Thyroid and Parathyroid Flashcards
Which cells are responsible for making Calcitonin?
C cells of the thyroid gland
(parafollicular cells)
Thyroid epithelial cells secrete _______, which is secreted into the lumen of the follicle.
Thyroglobulin
What are the actions of TSH (secreted by the pituitary)?
Increase iodide uptake
Increase activity of thyroid peroxidase
Stimulate synth of thyroglobulin
Determine rate of endocytosis
Increase proportion of T3
If 15% of T3 is secreted by the thyroid gland, where does the other 85% come from?
Converted from T4 by deiodinases
*drugs such as propanalol and glucocorticoids can inhibit deiodinases
Due to their effect on lipid metabolism, thyroid hormone levels are (directly/inversely) proportional to cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Inversely
*high thyroid hormone = low cholesterol and triglycerides
T/F: Normal levels of thyroid hormone are needed for development of the fetal and neonatal brain?
TRUE
*hypothyroid patients will have decreased mental development
A 7 year old Irish Setter is presented for weight gain, lethargy and hair loss.
Your exam results are as follows:
T: 99.5F
HR: 55bpm
Auscultation: apex beat is weak
Cranial nerve reflexes normal. Bilateral ptosis. Drooping face. Hair loss is symmetrical and patchy.
What do you expect to find on the bloodwork for this patient?
Low T4 AND high TSH (both to confirm dx!!)
High cholesterol
*Lower body temp, bradycardia, weight gain, hair loss, and drooping face are suggestive of hypothyroid disease.
Labwork on the Irish Setter shows increased TSH and decreased T4, confirming primary hypothyroidism. What is the most likely cause?
Lymphocytic thyroiditis
*Lymphocytic destruction of the thyroid gland
You start the Irish Setter on thyroxine and wait 3 months to assess effectiveness. At what intervals should you measure serum T4 to assess the current dose?
Peak (4-6 hours after admin)
Trough (12 hours after admin)
*Monitor peaks and troughs every 3-6 months
What lab result would indicate secondary hypothyroidism?
Decreased TSH and decreased T4
*Pituitary not making TSH
Why do cats get hyperthyroidism so much now, when it was rare prior to 1979?
Polybrominated diphenyl esthers (PBDEs) found in furniture - environmental toxin
Less evidence for food based hypotheses: pop-top cans, giblets/fish/liver, soy, bisphenol-A
A DSH cat is presented for weight loss, hyperactivity, aggression, and urinating on the furniture. The cat has noteable loss of muscle mass and is difficult to work with. On paplation of the ventral neck you feel a lump. What blood test will you recommend?
TT4
*T4 should be high. In up to 10% of cats, T4 is normal due to concurrent euthyroid sick syndrome, which brings the T4 back down (into normal range).
Bloods on the hyperactive DSH show increased T4 levels, confirming hyperthyroid disease. What is the gold standard treatment?
I-131
*Definitive treatment - destroys surrounding tissues within 1mm
The owner of the hyperthyroid cat would rather medicate at home than try radiation. What do you prescribe?
Methimazole
*Can also use Carbimazole but be aware that the active metabolite is methimazole. Carbimazole will require a higher dose to achieve the appropriate level of methimazole in the blood.
What is a significant disadvantage to medically treating hyperthyroidism in cats?
Tumor will continue to grow and may become malignant.
Higher incidence of carcinoma was found in cats medically treated long term.
