones transported in the blood?
Steroid hormones are transported in association with proteins such as transcortin due to their lipophilic nature.
Which enzyme is inhibited by Trilostane in the synthesis of steroids?
3 β hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
What hormone is involved in the regulation of electrolyte balance?
Aldosterone, which is produced by the zona glomerulosa in the adrenal cortex.
What is the main cause of pituitary-dependent HAC?
Excess ACTH secretion and bilateral adrenal hyperplasia
What is the pituitary portal blood system?
The system through which corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) travels from the hypothalamus to the anterior pituitary.
What is the normal negative feedback mechanism in HAC?
In HAC, the negative feedback mechanism fails and excessive amounts of steroid hormones are produced.
What is the role of ACTH in HAC?
ACTH stimulates the production of glucocorticoids from the zona fasciculata and zona reticularis in the adrenal cortex.
What do the paraventricular nuclei in the hypothalamus synthesize and release?
Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH)
What are the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism?
Clinical signs relate to abnormal concentrations of steroid hormones and can include polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, abdominal distension, muscle wasting, etc.
What routine laboratory tests are used in the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism?
Routine laboratory tests include measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, alanine transaminase (ALT) activity, etc.
What screening tests are used for the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism?
Screening tests include the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test, the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio, and the ACTH stimulation test.
What are the two main forms of hyperadrenocorticism in cats?
There are no specific mentions of the two main forms in the given text.
What are the two main types of tumors that cause adrenal-dependent HAC in dogs?
Adrenal adenomas and adrenal carcinomas
What is the role of the adrenal medulla?
The adrenal medulla synthesizes and secretes amines.
What hormones are produced by the adrenal medulla?
Amines
What hormone is released by the pituitary gland in response to CRH stimulation?
ACTH
What are the clinical signs of pituitary-dependent HAC?
Clinical signs can include polyuria, polydipsia, panting, polyphagia, abdominal distension, muscle wasting, etc.
Which cells in the anterior pituitary produce ACTH?
Corticotrophin cells
What is the role of aldosterone?
Aldosterone is a mineralocorticoid hormone involved in the regulation of electrolyte balance.
What are the complications of canine hyperadrenocorticism?
The given text does not explicitly mention the complications of canine hyperadrenocorticism.
What is the role of the brain in accurate planning?
The brain is essential for accurate planning.
What can diagnostic imaging be used for in relation to tumours of the adrenal cortex?
Diagnostic imaging can be used to distinguish between benign and malignant tumours of the adrenal cortex.
What can happen if malignant tumours of the adrenal cortex invade the caudal vena cava?
Malignant tumours may invade the caudal vena cava.
Where can malignant tumours of the adrenal cortex spread to?
Malignant tumours can spread to the liver and lungs.
What is the purpose of the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test?
The high-dose dexamethasone suppression test inhibits pituitary ACTH secretion and suppresses cortisol concentrations.
How does the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test work in pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
The high dose of dexamethasone inhibits pituitary ACTH secretion through negative feedback in pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism thus suppressing cortisol concentrations.
Are adrenocortical tumours autonomous?
Yes, adrenocortical tumours are autonomous and thus cortisol is not suppressed.
Is the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test a good discriminatory test?
No, approximately 20 to 30 per cent of pituitary-dependent cases will not suppress with this test, making it a poor discriminatory test.
What are the potential complications of leaving hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) untreated?
Complications of untreated HAC include pulmonary thromboembolism, diabetes, pancreatitis, and infection.
How long can most cases of untreated HAC survive?
Most cases of untreated HAC will live 6-24 months.
How long can well-managed cases of HAC live on therapy?
Well-managed cases of HAC can live for several years on therapy.
What is the recommended first choice drug for the management of pituitary dependent disease (PDH)?
Trilostane should be the first choice drug for the management of PDH (80-90% of cases).
What is trilostane?
Trilostane is a synthetic steroid with no inherent hormonal activity.
How does trilostane work in blocking adrenal synthesis of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex hormones?
Trilostane acts as a competitive inhibitor of the 3ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase enzyme system, blocking adrenal synthesis.
What factors should be considered when administering trilostane?
Trilostane should not be used in dogs with primary hepatic disease or renal failure.
How frequently should clinical examination and laboratory testing be performed in trilostane-treated dogs?
Clinical examination and laboratory testing should be performed at 10 days, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and every 3 months thereafter.
When should the ACTH stimulation test be performed in trilostane-treated dogs?
The ACTH stimulation test should be performed 4-6 hours after dosing with trilostane.
What cortisol concentration indicates adequate control 4-6 hours after trilostane administration?
A post-ACTH cortisol concentration of >20 but <150 nmol/l indicates adequate control.
What should be considered if the ACTH stimulation test result shows a cortisol value >150 in a trilostane-treated dog?
Consideration should be given to increasing the dose by 50% and re-testing.
Do all dogs require once daily dosing of trilostane?
No, some dogs require twice daily dosing to achieve adequate control of clinical signs over a 24-hour period.
What should owners be warned about regarding trilostane treatment?
Owners should be warned about the risk of side effects, including sudden death.
How quickly may polyuria/polydipsia (PU/PD) resolve after starting trilostane treatment?
PU/PD may resolve within a few days of treatment commencing.
How long may it take for other dermatological manifestations of hyperadrenocorticism to improve with trilostane treatment?
Other dermatological manifestations may take several months to improve with trilostane treatment.
What percentage of dogs treated with trilostane have resolution of clinical signs of PU/PD?
Approximately 70% of dogs treated with trilostane have resolution of clinical signs of PU/PD.
What percentage of dogs treated with trilostane have resolution of skin changes?
Approximately 60% of dogs treated with trilostane have resolution of skin changes.
Does the clinical response to trilostane vary among cases?
Yes, some cases require increasing doses of trilostane, while others may show spontaneous remission requiring lower doses or even cessation of treatment.
What complications have been reported in trilostane-treated dogs?
Complications reported include diarrhea, acute pancreatitis, and rare cases of sudden death.
What does an elevated cortisol production pathway suggest?
An abnormality in the cortisol production pathway.
What is the difference between classic ‘Cushing’s disease’ and the abnormal cortisol production seen in recent studies?
Classic ‘Cushing’s disease’ shows overproduction of cortisol, while recent studies suggest an abnormality in the cortisol production pathway.
Why doesn’t the author recommend the use of the high-dose dexamethasone suppression test?
Its accuracy has been questioned and it is not recommended for differentiating the cause of hyperadrenocorticism.
What is the recommended test for differentiating pituitary and adrenal causes of hyperadrenocorticism?
Canine ACTH assays, specifically measuring the plasma ACTH concentration.
Which diagnostic imaging technique is sensitive in distinguishing dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism from those with adrenocortical tumors?
Abdominal ultrasonography.
How can dogs with adenomas be distinguished from dogs with carcinomas?
Recognition of metastatic lesions with radiography and/or ultrasonography.
What is the use of measuring basal endogenous ACTH concentrations in the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism?
It has no value due to episodic secretion of ACTH in normal dogs and overlapping values with those with hyperadrenocorticism.
What is the range of endogenous ACTH concentrations in normal dogs?
13 to 46 pg/ml.
What do very low endogenous ACTH concentrations (< 5 pg/ml) indicate in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
Adrenal tumors.
What do high normal to high concentrations (> 28 pg/ml) of endogenous ACTH indicate in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Which imaging techniques can be used to differentiate pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Abdominal radiography, ultrasonography, CT, and MRI.
What suggests pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Similar size and normal shape of both adrenal glands.
What suggests adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism in a dog with confirmed hyperadrenocorticism?
A mass in the adrenal area.
Which imaging technique accurately localized all adrenocortical tumors in a study?
CT.
Why is abdominal radiography less accurate than CT in localizing adrenocortical tumors?
Tumors less than 20 mm in diameter cannot be seen on abdominal radiographs.
What can CT identify in relation to adrenocortical tumors?
Invasion of the caudal vena cava by the tumor and adhesions between the adrenal gland and the caudal vena cava.
Which imaging technique is superior to CT in detecting ACTH-secreting tumors of the pituitary gland in humans?
MRI.
How small pituitary tumors can be detected using MRI in dogs and cats?
As small as 3 mm.
Are large pituitary tumors associated with neurological signs in dogs?
Not always, as some large tumors have been shown to be present without causing neurological signs.
What has been shown in another study regarding pituitary masses and neurological signs?
Pituitary masses ranging in size from 8 to 24 mm were associated with neurological signs.
What are some neurological signs associated with a rapid enlargement of a pituitary tumor?
Neurological signs associated with a rapid enlargement of a pituitary tumor can include adrenal necrosis and acute hypoadrenocorticism or thromboembolism.
What are the potential adverse effects of trilostane treatment in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism?
Potential adverse effects of trilostane treatment in dogs with hyperadrenocorticism include sudden death and adrenal necrosis.
Why is awareness of adrenal necrosis in dogs receiving trilostane treatment important?
Awareness of adrenal necrosis in dogs receiving trilostane treatment is important because prompt treatment is required to correct this life-threatening situation.
What is mitotane and how effective is it in the management of hyperadrenocorticism?
Mitotane is a drug used in the management of hyperadrenocorticism and it remains a very effective drug, although it can have potentially fatal side effects.
What were the findings of the study comparing the survival times of dogs treated with mitotane or trilostane for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
The study found no significant difference in survival times between dogs treated with mitotane or trilostane for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
What is the best prognosis for dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism have the best prognosis if the tumor can be completely removed surgically.
What should be included in the pre-operative staging of an adrenal tumor in dogs?
The pre-operative staging of an adrenal tumor in dogs should include thoracic radiographs and abdominal ultrasound to assess vascular invasion and metastatic spread.
What are the recommended treatments to control hyperadrenocorticism before surgical adrenalectomy?
Some authors recommend the administration of trilostane or mitotane before surgical adrenalectomy to attempt to control hyperadrenocorticism.
What are the requirements for unilateral adrenalectomy in dogs?
Unilateral adrenalectomy in dogs requires considerable experience and expertise due to the complex anatomy. Glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid supplementation are necessary during and after the surgery.
What was the perioperative mortality rate observed in a study on unilateral adrenalectomy in dogs?
In a study, the perioperative mortality rate for unilateral adrenalectomy in dogs was 30 percent.
What is the purpose of trilostane therapy in dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Trilostane therapy aims to provide symptomatic control of clinical signs without treating the underlying neoplastic disease process.
What was the reported survival time in one case using trilostane therapy for an adrenal tumor in dogs?
In one case, an 80-week survival was reported in a dog with an adrenal tumor using trilostane therapy.
What is mitotane therapy and how is it used in the treatment of adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Mitotane therapy is used in the treatment of adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism and it has been recommended for this condition with similar results to surgical treatment.
What is the current status of mitotane’s licensing and its usage?
Mitotane is no longer licensed and as a result, it is rarely used in the management of hyperadrenocorticism.
What are some common clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)?
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, panting, abdominal distension
What are some hematologic abnormalities commonly observed in HAC?
Eosinopaenia, neutrophilia, monocytosis, erythrocytosis
What is the typical urinalysis finding in HAC?
Isosthenuria or hyposthenuria
What percentage of HAC cases demonstrate glycosuria?
Approximately 10%
What are some common findings on abdominal radiographs of HAC patients?
Good contrast, hepatomegaly, distended bladder, calculi, adrenal enlargement
What might be seen on thoracic radiographs of HAC patients?
Tracheal and bronchial wall mineralization, pulmonary metastasis, osteoporosis
When should diagnostic tests for HAC be performed?
In animals with consistent histories and clinical signs
What is the purpose of performing at least one positive screening test for HAC?
To confirm the need for further diagnostic testing
What are some options for diagnostic testing of HAC?
ACTH stimulation test, Low Dose Dexamethasone Suppression (LDDS) test, High Dose Dexamethasone Suppression (HDDS) test, Endogenous ACTH assay, 17 alpha-OH progesterone assay, Urinary cortisol: creatinine ratio
Which screening test is very sensitive but not very specific for HAC?
Urine Cortisol: Creatinine ratio
What is the recommended way to collect urine samples for the cortisol:creatinine ratio test?
In as stress-free a way as possible, usually at home
What is the sensitivity of the ACTH stimulation test for detecting PDH?
Approximately 85%
When should HAC not be automatically excluded based on the ACTH stimulation test results?
If the ACTH result is within the reference interval
What is the preferred test for monitoring mitotane and trilostane treatment?
ACTH stimulation test
What is the purpose of the LDDS test in diagnosing HAC?
To induce negative feedback to the pituitary and detect cortisol suppression
What does a positive result on the LDDS test indicate?
Resting cortisol > 40 nmol/l at 8 hours (not suppressed)
What is the purpose of the 17 alpha-OH progesterone assay?
To detect HAC cases that are negative on other tests
What is o.p.’ -DDD?
o.p.’ -DDD is a medication used in dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Is o.p.’ -DDD effective in dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Yes, o.p.’ -DDD is effective in dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Is o.p.’ -DDD relatively safe in dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Yes, o.p.’ -DDD is relatively safe in dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Are dogs with adrenal tumours more resistant to mitotane than dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Yes, dogs with adrenal tumours tend to be more resistant to mitotane than dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
What dose range is generally required for dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism during the induction period?
Dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism generally require higher daily induction doses of 50-75 mg/kg/day.
Is a longer period of induction required for dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism compared to dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Yes, dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism require a longer period of induction (>14 days) than dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
What percentage of cases responded successfully to the recommended protocol for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
About 20 percent of cases responded successfully to the recommended protocol for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Why is frequent monitoring of treatment by ACTH stimulation testing important?
Frequent monitoring of treatment by ACTH stimulation testing is important to ensure adequate control of the hyperadrenocorticism.
Are maintenance doses generally higher for dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Yes, maintenance doses are generally higher (75-100 mg/kg/week) for dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism.
Why is frequent monitoring of the cortisol response to ACTH stimulation required for dogs with adrenal-dependent hyperadrenocorticism?
Frequent monitoring of the cortisol response to ACTH stimulation is required to maintain optimal control of the disease.
Do dogs requiring higher dose rates of mitotane tend to be more prone to adverse effects?
Yes, dogs requiring higher dose rates of mitotane tend to be more prone to adverse effects.
What can happen to the adrenal tumour and metastatic mass during mitotane therapy?
The adrenal tumour and metastatic mass can often reduce in size due to the cytotoxic effects of mitotane.
Does the tumour always shrink during mitotane therapy?
No, in some cases the tumour will continue to grow despite increasing doses of mitotane.
What was the median survival time in a study of adrenocortical tumours treated using mitotane therapy?
The median survival time was 11 months.
What was the range of survival time in a study of adrenocortical tumours treated using mitotane therapy?
The range of survival time was a few weeks to more than 5 years.
What are the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)?
Polyphagia, PU/PD, abdominal enlargement, muscle weakness
What are the predisposed breeds for pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH)?
Poodles, Dachshunds, small Terriers
What are the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) in small breed dogs?
Abdominal enlargement, polyphagia, PU/PD
What are the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) in larger breed dogs?
Abdominal enlargement, hepatomegaly, muscle wasting/weakness
What are the clinical signs of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) in older dogs?
Lethargy/exercise intolerance, skin changes, reproductive changes
What is polyphagia?
Excessive hunger or increased appetite
What is PU/PD?
Polyuria (excessive urination) and polydipsia (excessive thirst)
What are the complications of hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)?
Urinary tract infection, hypertension, glomerulonephropathies, pulmonary thromboembolism, diabetes mellitus
What are the biochemical abnormalities associated with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)?
Elevated ALP, ALT, cholesterol, bile acids, lipids; reduced urea, T4
What are the haematological changes consistent with hyperadrenocorticism (HAC)?
Lymphopaenia
What is the maximum concentration of desoxycortone?
The maximum concentration of desoxycortone is assessed after 10 days.
When should the clinical signs and electrolytes be re-evaluated?
The clinical signs and electrolytes should be re-evaluated after 10 days.
What should be done if the clinical signs have worsened or not resolved?
The dose of glucocorticoid should be adjusted and/or other causes of the clinical signs should be investigated.
When should the dog be re-evaluated and the Na+/K+ ratio measured?
The dog should be re-evaluated and the Na+/K+ ratio should be measured on Day 25.
What should be done if the dog is both clinically normal and has a normal Na+/K+ ratio on Day 25?
The dose should be adjusted based on the Day 10 Na+/K+ ratio using the guidelines on the datasheet.
What should be done if the dog is clinically normal and has a Na+/K+ ratio >32 on Day 25?
The dose should be adjusted based on the Day 10 Na+/K+ ratio according to the guidelines on the datasheet or the dose can be delayed.
What should be done if the dog is either not clinically normal or if the Na+/K+ ratio is abnormal on Day 25?
The dose of glucocorticoid or Zycortal should be adjusted.
How can the dosing interval be prolonged?
If the dog is clinically normal and the Day 25 Na+/K+ ratio is >32, the dosing interval can be prolonged instead of adjusting the dose.
How often should the electrolytes be evaluated if the dosing interval is prolonged?
The electrolytes should be evaluated every 5-9 days until the Na+/K+ ratio is <32.
What should be done once the optimal dose and dosing interval have been determined?
The same regimen should be maintained.
What should be done if the dog develops clinical signs of polyuria/polydipsia?
The glucocorticoid dose should be decreased first.
What should be done if the polyuria/polydipsia persists and the Na+/K+ ratio is >32?
The dose of Zycortal should be decreased without changing the dosing interval.
What should be done if the dog develops clinical signs of depression, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, or weakness?
The glucocorticoid dose should be increased.
What should be done if the dog has hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, or Na+/K+ ratio <27?
The Zycortal dosing interval should be decreased by 2-3 days or the dose should be increased.
What should be done if the dog has hypokalemia, hypernatremia, or Na+/K+ ratio >32?
The Zycortal dose should be decreased.
What should be considered prior to a stressful situation?
Temporarily increasing the dose of glucocorticoid should be considered.
What was the mean final dose of desoxycortone pivalate in the clinical trial?
The mean final dose of desoxycortone pivalate was 1.9 mg/kg.
What was the mean final dosing interval in the clinical trial?
The mean final dosing interval was 38.7 ± 12.7 days.
What is the majority of thyroid secretion composed of?
The majority of thyroid secretion is composed of T4.
What is the function of the thyroid glands?
The thyroid glands produce thyroid hormone.
What are the two thyroid hormones called?
The two thyroid hormones are T3 (Tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (Thyroxine).
What is the substance secreted from the cells of the thyroid glands?
Thyroglobulin is the substance secreted from the cells of the thyroid glands.
How are thyroid hormones synthesized?
Thyroid hormones are synthesized from 2 connected tyrosine molecules.
What is the enzyme involved in incorporating iodine into thyroglobulin?
Thyroid peroxidase is the enzyme involved in incorporating iodine into thyroglobulin.
Where do hormones remain until they are required for release?
Hormones remain in the acinar lumen of the thyroid glands until they are required for release.
How are the majority of T4 and T3 transported in the circulation?
The majority of T4 and T3 are transported in the circulation attached to binding proteins.
What are the biological effects exerted by ‘free’ T4 and T3?
‘Free’ T4 and T3 exert the biological effects.
What does T4 get converted into in the periphery?
T4 can be converted into the more active T3 in the periphery.
What is the normal proportion of T4 and T3 in thyroid secretion?
Approximately 95% of thyroid secretion is T4 and 5% is T3.
What is fludrocortisone?
Fludrocortisone is a mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid replacement medication.
How is fludrocortisone administered?
Fludrocortisone is administered orally.
Is fludrocortisone licensed?
No, fludrocortisone is not licensed.
What is the current cost status of fludrocortisone?
Fludrocortisone is now very expensive.
What are the aim(s) of hyperthyroid cat treatment?
The aim of treatment is to remove or destroy abnormally functioning thyroid tissue, inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis, or reduce the effects of excess thyroid hormone on peripheral tissues.
What are the two curative options for hyperthyroid cat treatment?
Surgical thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy.
What is the role of medical management in hyperthyroid cat treatment?
It is an option for many hyperthyroid cats, resulting in a rapid return to euthyroidism.
What are the two medical options for hyperthyroid cat treatment?
Carbimazole and methimazole (thiamazole).
How do carbimazole and methimazole work in hyperthyroid cat treatment?
They reversibly block iodination of thyroglobulin, effectively suppressing thyroid hormone production.
What are the trade names for methimazole?
Felimazole and Thyronorm.
What is the trade name for carbimazole?
Vidalta.
How is methimazole administered to cats?
Usually administered orally, but it can be administered transdermally as a gel applied to the non-haired part of the ear.
What tests are used to monitor cats receiving antithyroid medications?
Serum total T4 is often measured after therapy initiation or dose adjustment, and should be checked every 3-6 months once stability is achieved.
When should the serum sample be taken for monitoring cats receiving antithyroid medications?
The time of day is not important.
What is the goal of maintaining total T4 levels in cats receiving antithyroid medications?
To keep total T4 within the lower half of the reference interval.
Do clinical signs of hypothyroidism typically develop in cats with low total T4 levels?
No, clinical signs of hypothyroidism rarely develop even when total T4 is well below the reference interval.
What are the mild adverse effects of antithyroid medications in cats?
Vomiting, with or without anorexia and depression, usually occurring in the first 3 weeks of therapy.
Do mild adverse effects of antithyroid medications typically require discontinuation of the treatment?
No, in most cases these adverse effects are transient and self-limiting.
What should be done if circulating total T4 is severely depressed in cats receiving antithyroid medications?
The dosage of drugs should be decreased, if possible, and the cat should be re-assessed.
Which liver enzymes decline progressively as euthyroidism is achieved in cats receiving antithyroid medications?
Serum ALT and ALP.
What potential harmful effect has been associated with induced hypothyroidism in cats?
Renal impairment and shortened survival.
What are the advantages of medical management for hyperthyroid cats?
Widely available, requires no specialist facilities, and is recommended as trial therapy for assessing the effects on renal function.
What is the difference in potency between 5mg of carbimazole and a similar weight of methimazole?
A 5mg dose of carbimazole is equal to a 3mg dose of methimazole.
Does carbimazole or methimazole have a lower incidence of adverse effects?
Carbimazole is often suggested to have a lower incidence of adverse effects than methimazole.
What drives the production of thyroid hormone?
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
What is the main purpose of the hypothalamic / pituitary axis?
To regulate free T4 and T3 levels
How does thyroid hormone affect metabolism?
It affects basal metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and lipid metabolism
What body systems does thyroid hormone affect?
Metabolism, growth, development, osteogenesis, skin and hair growth, cardiovascular system