tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10203865153546566092024-03-12T18:04:04.242-04:00Insights into Veterinary EndocrinologyInsights into Veterinary Endocrinology by Dr. Mark E. PetersonDr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-24336266925305667332021-08-03T18:23:00.001-04:002021-08-03T18:23:43.997-04:00Dr. Mark Peterson named recipient of 2021 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">SCHAUMBURG, Illinois) July 29, 2021— The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) today honored Dr. Mark Peterson, owner and director of the Animal Endocrine Clinic in New York City, as the winner of the <a href="https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/dr-mark-peterson-named-recipient-2021-avma-lifetime-excellence-research-award" target="_blank">2021 AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award</a>.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFDVP6u9gLLTepCnBlotKv6n8CGowYNIq-JScshwPA4UvrbFXYkhYanOjWyZ6Y6fIXcyNsdaiMMLhol-KHOv0yAzYB-nckkR5FfnmQYsdTjjPvr1ogLANKO9WPHCA5QhkxiaThGEPVxQ/s252/lifetime-excellence-award-mark-peterson-200x252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="252" data-original-width="200" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFDVP6u9gLLTepCnBlotKv6n8CGowYNIq-JScshwPA4UvrbFXYkhYanOjWyZ6Y6fIXcyNsdaiMMLhol-KHOv0yAzYB-nckkR5FfnmQYsdTjjPvr1ogLANKO9WPHCA5QhkxiaThGEPVxQ/s0/lifetime-excellence-award-mark-peterson-200x252.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></p>Established in November 2005, this award recognizing a veterinary researcher on the basis of lifetime achievement in basic, applied or clinical research. Winners are selected on the total impact their career has had on the veterinary or biomedical professions.</span><p></p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">“Dr. Peterson has made extraordinary contributions in veterinary research and in our understanding of how endocrine disorders are diagnosed and treated in animals, resulting in the well-deserved respect and admiration of veterinary professionals throughout the world,” said Dr. Douglas Kratt, president of the AVMA. “It is a tremendous honor to announce his selection as this year’s AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research Award winner.”</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">For more than 45 years, Dr. Peterson’s clinical and research efforts have been directed toward advancing the understanding of naturally occurring endocrine disorders of cats and dogs, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, calcium disorders and adrenal diseases. Over the last decade, he has focused his clinical research efforts on various aspects of feline hyperthyroidism, a disease he first reported in 1979.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">Dr. Peterson has published more than 600 journal articles, book chapters and research abstracts over the course of his career. Recently, he served as co-editor of the textbook Feline Endocrinology—the first book devoted exclusively to endocrine diseases of the cat. With more than 600 lecture presentations to his credit, Dr. Peterson remains a popular speaker at national and international veterinary colleges and scientific conferences.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">Dr. Peterson served as head of endocrinology and nuclear medicine at The Animal Medical Center in New York City for 30 years (1979-2009), and has held positions as adjunct professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (1996-2000), associate professor of radiology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University (1983-2005), and assistant professor of medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine (1982-1988). He currently serves as adjunct professor of medicine at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, where he teaches and collaborates with several investigators.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">In addition to advancing the practice of internal medicine as a researcher and professor, Dr. Peterson is recognized for providing the highest standard of patient care as a clinician. As director and owner of the Animal Endocrine Clinic, Dr. Peterson is an active clinician, providing comprehensive endocrine evaluations for his patients while also conducting clinical research studies. During his decades of work as a clinician and instructor at the Animal Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Peterson inspired and educated hundreds of interns and residents. His mentorship of these individuals has played a major role in their successful career advancement and helped to create the next generation of clinician scientists.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">Dr. Peterson is also very involved in organized veterinary medicine and veterinary continuing education. He was the founding member and first president of the Society of Comparative Endocrinology. He served on the executive board of the New York City Veterinary Medical Association (VMA) from 2006 to 2012, during which time he was also the head of the continuing education program committee, and served as president of the New York City Veterinary Medical Association from 2010 to 2011.</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;">“I’m extremely honored to be the recipient of this year’s AVMA Lifetime Excellence in Research award,” said Dr. Peterson. “I’d like to thank the AVMA for this prestigious award and for believing that my research contributions are worthy of this great honor. My hope is that my legacy will show that it’s possible to be a good practicing clinician who can also conduct valuable clinical research, even in a private practice setting. I’d encourage all veterinarians to keep asking questions about how to improve patient care and to use clinical research to help get the answers we all need.”</p><p style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #2f3538; font-family: benton-sans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1.5rem; margin-top: 0px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/dr-mark-peterson-named-recipient-2021-avma-lifetime-excellence-research-award&source=gmail&ust=1628115266794000&usg=AFQjCNH9H1JG9Mr1bIsKw9xDaKjjElC0Gw" href="https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/dr-mark-peterson-named-recipient-2021-avma-lifetime-excellence-research-award" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">https://www.avma.org/news/<wbr></wbr>press-releases/dr-mark-<wbr></wbr>peterson-named-recipient-2021-<wbr></wbr>avma-lifetime-excellence-<wbr></wbr>research-award</a></p>Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-36027618715398572212019-08-01T09:05:00.000-04:002019-08-01T09:08:32.007-04:00Introducing My New Textbook: Feline Endocrinology - The First Book Fully Dedicated to Endocrine Disorders of the Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://shop.rightsalesgroup.com/products/feline-endocrinology" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="787" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcXtmuFVr3rDoTqgzkbz-7jHvFWiNKxYrajG_qP1-z9lLEOtwvnYtsu8gE4uCZ2JQir5FerD85DbQ6uPht8N-EtnMjCKcLaN1DAaXkk_yzCP63dLsDIZg3rs38Fx4NwOW7TvVju1ukkCQ/s640/LIBR1291_PY092368_Feline_endocrinology_plana_1024x1024.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
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Over the last year, I have been hard at work editing and writing chapters for this book, the first one written exclusively about Feline Endocrinology. <br />
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Our primary goal for this book is to provide veterinarians, veterinary students, and others interested in cats with a concise and complete information resource on the pathophysiology, clinical signs, differential diagnosis, diagnosis, and treatment of endocrine disorders in cats. <br />
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If you are a veterinarian that sees cats with endocrine disorders, I highly recommend that you get this book. I have included everything I know about cats in this book!<br />
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Take a look at the video below, where we (the 3 editors) talk about the development of this valuable reference.</div>
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<iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/340144785" width="480"></iframe><br /><a href="https://vimeo.com/340144785" target="_blank">Click here to watch</a></center>
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The book is divided into 6 sections, including: <br />
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<li>Hypothalamus and pituitary</li>
<li>Thyroid gland</li>
<li>Calcium and parathyroid glands</li>
<li>Adrenal glands</li>
<li>Endocrine pancreas</li>
<li>Blood pressure, body condition and nutrition</li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Moving forward, I will be blogging a series of posts about the 6 sections of this book, including the topics, authors, and even a few videos (included in the chapter) where applicable. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://shop.rightsalesgroup.com/products/feline-endocrinology" target="_blank">Purchase the FELINE ENDOCRINOLOGY book here.</a></b></span></div>
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<i>From the publisher:</i><br />
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<i><i>Developed by 50 of the most renowned feline experts from 13 countries around the world, this unique and practical book of feline endocrinology is a most valuable tool for small animal veterinarians who want to deepen their understanding on the pathophysiology, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of every endocrine condition recognized in cats. Rather than have the authors treating cats as small dogs, a cat-only text will allow fully focused description of conditions in this one species. </i></i></div>
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<i>Allowing these experts in feline endocrinology space to fully teach us what they have learned about cats will result in a superior resource composed of text, figures, boxes, tables, algorithms, and videos (presented on an electronic version of the text).</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Editors: <a href="https://shop.rightsalesgroup.com/collections/vendors?q=Edward%20C.%20Feldman%2C%20Federico%20Fracassi%2C%20Mark%20E.%20Peterson" style="background: none 0px 0px repeat scroll rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); box-sizing: border-box; outline: none; text-decoration-line: none; transition: all 0.3s ease 0s;" title="Edward C. Feldman, Federico Fracassi, Mark E. Peterson">Edward C. Feldman, Federico Fracassi, Mark E. Peterson</a></i></span></div>
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Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-34495825245699854672019-07-31T16:31:00.003-04:002019-07-31T16:31:57.328-04:00PBS Article Covers Our Paper About Organophosphate Esters (OPEs), Housecats and Hyperthyroidism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/this-everyday-chemical-was-cast-aside-its-replacement-might-be-making-cats-sick" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1021" data-original-width="932" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguVb5_SxggPzTYEwjFKCifOtG_wftaI0sPFK30HMV0EAGoXeMCYIpsnQ47_vQmOQyzAvdryuiamGWAhGv2qqVzPcpcJz572MJrl6raQnxrmZXCjhRPRRnt9C4Cxa7gh-OTPwEKm2uYP4w/s400/Screen+Shot+2019-07-31+at+4.22.41+PM.png" width="365" /></a></div>
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In addition to covering <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02226" target="_blank">our recently published paper</a>, <a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/this-everyday-chemical-was-cast-aside-its-replacement-might-be-making-cats-sick" target="_blank">this PBS article</a> also mentioned my article in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-wasting-house-cats.html" target="_blank">NY Times Magazine</a>.<br />
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From the PBS post:<br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #31445d; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: 1.5em; margin-bottom: 20px; max-width: 650px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the study, <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02226" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(214, 223, 232) 0px -1px 0px inset; color: #f83036; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s, box-shadow 0.2s ease 0s, -webkit-box-shadow 0.2s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">published July 10 in Environmental Science & Technology,</a> researchers outline a connection between hyperthyroidism in indoor cats to organophosphate esters (OPEs), which have since supplanted PBDEs.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">As manufacturers voluntarily phased out PBDEs because of health concerns in both pets and humans, OPEs were substituted in a range of household products to meet fire safety regulations.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www-sciencedirect-com.proxyiub.uits.iu.edu/science/article/pii/S1471489214001179" style="border: 0px; box-shadow: rgb(214, 223, 232) 0px -1px 0px inset; color: #f83036; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 700; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition: color 0.2s ease 0s, box-shadow 0.2s ease 0s, -webkit-box-shadow 0.2s ease 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Some research</a> has pointed to OPEs as potential hormone disruptors. And if OPEs are making their way into house cats, those chemicals might be affecting humans, too.</span></i></div>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-45261701384600132702019-07-24T09:50:00.000-04:002019-07-24T10:03:11.647-04:00Dr. Peterson Wins Award for Paper: Spontaneous primary hypothyroidism in 7 adult cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-GnPyfTmpcEBVVUMTHUYQ3-0umGtkav_2PCB2Kkwj_ZC3EXLCvybseE1Vp3MLcmP17iseHayySO5vVU6VlzwbfmN_tv_xEZVXJolYJC8wBQsiH0q4n_uS7ZVMC65pUi0hB9sLoCaqz8/s1600/MEP+Oxford+Lab+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1186" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL-GnPyfTmpcEBVVUMTHUYQ3-0umGtkav_2PCB2Kkwj_ZC3EXLCvybseE1Vp3MLcmP17iseHayySO5vVU6VlzwbfmN_tv_xEZVXJolYJC8wBQsiH0q4n_uS7ZVMC65pUi0hB9sLoCaqz8/s320/MEP+Oxford+Lab+Award.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
One of Dr. Peterson's recently published papers won an award, presented by Oxford Laboratories, for "excellence in the advancement of knowledge concerning small animal endocrinology."<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The paper, <span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6271337/" target="_blank">Spontaneous primary hypothyroidism in 7 adult cats</a>, is available in full as a download <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6271337/" target="_blank">at this link</a>.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><a href="https://medium.com/@drmarkepeterson/spontaneous-primary-hypothyroidism-in-7-adult-cats-699ca1f00e7a" target="_blank">We've cross-posted this paper on Medium here</a>.</span></span><br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 15.9991px;">Given the paucity of data regarding adult‐onset feline hypothyroidism, we sought to describe the history, clinical features (including presence or absence of goiter), diagnostic testing, treatment, and long‐term outcome of 7 adult cats with spontaneous primary hypothyroidism. For these cats, we used the serum concentrations of T</span><span style="background-color: white; bottom: -0.25em; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 0.8461em; line-height: 1.6363em; position: relative; top: 0.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 15.9991px;">, free T</span><span style="background-color: white; bottom: -0.25em; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 0.8461em; line-height: 1.6363em; position: relative; top: 0.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 15.9991px;"> (fT</span><span style="background-color: white; bottom: -0.25em; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 0.8461em; line-height: 1.6363em; position: relative; top: 0.25em; vertical-align: baseline;">4</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 15.9991px;">), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and results of thyroid scintigraphy to aid in both the diagnosis and long‐term monitoring of thyroid hormone replacement treatment.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times new roman" , "stixgeneral" , serif; font-size: 15.9991px;"><br /></span></i>Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-72385797189190224742019-07-17T11:41:00.000-04:002019-07-17T20:16:34.771-04:00New Chemicals in Environment (Organophosphate Esters) Linked to Hyperthyroidism in Cats<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dr. Peterson was involved in a recent study which linked the use of flame retardants and other common household compounds to hyperthyroidism in cats.</div>
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<a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.9b02226" target="_blank">This study, published in Environmental Science & Technology,</a> used silicone pet tags to monitor feline exposure to various chemicals and compounds found throughout the home. These silicone tags were attached to a standard cat collar (see photo above), and most owners reported that wearing the silicone tags didn't bother their cat at all.</div>
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The concern, in general, is that cats are being exposed to OPEs inside the home. OPEs (organophosphate esters) are one type of flame retardant, a chemical alternative to PDBEs. PDBEs began appearing as flame retardants in the 1970s and have been associated with hyperthyroidism in cats in a number of studies, as well as being harmful to humans. PDBEs were phased out beginning in 2004, and OPEs were substituted by manufacturers as an alternative flame retardant. </div>
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<b>This study is the first time we've taken a hard look at OPEs and how they affect cats.</b></div>
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From <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/07/190710103216.htm" target="_blank">one of the press releases</a>: "In the mid-1970s, manufacturers began to put polybrominated diphenyl ethers (<b>PBDEs</b>) into textiles, polyurethane foam, plastics, and electronics. But in 2004, <b>U.S. manufacturers started voluntarily phasing out these flame retardants amidst environmental and health concerns.</b> <b>Alternatives including organophosphate esters (OPEs)</b>, such as tris(1,3-dichloroisopropyl) phosphate (<b>TDCIPP</b>), <b>were added instead</b>, but recent research suggests<b> these flame retardants, like PBDEs, can act as endocrine disruptors.</b> Prior research suggested a link between PBDE levels and feline hyperthyroidism, but so far OPEs have not been examined in this context."</div>
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A direct quote from this study: "To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate bioavailable household OPE exposures between hyperthyroid and non-hyperthyroid cats."</div>
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<b><u>Conclusion</u></b>: Higher concentrations of harmful compounds were found on the tags of cats in homes with air fresher use (versus no air freshener use), as well as modern residences build after 2005 (versus pre-1989), and on the tags of cats who spend more time on upholstered furniture. </div>
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More directly, harmful compounds were found in higher concentration on the tags of hyperthyroid cats, versus on the tags of non-hyperthyroid cats, indicating a higher level of exposure to the compounds (such as OPEs) in the environments of the cats who have become hyperthyroid.</div>
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Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-17545000483496100402018-06-22T10:06:00.001-04:002018-06-22T10:06:37.982-04:00Dr. Peterson Receives the 2018 Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence from ACVIM<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Dr. Mark E. Peterson has been awarded the Robert W. Kirk Award for Professional Excellence by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (<a href="http://www.acvim.org/" target="_blank">ACVIM</a>). <br />
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This award is presented annually to an ACVIM Diplomate with an outstanding career in veterinary medicine, including national and international recognition for contributions and services in activities such as clinical medical practice, instruction, research and/or public service.<br />
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The ACVIM writes: <i>“(Dr. Peterson) pioneered clinical work to identify canine hyperadrenocorticism and feline hyperthyroidism - now the most common endocrine disease of that species.<br /><br />Dr. Peterson was also the first person to use radioiodine to treat feline hyperthyroidism, now the preferred therapy. Dr. Peterson’s dedication to the feline hyperthyroidism makes him a truly distinguished contributor to the field of veterinary medicine and to the ACVIM.”</i><br />
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Dr. John Randolph presented the award to Dr. Peterson, and his presentation included a few quotes from fellow veterinarians:<br />
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<i>“He is an important role model for private practice internists. He has shown …that it is possible to do research, teach, and publish while being in private practice and continuing to see a high volume of patients.”</i><br />
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Another colleague: <i>“Dr. Peterson has not defined his work by merely cataloguing disease syndromes in review papers or book chapters. Rather, he frequently challenges long-held unproven presumptions through thoughtful hypothesis-driven evidence-based outcome studies that include significant case numbers.” </i><br />
<i><br />“His impact on veterinary medicine through his keen clinical observations and seminal research publications is astonishing especially considering that most of his work has been completed in clinical practice settings."</i><br />
<i><br />“While his contributions to veterinary medicine make him a very special veterinarian, his personal attributes make him an exceptional human being. He is one of the most cheerful and exciting people I have ever met. His humbleness as well as his ability to believe in everyone’s potential has been an example to me.” </i><br />
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Dr. Peterson is humbled to be honored with the Robert W. Kirk Award and
will continue his research to further the knowledge of feline and canine
endocrine disorders. To learn more about Dr. Peterson's current
research studies, <a href="http://www.animalendocrine.com/vet-resources/research-studies/" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-20387355473795189562017-09-12T13:28:00.003-04:002017-09-12T13:28:50.892-04:00The Mystery of the Wasting House Cat: Watch the Lecture Online<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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IDEXX has very kindly made the video recording of my August 25th Fellows Presentation available online. </div>
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<i>The Mystery of the Wasting House Cat</i> was a lecture I presented on their Portland, Maine campus. </div>
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<a href="https://idexx.webex.com/idexx/ldr.php?RCID=1375e08fd9065cf0ce8460cd1d29af67" target="_blank">Watch it here</a> (90 minute lecture).</div>
<br />Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com01 Idexx Dr, Westbrook, ME 04092, USA43.6616946 -70.37359609999998618.139660099999997 -111.68219009999999 69.1837291 -29.065002099999987tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-27755411812995184832017-07-11T10:05:00.001-04:002017-07-11T10:05:53.870-04:00Dr. Peterson Recognized for Contribution to Feline Medicine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjV_eVFW5N1ls0ASJvLwkcX9LnCnxY00t7WP66YEp3wYoS9Eeo830UXRm52AvuvZ-2129kGKKyDAX1qhec6EUTlludN8EPQCMp6j5zgwtrm13UT7Gc0sbUr3iSoTePCiaUgvK8xlleiM/s1600/ISFM+Award+Presentation+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHjV_eVFW5N1ls0ASJvLwkcX9LnCnxY00t7WP66YEp3wYoS9Eeo830UXRm52AvuvZ-2129kGKKyDAX1qhec6EUTlludN8EPQCMp6j5zgwtrm13UT7Gc0sbUr3iSoTePCiaUgvK8xlleiM/s400/ISFM+Award+Presentation+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mark Peterson has been awarded the International Society of Feline Medicine (ISFM) and Hill’s Pet Nutrition Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Feline Medicine.</div>
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Dr Peterson is well known for his clinical work, research and teaching in veterinary endocrinology – and, for more than 35 years, has focused most of his research on advancing understanding of endocrine disorders in dogs and cats.</div>
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He has a special interest in hyperthyroidism and diabetes mellitus in cats, and was the first vet to document hyperthyroidism in cats (in 1979) and the first to treat hyperthyroid cats with radioiodine (in 1980).</div>
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Dr Peterson was also the first person to document acromegaly, hypoparathyroidism, insulinoma and Addison’s disease in cats.</div>
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Dr Peterson has published more than 500 journal articles, book chapters and research abstracts, and has received several other distinguished awards during his career.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGIK0m6qfI0mr4Qm9aca-6tD16kWK0URBuEugVwJJn3BAy1Imva6RHIGvsOorIqGvZv-tnHcK-fyEvOdC-sQWx8lrTpHO3MMkcNB_rLnVIawBfxPKUYPpANCeZOM5UYmQojIpqDsdKFM/s1600/*Mark%2Bin%2Bcrowd%2Bat%2BISFM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="1050" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGIK0m6qfI0mr4Qm9aca-6tD16kWK0URBuEugVwJJn3BAy1Imva6RHIGvsOorIqGvZv-tnHcK-fyEvOdC-sQWx8lrTpHO3MMkcNB_rLnVIawBfxPKUYPpANCeZOM5UYmQojIpqDsdKFM/s400/*Mark%2Bin%2Bcrowd%2Bat%2BISFM.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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ISFM veterinary director Andy Sparkes said: “Very few people can claim to have had anything like the impact Mark Peterson has had in the field of veterinary science and feline medicine.</div>
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“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to give Mark the ISFM/Hill’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Feline Medicine. There can be no more worthy recipient, and Mark’s numerous contributions to our knowledge and understanding of feline endocrinology have impacted the health of cats all over the world.”</div>
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<i>article courtesy of <a href="https://www.vettimes.co.uk/news/vet-recognised-for-contribution-to-feline-medicine/" target="_blank">Vet Times</a></i></div>
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Click below to watch Dr. Peterson receiving the award:</div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/QaCuSj4LexE?t=1m10s" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="401" data-original-width="853" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG12bjamNDzW23x23XI8vIPYpz8y9hnDHQz7x0EYRaM728uPerGPulWwmTDm3M0QLAB3v6H_yXMjdm4qsSR_k8vN2eWTQnKNaEGOK19wIApzYr5mrT4oWo-rpaUAxC-XBZqyWS2haaiTg/s400/Screen+Shot+2017-07-11+at+9.43.32+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-74778741635914184672017-05-19T10:03:00.003-04:002017-06-14T09:19:10.578-04:00Hyperthyroidism: The Mystery of the Wasting House-Cats (New York Times Magazine)<br />
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<a href="https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-wasting-house-cats.html?referer" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw_BitfJ4-3_VnqRj2o4NDEzYyCltfXw1TU7z62b0DXLFxQgLhtnqkurkYfvBknD2Q_kdlH7I4r-b6DeVWiXPxhxFMiccOpMMI18fhLgBdFp4fLe-j5jeJ7BtEj-P3paXbShMmAS_U7Rk/s400/21cat1-superJumbo-v2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
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To read the entire article in the New York Times Magazine, click this link:<br />
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<a href="https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-wasting-house-cats.html?referer">https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/05/16/magazine/the-mystery-of-the-wasting-house-cats.html?referer</a><br />
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<br />Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-73721595126804728612015-08-03T08:53:00.000-04:002015-08-03T08:53:40.163-04:00Hypothyroidism in Cats—How is it Diagnosed and Treated?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwbECmhr51Lpo79CvPxyAymB-pxCmTTbV5OTMHDQoBPAzvCSwY5K6bgOLMYbb9e07uFD1yX8lQcTsv41ion9dUqJXCuptzL_Tvgis_KOUzcoOa1veu_UPdyYwTZSrHQyiKFsKAjFKEEU/s1600/Hypothyroid+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDwbECmhr51Lpo79CvPxyAymB-pxCmTTbV5OTMHDQoBPAzvCSwY5K6bgOLMYbb9e07uFD1yX8lQcTsv41ion9dUqJXCuptzL_Tvgis_KOUzcoOa1veu_UPdyYwTZSrHQyiKFsKAjFKEEU/s400/Hypothyroid+cat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Earlier this year, Dr. Mark Peterson participated in an Endocrinology course organized by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). An overview of his lecture on feline hypothyroidism was summarized by Dr. Jennifer Garcia and published in the July 2015 issue of <i>Veterinary Medicine</i>. To access this article online, <a href="http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/hypothyroidism-cats-how-it-diagnosed-and-treated?eid=222804845&bid=1119438" target="_blank">click here</a>.<br />
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<b>Hypothyroidism in cats—how is it diagnosed and treated? </b><br />
More cats may be affected by this disease than you think, and even cats with subclinical or mild forms may benefit from thyroid replacement therapy. In his presentation at the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Small Animal Internal Medicine Endocrinology Course “Feline hypothyroidism: Current aspects on prevalence, diagnosis, and treatment,” Mark E. Peterson, DVM, DACVIM, noted that the number of cats with this disorder may be higher than we think and that many of these cats may benefit from therapy. Peterson explained that most cases of hypothyroidism in cats are iatrogenic in nature—after iodine-131 therapy, antithyroid drug therapy or thyroidectomy. Congenital and adult-onset forms of the disease occur but are considered rare.<br />
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As clinicians, we need to be more aware of this disease since even cats with subclinical or mild forms may benefit from thyroid replacement therapy. Peterson pointed out that up to 20% to 50% of cats with hypothyroidism may have azotemia, which will improve with treatment of the hypothyroidism. Diagnosing hypothyroidism in cats could be challenging, as even cats that are ultimately diagnosed with this disorder may initially have a thyroxine (T4) concentration in the low end of the reference range. The same can be true of a free T4 concentration, even if performed by using equilibrium dialysis.<br />
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<b>Patient evaluation and monitoring</b><br />
For patients in which hypothyroidism is suspected, either based on clinical signs or history (e.g. post iodine-131 therapy), Peterson recommends evaluating the T4 concentration in conjunction with a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration. While the only commercially available TSH assay is canine-specific, the assay cross-reacts with feline TSH as well. As in dogs, finding a low or low-normal T4 concentration in conjunction with an elevated TSH concentration is supportive of a diagnosis of hypothyroidism in cats.<br />
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Three months after iodine-131 therapy or antithyroid drug therapy is initiated or a thyroidectomy is performed, Peterson recommends monitoring T4 concentrations for up to six months. This should be considered sooner in cats that develop evidence of renal disease. He suggests that a post-treatment T4 concentration should be in the mid-normal range. Cats with values lower than this should have a measurement of their TSH concentration, but Peterson says some cats will experience an increase in their TSH concentration prior to a decrease in their T4 concentration.<br />
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<b>Treatment recommendations </b><br />
So which cats should be treated with thyroid hormone therapy? Peterson suggests that cats that have supportive clinical signs—lethargy and weight gain—and low T4 or high TSH concentrations should be treated. Cats that have no clinical signs but have supportive laboratory test results and azotemia should also be treated.<br />
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For cats that require thyroid hormone supplementation, Peterson recommends a starting dose of levothyroxine 0.075 mg orally twice a day. This is higher than what is commonly used in dogs because cats metabolize the hormone much more quickly and don’t absorb it as well as dogs. Administration on an empty stomach is recommended. To monitor cats that are receiving replacement therapy, Peterson recommends a four-hour post-pill T4 concentration with a therapeutic goal in the mid-normal range.Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-76578948470171585732015-07-31T22:03:00.005-04:002015-07-31T22:03:52.418-04:00Diagnosing Feline Hyperthyroidism: Not Always as Simple as One Might Believe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrabpSVwEHu0pefw8i6tqkKkW9tcXn95WG97NcugtNgzWN5V-KXwXTnRRNehMI3rTilyzl52lHLBxDHYD_Z2oVdst-Esqkxa6cibzizMgm3wvUAt5cIgwaLp5oJ3c0a_6xznMy5SPEFE0/s1600/Hyperthyroid+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrabpSVwEHu0pefw8i6tqkKkW9tcXn95WG97NcugtNgzWN5V-KXwXTnRRNehMI3rTilyzl52lHLBxDHYD_Z2oVdst-Esqkxa6cibzizMgm3wvUAt5cIgwaLp5oJ3c0a_6xznMy5SPEFE0/s400/Hyperthyroid+cat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Earlier this year, Dr. Mark Peterson participated in an Endocrinology course organized by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM). An overview of his lecture on "Diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism" was summarized by Dr. Jennifer Garcia and published in the July 2015 issue of <i>Veterinary Medicine</i>. To access this article online, <a href="http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com/diagnosing-feline-hyperthyroidism-its-not-always-simple-it-seems-0?eid=222804845&bid=1119438" target="_blank">click here</a>. <br />
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<b>Diagnosing feline hyperthyroidism: It's not always as simple as it seems</b><br />
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Don't rely too heavily on T4 concentrations since cats can have a false elevation.<br />
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In his presentation, “Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism: A critical evaluation of our current available tests,” Mark Peterson, DVM, DACVIM, discussed some of the pitfalls in relying too heavily on thyroid (thyroxine, or T4) testing alone. While a total T4 concentration will be enough to make an accurate diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in more than 90% of cases, he warned to always pay attention to the clinical signs and physical examination findings. There are cats that can have a false elevation in their T4 concentration, so supportive clinical signs as well as a palpable thyroid nodule will help rule in or rule out the diagnosis. <br />
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When it comes to successfully palpating for evidence of a thyroid nodule, Peterson detailed a few of his favorite techniques:<br />
<ul>
<li>Stand behind the cat with the cat facing away from you—the cat feels less stressed if it can’t see you. Peterson also puts the cat in a basket with a towel so the cat feels more secure and is less squirmy. Use your thumb and index finger to gently run the length of the trachea from the larynx to the thoracic inlet.</li>
<li>Alternatively, with the cat in the same position, turn its head to the left and palpate. Repeat with the cat’s head turned in the other direction.</li>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqoYd8TY_4xK0sH_W5NTZkrJwLDQZioRNu80UwXNSjDu8yS5RJRgZ8YfxAYKWLCLUoB4jXiqXzA72ZlXdwIvgAVI9gc1GvwbRII5RR5-IJXF0MquJAUz8hhO7i-ml9WhD-5k93cYjSAM/s1600/Palpating+in+basket.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqoYd8TY_4xK0sH_W5NTZkrJwLDQZioRNu80UwXNSjDu8yS5RJRgZ8YfxAYKWLCLUoB4jXiqXzA72ZlXdwIvgAVI9gc1GvwbRII5RR5-IJXF0MquJAUz8hhO7i-ml9WhD-5k93cYjSAM/s400/Palpating+in+basket.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Examine the cat from behind, with the cat facing the owner.</b></td></tr>
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For patients in which a thyroid nodule can be palpated but there are no clinical signs and there is no elevation in T4 concentration, he recommends monitoring signs at home and rechecking the level in six to 12 months. <br />
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Peterson also noted that there are different cut-off values from laboratory to laboratory. This means that a T4 concentration that is normal at one laboratory, may actually be elevated at another. This serves as another reminder of the importance of the physical examination and clinical signs when trying to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-73113698686004648742015-06-15T21:31:00.000-04:002015-06-15T21:31:12.916-04:00When To Start Thyroid Hormone Replacement in Cats Treated with Radioiodine (I-131)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have a question about thyroid hormone supplementation for iatrogenic hypothyroidism, especially in cats treated with radioiodine (I-131). More specifically, how long after radioactive iodine therapy do you wait before recommending supplementing hypothyroid cats with thyroxine?<br />
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I work as a small animal internist at a referral hospital where we treat hyperthyroid cats with radioiodine. After treatment, we routinely run serum T4 and free T4 concentrations and full blood work 30 and 90 days after the cat is discharged. I have found that about 20% of these cats are biochemically hypothyroid (low total or free T4 values) at the 30-day recheck, but many of these cats will revert to normal by the 90-day recheck. The other internist at my practice supplements these cats with L-thyroxine at the first recheck if the serum T4 and free T4 values are low. She does this even if they are not azotemic, with the rationale being that the studies show that hypothyroid cats develop worsening azotemia, which can affect their survival (1).<br />
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I am not sure if this is the best approach since I have heard that the residual thyroid follicles may take a few months to regain full function after being suppressed by the over-active thyroid tissue for so long. However, I just want to do what's best (don't we all!)<br />
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Thank you so much. I enjoy reading your website and attending your lectures at conferences.<br />
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<b>My Response:</b><br />
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First of all, I don't find that free T4 determinations are all that helpful in the diagnosis of feline hypothyroidism (2-4). Many cats treated with radioiodine with maintain low-normal values for both total and free T4 but develop high serum TSH concentrations, a situation commonly referred to as subclinical hypothyroidism in human patients. The problem with our cats, however, is that although most of these cats do remain nonclinical for hypothyroidism, many will develop azotemia that will progressively worsen without treatment with thyroid hormone replacement.<br />
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So what I do is as follows: at 30-days post-treatment, I monitor serum concentrations of T4, free T4, and TSH, along with a serum chemistry panel to follow kidney values. If T4 or free T4 values fall into the lower third of the reference range (below 1.5-2.0 µg/dl; reference interval ≈1-4 µg/dl) and TSH rises (above 0.5-0.6 ng/dl; reference range, 0.03-0.03 ng/ml), then the cat is mildly hypothyroid. Some of these cats will recover enough thyroid function to end up as euthyroid, but most remain mildly hypothyroid at both 3 and 6 months, at least based on the finding of high TSH concentrations.<br />
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In these cats with mild or subclinical hypothyroidism, I don't like to treat with levothyroxine (LT4) at this time unless evidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) has developed, with serum creatinine values rising from normal to greater than 2.0 mg/dl. However, this definitely indicates the need for LT4 replacement in order to help maintain renal perfusion and stabilize the serum creatinine concentrations (3-5).<br />
<br />
If we decide not to treat (which is generally the case unless new azotemia has developed), then we monitor again with the same thyroid and renal profiles at 3- and 6 months. Again, if T4 falls into the low-normal range (less than 1.5-2.0 µg/dl) and TSH is clearly high (above 0.5-0.6 ng/dl), I would definitely supplement if new or worsening azotemia is detected. If no azotemia is present, I generally continue to monitor and don't supplement with LT4 unless azotemia does develop.<br />
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Now, if the serum T4 is <u>below</u> normal and the TSH is clearly high at 3 or 6 months (or later), then the cat has overt hypothyroidism (no longer subclinical) and I would definitely supplement with L-T4 (2-4). Many of these cats are still not very symptomatic, but that may simply be a matter of time. If left untreated for 1 to 2 years, most of those cats will develop classical signs of hypothyroidism (eg, lethargy, hair loss, etc).<br />
<br />
So in your case, I would add-in serum TSH to your monitoring protocol. If your owners find that too expensive, then I would replace the free T4 measurement with TSH determination, which is more more helpful in monitoring for cats treated with radioiodine.<br />
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<b>References:</b><br />
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<ol>
<li>Williams TL, Peak KJ, Brodbelt D, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=20649748">Survival and the development of azotemia after treatment of hyperthyroid cats</a>. <i>J Vet Intern Med</i> 2010;24:863-869. </li>
<li>Peterson ME. Feline focus: <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23975586">Diagnostic testing for feline thyroid disease: hypothyroidism</a>. <i>Compend Contin Educ Vet</i> 2013;35:E4. </li>
<li>Peterson ME. Diagnosis and management of iatrogenic hypothyroidism In: Little SE, ed. <i>August's Consultations in Feline Internal Medicine</i>: Elsevier, 2014;in press.</li>
<li>Peterson ME, Guterl JN.Subclinical iatrogenic hypothyroidism in the cat: Clinical, laboratory, and thyroid scintigraphic findings in 35 cases. <i>J Vet Intern Med</i> 2015;29:448-449.</li>
<li>Williams TL, Elliott J, Syme HM. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24773059">Effect on renal function of restoration of euthyroidism in hyperthyroid cats with iatrogenic hypothyroidism</a>. <i>J Vet Intern Med</i> 2014;28:1251-1255.</li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-35542640686275270512015-05-11T08:52:00.000-04:002015-05-11T08:52:21.731-04:00Top Endocrine Publications of 2014: The Feline Thyroid Gland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiN247H6X-v1aJqCmQZJyQK2RBg6VF5zUxYvjZGwpPFxSoft02S-KE0wWRlXjC8SUOpub0OIMJcFvwT2MGKFtq3Sm-EXwPNre6eXjucHstdMyHkJllD_C3UsHro1nJxPFaIi41vCjtU0/s1600/Thyroid+nodule+in+cat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLiN247H6X-v1aJqCmQZJyQK2RBg6VF5zUxYvjZGwpPFxSoft02S-KE0wWRlXjC8SUOpub0OIMJcFvwT2MGKFtq3Sm-EXwPNre6eXjucHstdMyHkJllD_C3UsHro1nJxPFaIi41vCjtU0/s400/Thyroid+nodule+in+cat.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
In my fourth compilation of the canine and feline endocrine publications of 2014, I’m moving on to disorders of the feline thyroid gland. Listed below are 32 papers that deal with a variety of thyroid gland topics of issues of clinical importance in cats.<br />
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These range from from a survey of owners' perceptions and experiences after using radioiodine to treat their hyperthyroid cats (1) to the results of an online survey to determine owner experiences and opinions on the management of their cats using oral anti-thyroid medications (14); from case reports of methimazole or carbimazole-induced toxicity in cats with hyperthyroidism (3,5,19) to a number of publications involving various issues of medical treatment with methimazole (2,4,7,14,15,20); from a study of the concurrent diseases detected in hyperthyroid cats undergoing assessment for radioiodine treatment (25) to concurrent diseases and conditions in cats with renal infarcts (including hyperthyroidism (12); and finally, from studies investigating the efficacy of an iodine-restricted diet for management of cats with hyperthyroidism (9,30) to other forms of dietary management for this endocrine disease (19,24).<br />
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Finally, 2 investigations add further data concerning chronic renal disease in hyperthyroid cats (31,32), as well as the fact that iatrogenic hypothyroidism contributes to azotemia in these cats (31). A number of 2014 publications deal with the rising prevalence and/or etiopathogenesis of hyperthyroidism in cats (6,16,17,21,22,23,29). Unfortunately, further studies are needed to better define the cause(s) of this perplexing disease (<a href="http://joe.endocrinology-journals.org/content/223/2/T97.long" target="_blank">download</a> my review paper for more discussion) (23).<br />
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<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Boland LA, Murray JK, Bovens CP, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24423811" target="_blank">A survey of owners' perceptions and experiences of radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism in the UK</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:663-670. </li>
<li>Boretti FS, Sieber-Ruckstuhl NS, Schafer S, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24174499" target="_blank">Transdermal application of methimazole in hyperthyroid cats: a long-term follow-up study</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:453-459. </li>
<li>Bowlt K, Cattin I, Stewart J. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24255992" target="_blank">Carbimazole-associated hypersensitivity vasculitis in a cat</a>. J Small Anim Pract 2014;55:643-647. </li>
<li>Bruyette D. <a href="http://todaysveterinarypractice.epubxp.com/i/354788-jul-aug-2014/42" target="_blank">Methimazole management of feline hyperthyroidism</a>. Today's Veterinary Practice 2014;July/August:38-41.</li>
<li>Castro Lopez J, Lloret A, Ravera I, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24101746" target="_blank">Pyogranulomatous mural folliculitis in a cat treated with methimazole</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:527-531. </li>
<li>Chow K, Beatty JA, Barrs VR, et al. P<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25359748" target="_blank">BDEs and feline hyperthyroidism</a>. Vet Rec 2014;175:433-434. </li>
<li>Daminet S, Kooistra HS, Fracassi F, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24372075" target="_blank">Best practice for the pharmacological management of hyperthyroid cats with antithyroid drugs</a>. J Small Anim Pract 2014;55:4-13. </li>
<li>Daniel GB, Neelis DA. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24314043" target="_blank">Thyroid scintigraphy in veterinary medicine</a>. Semin Nucl Med 2014;44:24-34. </li>
<li>Fritsch DA, Allen TA, Dodd DE, et al. <a href="http://www.jarvm.com/articles/Vol12Iss1/Vol12Iss1Fritsch.pdf" target="_blank">A restricted iodine food reduces circulating thyroxine concentrations in cats with hyperthyroidism</a>. Intern J Appl Res Vet Med 2014;12:24-32. </li>
<li>Fryers A, Elwood C. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24621855" target="_blank">Hypokalaemia in a hyperthyroid domestic shorthair cat with adrenal hyperplasia</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:853-857. </li>
<li>Galgano M, Spalla I, Callegari C, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24417675" target="_blank">Primary hypothyroidism and thyroid goiter in an adult cat</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:682-686. </li>
<li>Hickey MC, Jandrey K, Farrell KS, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24528199" target="_blank">Concurrent diseases and conditions in cats with renal infarcts</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:319-323. </li>
<li>Higgs P, Costa M, Freke A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24438095" target="_blank">Measurement of thyroxine and cortisol in canine and feline blood samples using two immunoassay analysers</a>. J Small Anim Pract 2014;55:153–159. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.12181/abstract</li>
<li>Higgs P, Murray JK, Hibbert A. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24423813" target="_blank">Medical management and monitoring of the hyperthyroid cat: a survey of UK general practitioners</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:788-795. </li>
<li>Hill K, Gieseg M, Bridges J, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24350893" target="_blank">The pharmacokinetics of methimazole in a novel lipophilic formulation administered transdermally to healthy cats.</a> N Z Vet J 2014;62:208-213. </li>
<li>Hill KE, Shaw IC. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25193760" target="_blank">Does exposure to thyroxine-mimics cause feline thyroid hyperplasia?</a> Vet Rec 2014;175:228-229. </li>
<li>Kooistra HS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25377207" target="_blank">Feline hyperthyroidism: a common disorder with unknown pathogenesis</a>. Vet Rec 2014;175:456-457. </li>
<li>Kujawa A, Olias P, Bottcher A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24813152" target="_blank">Thyroid transcription factor-1 is a specific marker of benign but not malignant feline lung tumours</a>. J Comp Pathol 2014;151:19-24. </li>
<li>Laflamme D, Gunn-Moore D. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24951345" target="_blank">Nutrition of aging cats</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2014;44:761-774, vi. </li>
<li>Mardell EJ. <a href="http://inpractice.bmj.com/content/35/4/162.abstract" target="_blank">Diagnosis and management of feline hyperthyroidism</a>. In Practice 2014;35:162-170.</li>
<li>McLean JL, Lobetti RG, Schoeman JP. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25685895" target="_blank">Worldwide prevalence and risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism: A review</a>. J S Afr Vet Assoc 2014;85:1097. </li>
<li>O'Neill DG, Church DB, McGreevy PD, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25178688" target="_blank">Prevalence of disorders recorded in cats attending primary-care veterinary practices in England</a>. Vet J 2014;202:286-291. </li>
<li>Peterson ME. <a href="http://joe.endocrinology-journals.org/content/223/2/T97.long" target="_blank">Feline hyperthyroidism: an animal model for toxic nodular goiter</a>. J Endocrinol 2014;223:T97-T114. </li>
<li>Peterson ME, Eirmann L. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24951346" target="_blank">Dietary management of feline endocrine disease</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract2014;44:775-788. </li>
<li>Puig J, Cattin I, Seth M. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25234248" target="_blank">Concurrent diseases in hyperthyroid cats undergoing assessment prior to radioiodine treatment</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014. </li>
<li>Rasmussen SH, Andersen HH, Kjelgaard-Hansen M. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24588571" target="_blank">Combined assessment of serum free and total T4 in a general clinical setting seemingly has limited potential in improving diagnostic accuracy of thyroid dysfunction in dogs and cats (Letter)</a>. Vet Clin Pathol 2014;43:1-3. </li>
<li>Sangster JK, Panciera DL, Abbott JA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24350989" target="_blank">Cardiac biomarkers in hyperthyroid cats</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:465-472. </li>
<li>Schober KE, Kent AM, Aeffner F. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24568807" target="_blank">Tachycardia-induced cardiomyopathy in a cat</a>. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 2014;156:133-139. </li>
<li>Stephens MJ, Neill DG, Church DB, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25028466" target="_blank">Feline hyperthyroidism reported in primary-care veterinary practices in England: prevalence, associated factors and spatial distribution</a>. Vet Rec 2014;175:458. </li>
<li>van der Kooij M, Becvarova I, Meyer HP, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24232246" target="_blank">Effects of an iodine-restricted food on client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:491-498. </li>
<li>Williams TL, Elliott J, Syme HM. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24773059" target="_blank">Effect on renal function of restoration of euthyroidism in hyperthyroid cats with iatrogenic hypothyroidism</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:1251-1255. </li>
<li>Williams TL, Elliott J, Syme HM. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24656748" target="_blank">Association between urinary vascular endothelial growth factor excretion and chronic kidney disease in hyperthyroid cats</a>. Res Vet Sci 2014;96:436-441. </li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-11208525819606734642015-05-01T02:52:00.000-04:002015-05-01T02:52:01.112-04:00Can Thyroid Function be Monitored in Hypothyroid Dogs Treated with Steroids?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Some of my hypothyroid dogs also intermittently receive corticosteroids at anti-inflammatory doses to treat flare-ups of allergic dermatitis. Does the corticosteroid therapy affect thyroid hormone concentrations and interfere with testing—either for the initial diagnosis or for therapeutic monitoring purposes?<br />
<br />
Are thyroxine supplementation dosage adjustments needed during corticosteroid therapy?<br />
<br />
<b>My Response:</b><br />
<br />
Glucocorticoids are known to affect serum thyroid hormone concentrations in dogs (1-4). Dogs receiving anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive doses of prednisone or prednisolone can have altered thyroid function test results, especially if they have been receiving the corticosteroids for more than 2 weeks. In general, I would prefer to see dogs off of all forms of corticosteroids for at least 4-to 6-weeks before trying to evaluate thyroid function.<br />
<br />
In dogs receiving thyroid hormone supplementation that subsequently begin to receive corticosteroid therapy, we generally do not perform laboratory tests to evaluate thyroid function until the corticosteroids have been removed. However, one paper in 2011 by O'Neill et al did study the effect of short-term anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone in dogs with naturally occurring hypothyroidism (5).<br />
<br />
In that report, 8 dogs with spontaneous hypothyroidism already being treated with levothyroxine (L-T4) were given prednisone (1 mg/kg orally) daily for 7 days and then on alternate days for 14 days (5). Serum total thyroxine (T4), free T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations were measured on days 7, 21, and 28 and compared with baseline data. Results showed that total T4 concentrations were significantly decreased after 7 days of an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone, but T4 values were not significantly altered from baseline on days 21 or 28 while on every other day dosing. Free T4 and TSH concentrations were not significantly altered from baseline at any point during the study. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">My Bottom Line</span></b><br />
<br />
Based on the results of the O'Neill study (5) administration of prednisone at a dosage of 1 mg/kg given orally once daily for 7 days decreased total T4 concentrations, while free T4 concentrations were unchanged. This suggests that free T4 concentrations may be less affected by daily prednisone administration. Anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone, when administered every other day, did not interfere with thyroid hormone monitoring.<br />
<br />
These results also agree with two previous studies, which showed that anti-inflammatory prednisone did not affect serum total T4 concentrations in thyroid-supplemented, thyroidectomized dogs (3,6).<br />
<br />
So, at least with short-term administration of a single daily anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone, thyroid function may be evaluated by looking at free T4 or TSH concentrations. However, these results cannot be generalized to dogs taking prednisone for longer periods or at higher immunosuppressive doses (2-4 mg/kg/day).<br />
<br />
<b>References</b><br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Woltz HH, Thompson FN, Kemppainen RJ, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6650954" target="_blank">Effect of prednisone on thyroid gland morphology and plasma thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations in the dog</a>. Am J Vet Res 1983;44:2000-2003. </li>
<li>Torres SM, McKeever PJ, Johnston SD. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2035915" target="_blank">Effect of oral administration of prednisolone on thyroid function in dogs</a>. Am J Vet Res 1991;52:416-421. </li>
<li>Moore GE, Ferguson DC, Hoenig M. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8427457" target="_blank">Effects of oral administration of anti-inflammatory doses of prednisone on thyroid hormone response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone and thyrotropin in clinically normal dogs</a>. Am J Vet Res 1993;54:130-135. </li>
<li>Daminet S, Paradis M, Refsal KR, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10367157" target="_blank">Short-term influence of prednisone and phenobarbital on thyroid function in euthyroid dogs</a>. Can Vet J 1999;40:411-415. </li>
<li>O'Neill SH, Frank LA, Reynolds LM. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21070400" target="_blank">Effect of an anti-inflammatory dose of prednisone on thyroid hormone monitoring in hypothyroid dogs</a>. Vet Dermatol 2011;22:202-205.</li>
<li>Kaptein EM, Moore GE, Ferguson DC et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1537315" target="_blank">Effects of prednisone on thyroxine and 3,5,3’-triiodothyronine metabolism in normal dogs</a>. Endocrinology
1992;130:1669–1679.</li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-88054373846299676462015-04-22T07:57:00.001-04:002015-04-22T07:57:55.474-04:00Methimazole Treatment of Canine Hyperthyroidism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
My patient is a 13-year old spayed female Golden retriever that presented with history of progressive polydispia, polyuria, panting, and weight loss despite a good appetite. On my physical examination, I palpated a freely-movable right cervical mass (2-3 inch in diameter) in the area of the thyroid gland. I aspirated the mass, and the results of thyroid cytology were consistent with carcinoma of thyroid origin.<br />
<br />
Chest radiographs were clear, with no metastasis detected. Routine blood testing (CBC and serum chemistry panel) was normal except for a slightly high serum alkaline phosphatase (281 U/L; reference interval, 20-120 IU/L).<br />
<br />
Results of a serum thyroid panel showed a high total T4 concentration (6.5 µg/dl; normal, 1-4 µg/dl), a high free T4 by dialysis (75 pmol/L; normal, 10-50 pmol/L), and suppressed cTSH value (less than 0.03 ng/ml).<br />
<br />
I advised a thyroid biopsy and thyroidectomy, but owner is reluctant to do because of the expense and dog’s older age. If this dog is hyperthyroid, what is the treatment of choice? Do I have any medical options to control the signs? Can I use methimazole to lower the high serum T4 and free T4 values?<br />
<br />
<b>
My Response:</b><br />
<br />
I agree that this dog likely has a hyperfunctioning thyroid tumor, based on the clinical features, high T4 and free T4, suppressed TSH concentration, and results of the thyroid cytology (1-4). As in cats (5), high serum alkaline phosphatase activity is also seen in some dogs with hyperthyroidism, so that finding too goes along with the diagnosis.<br />
<br />
Most dogs with hyperfunctioning thyroid tumors have thyroid carcinoma. In general, these thyroid carcinomas are quite malignant in dogs and pulmonary metastasis in not uncommon (1-4).<br />
<br />
Methimazole can be used to control the hyperthyroidism but this will not stop tumor growth, local invasion, or metastasis. Radioiodine, surgery followed by chemotherapy, or local external radiation are all options (1-4). In this dog, radioiodine might be ideal because the tumor would likely concentrate the injected radioiodine very nicely; it may result in cure, even if we have undetected metastasis (6).<br />
<br />
If methimazole is used, I'd start with 5 mg twice daily, in a dog of this size. You should adjust the dose as needed, monitoring serum T4 concentrations as you would in a hyperthyroid cat. Again, without definitive treatment, this dog’s thyroid tumor will likely metastasize and eventually lead to the dog's death. <br />
<br />
<b>
References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Rijnberk A. Hyperthyroidism in the dog and its treatment with radioactive iodide. Tijdschr Diergeneeskd 1966;91:789-794.</li>
<li>Rijnberk A, der Kinderen PJ. Toxic thyroid carcinoma in the dog. Acta Endocrinological 1969;Supplement 138:177.</li>
<li>Peterson ME, Kintzer PP, Hurley JR, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=2926718" target="_blank">Radioactive iodine treatment of a functional thyroid carcinoma producing hyperthyroidism in a dog</a>. J Vet Intern Med 1989;3:20-25. </li>
<li>Peterson ME. Hyperthyroidism and thyroid tumors in dogs In: Melian C, Perez Alenza MD, Peterson ME, et al., eds. <a href="http://www.casadellibro.com/libro-manual-de-endocrinologia-de-pequenos-animales/9788496344211/1200966" target="_blank">Manual de Endocrinología en Pequeños Animales (Manual of Small Animal Endocrinology)</a>. Barcelona, Spain: Multimedica, 2008;113-125.</li>
<li>Berent AC, Drobatz KJ, Ziemer L, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&dopt=Citation&list_uids=18196729" target="_blank">Liver function incats with hyperthyroidism before and after 131I therapy</a>. J Vet Intern Med
2007;21:1217-1223. </li>
<li>Turrel JM, McEntee MC, Burke BP, et al.
<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16910854" target="_blank">Sodium iodide I 131 treatment of dogs with nonresectable thyroid tumors: 39cases (1990-2003)</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006;229:542-548. </li>
</ol>
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Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-52860642107469721402015-04-17T10:50:00.000-04:002015-04-17T10:59:12.377-04:00Hypothyroidism Associated with Acromegaly and Insulin-resistant Diabetes Mellitus in a Samoyed<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>PAPER REVIEW</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: red;">Hypothyroidism Associated with Acromegaly and Insulin-resistant Diabetes Mellitus in a Samoyed</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
by T. Johnstone, E. Terzo, and C. Mooney</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25290378" target="_blank"><i>Australian Veterinary Journal</i> 2014; 92:437-442</a>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Background</b></div>
Although both hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus are common disorders of dogs, it is relatively uncommon for a dog to develop both diseases concurrently. Insulin-resistant diabetes has been reported in a few dogs with underlying hypothyroidism (1-3), but the mechanisms underlying the insulin resistance is not clear. However, hypothyroidism may lead to alteration of other hormones that influence glucose metabolism, and previous studies of hypothyroid dogs have documented excessive production of growth hormone (GH), a known insulin antagonist (4,5). In one study, Beagles with radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism were reported to have a progressive elevation in serum GH concentrations (a known insulin antagonist), but none of those dogs developed overt diabetes (6).<br />
<br />
The purpose of this case report by Johnstone et al. (7) is to describe a dog diagnosed with naturally occurring hypothyroidism that also had concurrent signs of acromegaly and diabetes. In this dog, the insulin resistance and associated diabetic state was reversed with appropriate L-thyroxine supplementation.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Case Report</b><br />
A 4-year-old male entire Samoyed presented with an 8-month history of pedal hyperkeratosis and shifting lameness, which had been unresponsive to zinc supplementation, antibiotics, and glucocorticoid therapy. The dog also exhibited exercise intolerance of 12-months duration. Recently, polydipsia and polyuria were also noted. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiJNo9vy84qWOzzppg71tjUUrddbNWighNnrds2lbQmsMTkTXHt7XJ9017akqNsOkkM6mmDh6uIN09n2pQaJJE-tLm6f4xMoI09Ufj4iEAk-4q9mADks8q93o8Y-30TmuIh9CAtzr1p0/s1600/Hypothyroid+acromegalic+dog.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPiJNo9vy84qWOzzppg71tjUUrddbNWighNnrds2lbQmsMTkTXHt7XJ9017akqNsOkkM6mmDh6uIN09n2pQaJJE-tLm6f4xMoI09Ufj4iEAk-4q9mADks8q93o8Y-30TmuIh9CAtzr1p0/s1600/Hypothyroid+acromegalic+dog.tiff" height="200" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Marked interdental spacing</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On physical examination, obesity, poor coat condition, widened spaces between the teeth, and mild respiratory stridor were noted (see Figure).<br />
<br />
Initial laboratory test results confirmed marked hyperglycemia, consistent with diabetes mellitus. Serum concentrations of total thyroxine (T4), free T4 by equilibrium dialysis, and free triiodothyronine (T3) were below the reference limits, and canine thyroid-stimulating hormone (cTSH) levels was above the reference limits, diagnostic for primary hypothyroidism.<br />
<br />
Before treatment for diabetes and hypothyroidism was initiated, further tests were performed to investigate a potential link between these two conditions. An upper airway examination revealed mild soft tissue hypertrophy but normal laryngeal function. The pretreatment serum insulin concentration was above the reference limits, suggesting endogenous insulin resistance. A baseline serum IGF-1 concentration was within reference limits. However, basal serum GH concentrations were markedly elevated, and a further paradoxical increase in GH concentration was noted after administration of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). CT imaging of the pituitary suggested slight enlargement of the gland but no pituitary tumor was evident.<br />
<br />
Overall, the high serum GH concentrations, together with the clinical features (e.g., widened interdental spaces, and mild respiratory stridor), was considered diagnostic for acromegaly.<br />
<br />
Treatment was initiated using both insulin (Caninsulin, 20 IU every 12 h) and thyroid supplementation (levothyroxine, L-T4, 0.02 mg/kg every 24 h). Over the next few weeks, the exogenous insulin requirements started to decrease, and all exogenous insulin was discontinued 155 days later. The dog remained euglycemic 2 years after diagnosis, with continued daily supplementation of L-T4 alone.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">My Bottom Line:</span></b><br />
<br />
In this dog, diabetes mellitus was thought to be a secondary consequence of insulin resistance, as demonstrated by the high pretreatment serum insulin concentration. Insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus has been previously described in a few dogs with naturally occurring hypothyroidism (1-3), but the pathogenesis for the concurrent development of the two diseases is not totally understood.<br />
<br />
It has been reported, however, that primary hypothyroidism can lead to with functional and morphological changes of the pituitary gland (4-6). Most notably, transdifferentiation of pituitary TSH-producing cells to cells producing both TSH and GH has been documented (6), which can result in increased GH production and secretion in these dogs. The high basal GH concentration and the paradoxical increase of GH after stimulation with TRH in this dog (7) confirmed that hypothyroidism-induced acromegaly and secondary diabetes was likely.<br />
<br />
Although the true prevalence of hypothyroidism-induced acromegaly in dogs is not known, our clinical experience suggests that hypothyroidism is rarely associated with acromegaly. However, it is likely that acromegaly goes under-diagnosed in some hypothyroid dogs since many of the clinical signs of both disorders are similar. Furthermore, pituitary transdifferentiation of TSH to GH hypersecretion would be expected to take a long time to develop, and therefore, hypothyroidism-induced acromegaly may only become significant when hypothyroidism remains undiagnosed or untreated for several months to years (6). <br />
<br />
In this dog, the fact that the diabetic state resolved during treatment with L-T4 suggests that the pituitary GH overproduction resolved as euthyroidism was achieved. Unfortunately, repeat TRH stimulation testing or serum GH measurements were not repeated after resolution of the diabetic state, so we can not say for certain that the acromegalic state truly resolved. Further studies certainly are needed to investigate hypothyroidism-induced GH production, but this interesting case certainly does add some insight to what may be going on in these dogs.<br />
<br />
<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Blois SL, Dickie E, Kruth SA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21671817" target="_blank">Multiple endocrine diseases in dogs: 35 cases (1996-2009)</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2011;238:1616-1621. </li>
<li>Ford SL, Nelson RW, Feldman EC, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8496104" target="_blank">Insulin resistance in three dogs with hypothyroidism and diabetes mellitus</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1993;202:1478-1480. </li>
<li>Hess RS, Saunders HM, Van Winkle TJ, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11043687" target="_blank">Concurrent disorders in dogs with diabetes mellitus: 221 cases (1993-1998)</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000;217:1166-1173. </li>
<li>Lee WM, Diaz-Espineira M, Mol JA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11139770" target="_blank">Primary hypothyroidism in dogs is associated with elevated GH release</a>. J Endocrinol 2001;168:59-66. </li>
<li>Diaz-Espineira MM, Galac S, Mol JA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17363208" target="_blank">Thyrotropin-releasing hormone-induced growth hormone secretion in dogs with primary hypothyroidism</a>. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2008;34:176-181. </li>
<li>Diaz-Espineira MM, Mol JA, van den Ingh TS, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18400449" target="_blank">Functional and morphological changes in the adenohypophysis of dogs with induced primary hypothyroidism: loss of TSH hypersecretion, hypersomatotropism, hypoprolactinemia, and pituitary enlargement with transdifferentiation</a>. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2008;35:98-111. </li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Johnstone T, Terzo E, Mooney CT. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25290378" target="_blank">Hypothyroidism associated with acromegaly and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus in a Samoyed</a>. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Aust Vet J</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 2014;92:437-442. </span></li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-28056701932039204392015-04-15T12:08:00.000-04:002015-04-15T12:08:03.378-04:00Top Endocrine Publications of 2014: The Canine Thyroid Gland<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBfPbOS2jvx7wSEMOW8wpAJh8o_L9osyAqS4fpC0FMvLW7DO7269t9P6Cwta0KTNG9mA2uqTZ1LIGILEwSGn7w4Em2PlPGZxRqaZo7fLMhgPt5vAJdCTrkTwfdC4R9-KLUo2xGNADr7I/s1600/Dog+with+thyroid+carcinoma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpBfPbOS2jvx7wSEMOW8wpAJh8o_L9osyAqS4fpC0FMvLW7DO7269t9P6Cwta0KTNG9mA2uqTZ1LIGILEwSGn7w4Em2PlPGZxRqaZo7fLMhgPt5vAJdCTrkTwfdC4R9-KLUo2xGNADr7I/s1600/Dog+with+thyroid+carcinoma.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Large goiter due to thyroid carcinoma</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my third compilation of the canine and feline endocrine publications of 2014, I’m moving on to disorders of the canine thyroid gland. Listed below are 21 research papers written in 2014 that deal with a variety of thyroid gland topics and issues of clinical importance.<br />
<br />
A number of these publications deal with clinical, pathologic, diagnostic, or therapeutic aspects of thyroid carcinoma (1-6,10,13,14,17,18). Of these, two papers (1,14) deal specifically with ectopic thyroid tumors arising in the sublingual location, which may indicate that such ectopic tumors are not as uncommon as once thought. <br />
<br />
Other publications include a case report of a hypothyroid dog suffering from insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus and acromegaly (8); interestingly, after treatment with L-thyroxine, the insulin resistance and diabetes resolved. <br />
<br />
Other papers report on various studies on hypothyroidism in dogs including the effect of age of lipid metabolism (9) to the <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">association between gall bladder mucoceles and hyperlipidemia (12); and </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">from exercise-induced hypercoagulability, von Willebrand factor, and thyroid hormone concentrations in sled dogs (11) to </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">evaluation of serum thyroid hormones in dogs with systemic inflammation or sepsis (16).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Finally, other papers include a case report of a hypothyroid dog with </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">polyneuropathy that resolved following thyroid supplementation (20), to a study of the p</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">harmacokinetics of total T4 after repeated oral administration of L-T4 solution in hypothyroid dogs (21).</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
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<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Broome MR, Peterson ME, Walker JR. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25056508" target="_blank">Clinical features and treatment outcomes of 41 dogs with sublingual ectopic thyroid neoplasia</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:1560-1568. </li>
<li>Campos M, Ducatelle R, Kooistra HS, et al.<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24612088" target="_blank"> Immunohistochemical expression of potential therapeutic targets in canine thyroid carcinoma.</a> J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:564-570. </li>
<li>Campos M, Ducatelle R, Rutteman G, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25252127" target="_blank">Clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical prognostic factors in dogs with thyroid carcinoma</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:1805-1813. </li>
<li>Campos M, Kool MM, Daminet S, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25231196" target="_blank">Upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the tumorigenesis of canine thyroid carcinoma</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:1814-1823. </li>
<li>Ciaputa R, Nowak M, Kandefer-Gola M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25007184" target="_blank">Morphological and immunohistological characteristics of follicular-compact thyroid carcinoma in dog</a>. Folia Histochem Cytobiol 2014;52:157-161. </li>
<li>Deitz K, Gilmour L, Wilke V, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24702524" target="_blank">Computed tomographic appearance of canine thyroid tumours</a>. J Small Anim Pract 2014;55:323-329. </li>
<li>Higgs P, Costa M, Freke A, et al. <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsap.12181/abstract" target="_blank">Measurement of thyroxine and cortisol in canine and feline blood samples using two immunoassay analyser</a>s. J Small Anim Pract 2014;55:153–159. </li>
<li>Johnstone T, Terzo E, Mooney CT. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25290378" target="_blank">Hypothyroidism associated with acromegaly and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus in a Samoyed.</a> Aust Vet J 2014;92:437-442. </li>
<li>Kawasumi K, Kashiwado N, Okada Y, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24597741" target="_blank">Age effects on plasma cholesterol and triglyceride profiles and metabolite concentrations in dogs</a>. BMC Vet Res 2014;10:57. </li>
<li>Kobayashi R, Yamada N, Kitamori T, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24805905" target="_blank">Follicular thyroid carcinoma characterized by abundant stromal components with chondroid and osseous metaplasia in a dog</a>. J Vet Med Sci 2014;76:1161-1164. </li>
<li>Krogh AK, Legind P, Kjelgaard-Hansen M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24507241" target="_blank">Exercise induced hypercoagulability, increased von Willebrand factor and decreased thyroid hormone concentrations in sled dogs</a>. Acta Vet Scand 2014;56:11. </li>
<li>Kutsunai M, Kanemoto H, Fukushima K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24268484" target="_blank">The association between gall bladder mucoceles and hyperlipidaemia in dogs: A retrospective case control study</a>. Vet J 2014;199:76-79. </li>
<li>Metivier KS, Deitz K, Xu WW, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22925004" target="_blank">Gene expression profiling demonstrates differential expression of osteopontin in follicular thyroid carcinomas compared to normal thyroid tissue in dogs</a>. Vet Comp Oncol 2014;12:181-197. </li>
<li>Milovancev M, Wilson DM, Monnet E, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24846433" target="_blank">Partial resection of the hyoid apparatus during surgical treatment of ectopic thyroid carcinomas in dogs: 5 cases (2011-2013)</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2014;244:1319-1324. </li>
<li>Muller TR, Assis MM, Doiche DP, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24450935" target="_blank">Do thyroid ultrasonographic features change according to age in euthyroid dogs?</a> Anat Histol Embryol 2014;43:468-473. </li>
<li>Pashmakova MB, Bishop MA, Steiner JM, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24698053" target="_blank">Evaluation of serum thyroid hormones in dogs with systemic inflammatory response syndrome or sepsis</a>. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2014;24:264-271. </li>
<li>Pessina P, Castillo V, Sartore I, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25082554" target="_blank">Semiquantitative immunohistochemical marker staining and localization in canine thyroid carcinoma and normal thyroid gland</a>. Vet Comp Oncol 2014. </li>
<li>Pineyro P, Vieson MD, Ramos-Vara JA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24690600" target="_blank">Histopathological and immunohistochemical findings of primary and metastatic medullary thyroid carcinoma in a young dog</a>. J Vet Sci 2014;15:449-453. </li>
<li>Rasmussen SH, Andersen HH, Kjelgaard-Hansen M. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24588571" target="_blank">Combined assessment of serum free and total T4 in a general clinical setting seemingly has limited potential in improving diagnostic accuracy of thyroid dysfunction in dogs and cats</a>. Vet Clin Pathol 2014;43:1-3. </li>
<li>Utsugi S, Saito M, Shelton GD. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25028439" target="_blank">Resolution of polyneuropathy in a hypothyroid dog following thyroid supplementation</a>. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2014;50:345-349. </li>
<li>van Dijl IC, Le Traon G, van de Meulengraaf BD, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24773132" target="_blank">Pharmacokinetics of total thyroxine after repeated oral administration of levothyroxine solution and its clinical efficacy in hypothyroid dogs</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:1229-1234. </li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-39081074590508475972015-02-23T14:38:00.000-05:002015-02-23T14:38:03.217-05:00Top Endocrine Publications of 2014: The Canine and Feline Pituitary Gland <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDTP4Ww-s-tEk9zVzWlQtf4NxU9eTIP-Coa_OzYir3M9vE0Xpd_YHDk_iHwssXhW_nUFw7nX-pvm0o3ngvWuZMObsGwaYn2DCX9njDuHYuy1jxC3SKH7woS9D5tJcWwz9ZQQYUvyjALg/s1600/Pituitary_Gland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoDTP4Ww-s-tEk9zVzWlQtf4NxU9eTIP-Coa_OzYir3M9vE0Xpd_YHDk_iHwssXhW_nUFw7nX-pvm0o3ngvWuZMObsGwaYn2DCX9njDuHYuy1jxC3SKH7woS9D5tJcWwz9ZQQYUvyjALg/s1600/Pituitary_Gland.jpg" height="155" width="320" /></a></div>
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For my next review of the endocrine publications of 2014 that concern companion animals, I'm going to turn to the theme of diagnosis and treatment of pituitary problems in dogs and cats. Listed below are 18 clinical and research papers written in 2014 that deal with a variety of pituitary gland issues of clinical importance in dogs and cats.<br />
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These range from case studies of cats with primary hypodipsia and inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (1,2) to an investigation of the clinical utility of formulas of estimated serum osmolality (3); from a study of acromegaly in a series German shepherd dogs (4) to a number of excellent studies of the clinical features, diagnosis, or treatment of feline acromegaly (8,9,13,15); and from investigation of the stress response in dogs (5,14) to a study of the intraoperative changes of circulating vasopressin during elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs (6).<br />
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Other publications include a study investigating the problems associated with commercial assays for determination of feline ACTH (7) to a review of the use of GnRH agonists in dogs and cats (10); from a report of a transsphenoidal surgical technique for removal of pituitary adenomas in dogs with pituitary-dependent Cushing's disease (11) to a review of the role of prolactin in canine mammary tumor development (12); and finally, from a report of the clinical findings, diagnostic test results, and treatment outcome of 30 cats with spontaneous Cushing's disease (<span style="font-family: inherit;">16) to an investigation of the <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17.9998016357422px;">mutations associated with pituitary dwarfism in Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs </span>(18).</span><br />
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<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Bach J, Claus K. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24563495" target="_blank">Primary hypodipsia in a cat with severe hypernatremia</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:240-242. </li>
<li>Demonaco SM, Koch MW, Southard TL. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24657877" target="_blank">Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in a cat with a putative Rathke's cleft cyst</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:1010-1015. </li>
<li>Dugger DT, Epstein SE, Hopper K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24739033" target="_blank">A comparison of the clinical utility of several published formulae for estimated osmolality of canine serum.</a> J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2014;24:188-193. </li>
<li>Fracassi F, Zagnoli L, Rosenberg D, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24986315" target="_blank">Spontaneous acromegaly: a retrospective case control study in German shepherd dogs.</a> Vet J 2014;202:69-75. </li>
<li>Hekman JP, Karas AZ, Sharp CR. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25126422" target="_blank">Psychogenic stress in hospitalized dogs: cross species comparisons, implications for health care, and the challenges of evaluation.</a> Animals (Basel) 2014;4:331-347. </li>
<li>Hoglund OV, Hagman R, Olsson K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25130060" target="_blank">Intraoperative changes in blood pressure, heart rate, plasma vasopressin, and urinary noradrenalin during elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs: repeatability at removal of the 1st and 2nd ovary</a>. Vet Surg 2014;43:852-859. </li>
<li>Kemppainen RJ. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24670952" target="_blank">Amino acid differences in cat adrenocorticotropin account for the inability of a human-based immunoradiometric assay to detect the molecule in cat plasma.</a> J Vet Diagn Invest 2014;26:431-433.</li>
<li>Lamb CR, Ciasca TC, Mantis P, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23847300" target="_blank">Computed tomographic signs of acromegaly in 68 diabetic cats with hypersomatotropism</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:99-108. </li>
<li>Lourenco BN, Randall E, Seiler G, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25376796" target="_blank">Abdominal ultrasonographic findings in acromegalic cats</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014. </li>
<li>Lucas X. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25277434" target="_blank">Clinical use of deslorelin (GnRH agonist) in companion animals: a review</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 4:64-71. </li>
<li>Mamelak AN, Owen TJ, Bruyette D. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24467302" target="_blank">Transsphenoidal surgery using a high definition video telescope for pituitary adenomas in dogs with pituitary dependent hypercortisolism: methods and results</a>. Vet Surg 2014;43:369-379. </li>
<li>Michel E, Rohrer Bley C, Kowalewski MP, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22738741" target="_blank">Prolactin--to be reconsidered in canine mammary tumourigenesis?</a> Vet Comp Oncol 2014;12:93-105. </li>
<li>Myers JA, Lunn KF, Bright JM. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24962737" target="_blank">Echocardiographic findings in 11 cats with acromegaly</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:1235-1238. </li>
<li>Nagasawa M, Shibata Y, Yonezawa A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24019027" target="_blank">The behavioral and endocrinological development of stress response in dogs</a>. Dev Psychobiol 2014;56:726-733. </li>
<li>Rosca M, Forcada Y, Solcan G, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23828811" target="_blank">Screening diabetic cats for hypersomatotropism: performance of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for insulin-like growth factor 1</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2014;16:82-88. </li>
<li>Valentin SY, Cortright CC, Nelson RW, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24433386" target="_blank">Clinical findings, diagnostic test results, and treatment outcome in cats with spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism: 30 cases</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:481-487. </li>
<li>van Rijn SJ, Riemers FM, van den Heuvel D, et al. E<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24135907" target="_blank">xpression stability of reference genes for quantitative RT-PCR of healthy and diseased pituitary tissue samples varies between humans, mice, and dogs</a>. Mol Neurobiol 2014;49:893-899. </li>
<li>Voorbij AM, Leegwater PA, Kooistra HS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25273400" target="_blank">Pituitary dwarfism in Saarloos and Czechoslovakian wolfdogs is associated with a mutation in LHX3</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2014;28:1770-1774. </li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-83696355555696253282015-01-30T06:13:00.001-05:002015-01-30T06:13:17.074-05:00Clinical use of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) Agonists in Companion Animals: An OverviewIn dogs, cats, ferrets, and pet birds, reproductive physiology is under the control of the hypothalamicpituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Many hormones are responsible for estrus and reproduction, the most significant being luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). Short-lived GnRH is released in a pulsatile fashion from the hypothalamus and acts on the pars distalis of the pituitary gland to stimulate the synthesis and release of the gonadotropins, FSH and LH (Figure 1). Secretion of these gonadotropins into the circulation lead to changes gonadal hormone production and reproductive function.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wIhwx2eTUqO73w1sFCLFUZiX-pIc5rF6Jc1ki1qLxeiXrhGhY6ML7sp3MvNQTxpvW3IamY3TKZ4jUs3C5VjGm9itD8vS5lp7lN_xGMVV9q_WC0QpJInk_B_BFJL_gyMPxCqgFTb2ukg/s1600/Axis+copy+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7wIhwx2eTUqO73w1sFCLFUZiX-pIc5rF6Jc1ki1qLxeiXrhGhY6ML7sp3MvNQTxpvW3IamY3TKZ4jUs3C5VjGm9itD8vS5lp7lN_xGMVV9q_WC0QpJInk_B_BFJL_gyMPxCqgFTb2ukg/s1600/Axis+copy+2.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Figure 1: Regulation of gonadal secretion via the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Chemical modification of the native short-acting GnRH molecule has led to development of long-acting, potent GnRH agonists, which have been used as a medical means of management for a number of reproductive issues and diseases of companion animals (1-3). GnRH agonists may either stimulate estrus or effectively sterilize the patient, depending on the duration of action and the dosage applied. These agents work by initially stimulating gonadotrophin secretion, followed shortly thereafter with desensitization of the GnRH receptor to the GnRH agonist (Figure 2). This results in a temporary but long-term, fully-reversible down-regulation of gonadotrophin secretion, leading to suppression of reproduction function in both male and female animals (4).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaUOjFTckIpw6-3-OBjDSGCF1XdCYiURelgV9Bn8j80xjd1uf8onOstBp4gOhyphenhyphenyZMf0NJc_fKim4p8_iPXu8FDuBpeSHs7Vd1l1_RZIi0gV-yNKBD2AIR4Tlol8rAbVgnm8KxrpipabQ/s1600/GnRH+agonist+figure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMaUOjFTckIpw6-3-OBjDSGCF1XdCYiURelgV9Bn8j80xjd1uf8onOstBp4gOhyphenhyphenyZMf0NJc_fKim4p8_iPXu8FDuBpeSHs7Vd1l1_RZIi0gV-yNKBD2AIR4Tlol8rAbVgnm8KxrpipabQ/s1600/GnRH+agonist+figure.jpg" height="243" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Figure 2: GnRH agonists initially stimulate pituitary LH and FSH secretion, followed by desensitization and down-relation of gonadotrophin secretion.</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In recent years, effective low-dose, slow-release implants containing potent GnRH agonists have been released for use in veterinary medicine, especially in Europe and Australia. In companion animals, the deslorelin implant (Suprelorin, Virbac) is the most commonly GnRH agonist used in small animals (5). Deslorelin implants work by lowering pituitary gonadotrophin section. This is not a permanent change but depending on the deslorelin dose, can last up to many months. The implant does not have to be removed, but subsequent doses are needed to sustain the effect.<br />
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Unfortunately, GnRH agonist availability is limited in the United States. Although there are GnRH agonists available that are approved for the treatment of human diseases, such as prostate cancer, they are costly and not financially feasible for a pet owner to consider. To date, deslorelin acetate (Suprelorin, Virbac Animal Health, Fort Worth, TX, USA) is the only GnRH agonist that is currently available in the United States but only for the treatment of adrenal disease in ferrets (6). However, it is not legal to use Suporelin in non-ferret species in the United States and extra-label use is explicitly prohibited.<br />
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The aim of this blog is to review the applications and treatments of the deslorelin (GnRH agonist) currently used in companion animal medicine.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Deslorelin Use in Intact Male Dogs</span></b><br />
In male dogs treated with deslorelin, this GnRH agonist leads to decreased gonadotropins secretion and resultant lowered plasma testosterone concentrations, decreased testicular volume, and azoospermia (1-3,7-9). However, the response to this GnRH agonist can be very variable from one dog to another, and the duration of inhibition of testosterone secretion depends both on the concentration of the deslorelin implant and the size of the dog. <br />
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Many studies have confirmed that use of GnRH agonists for reversible chemical sterilization in male dogs is both safe and well-tolerated (7-9). Furthermore, repeated implantation can be used to maintain circulating testosterone at low concentrations. If the deslorelin implants are stopped, the treated dogs will regain normal serum testosterone levels within a few weeks, with full recovery of seminal quality once the GnRH implant has lost its efficacy (10,11).<br />
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In addition to contraception, GnRH agonists have also been used to reduce the size of the prostate gland, an effect that may be useful in dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (12-14).<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Deslorelin in Intact Male Cats</span></b><br />
As in dogs, GnRH agonists are gaining increased importance in feline reproductive medicine (2,3,15). In intact male cats, deslorelin implants induce chemical sterilization, as in dogs. In these cats, testosterone concentrations decline rapidly to undetectable values by 3 weeks after implantation and remain low for weeks in the majority of the tomcats treated. As the circulating testosterone falls, the testicular volume decreases and penile spines disappear.<br />
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However, high individual variability has been reported, with the duration of efficacy varying between 6 and 24 months (15-17). Similar to dogs, it is possible to use repeated implantation of deslorelin to sustain the drug’s effect.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Deslorelin in Intact Bitches</span></b><br />
Although deslorelin implants are only approved for male dogs in Europe (and again, not at all in the USA), studies have been performed in the bitch to investigate its use either as a contraceptive or a method of estrus induction (1-3,18-20).<br />
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The first step in the mechanism of action of all GnRH agonists is the stimulation in FSH and LH secretion (so-called "flare-up effect") (4). This followed within a few days by a profound hypogonadal effect (i.e., decrease in FSH and LH levels), which is achieved through receptor down-regulation by internalization of receptors. Generally this induced and reversible hypogonadism is the therapeutic goal, as noted above for the male dogs and cats (1-3).<br />
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The initial stimulating effect on gonadotrophin secretion is more pronounced in females than in males (18,19). Thus, estrus induction will be observed in the majority of bitches implanted in anestrus. If pregnancy is achieved, most recommend removal of the deslorelin implant either at the beginning of proestrus, at the time of the LH surge, or at the time of ovulation (2,3,18,19). However, some have reported that some bitches carried their pregnancies to term without the implant being removed, suggesting that down-regulation of gonadotrophin secretion may not be strong enough to induce luteal failure in all bitches.<br />
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For use as a contraceptive method, the main problem with using deslorelin implants in female dogs is estrus induction, as discussed above (20). For this reason, deslorelin implants cannot be considered a viable alternative to other, current used contraception in bitches. <br />
<b><br />
</b> <b><span style="color: red;">Deslorelin in Intact Queens</span></b><br />
In contrast to female dogs, the main indication for the use of deslorelin in the female queen is estrus inhibition. Studies have confirmed that this GnRH agonist can be used to effectively suppress ovarian activity (15,20-22), but the duration of inhibition was highly variable among the individual queens depending on the dosage administered. However, deslorelin generally suppresses ovarian activity for many months.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Deslorelin in Spayed Bitches with Urinary Incontinence</span></b><br />
Ovariectomy results in elevated circulating concentrations of pituitary LH because of the lack of gonadal negative-feedback on the pituitary gland. LH receptors are present throughout the canine urinary tract (23-25), and it has been postulated that elevated gonadotropins may contribute to the development of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence (26,27).<br />
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Treatment of bitches with long-acting GnRH agonists, such as delorelin, downregulates LH secretion for prolonged time periods and temporarily restores continence to incontinent bitches for varying durations, ranging from 50-738 days (26,27). Similar to alpha-adrenergic agonists (e.g., phenylpropanolamine; PPA), GnRH agonists are not completely effective for the treatment of this urinary incontinence. However, unlike PPA, no adverse effects to GnRH agonists have been reported.<br />
<span style="color: red;"><br />
</span> <b><span style="color: red;">Deslorelin in Ferrets with Adrenal Disease</span></b><br />
As in dogs and cats, deslorelin is also a promising and suitable method for contraception in ferrets (28-31). However, GnRH agonists are useful in medical management of ferrets suffering from adrenal disease (hyperadrenocorticism) a common disease in castrated males and females (32-34). In one study of ferrets with adrenal disease, the clinical signs (e.g., vulvar swelling, pruritus, sexual behavior, and aggression) were reduced or markedly suppressed within 14 days of implantation of the deslorelin (34). The time for signs to recur in these ferrets ranged from 8.5–20.5 months (34). <br />
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<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Trigg TE, Doyle AG, Walsh JD, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16600356" target="_blank">A review of advances in the use of the GnRH agonist deslorelin in control of reproduction</a>. Theriogenology 2006;66:1507-1512. </li>
<li>Fontaine E, Fontbonne A. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20964727" target="_blank">Clinical use of GnRH agonists in canine and feline species</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2011;46:344-353. </li>
<li>Lucas X. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25277434" target="_blank">Clinical use of deslorelin (GnRH agonist) in companion animals: a review</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 4:64-71. </li>
<li>Ortmann O, Weiss JM, Diedrich K. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12537774" target="_blank">Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and GnRH agonists: mechanisms of action</a>. Reprod Biomed Online 2002;5 Suppl 1:1-7. </li>
<li>Suprelorin (deslorelin acetate). <a href="http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Summary_for_the_public/veterinary/000109/WC500068830.pdf" target="_blank">Summary report from the European Medicines Agency</a>. </li>
<li>Suprelorin F. <a href="http://virbacferretsusa.com/assets/pdfs/VIRC-12127_Suprelorin_PO_Brochure_prt.pdf" target="_blank">Package insert.</a> Fort Worth, Texas: Virbac Animal Health </li>
<li>Junaidi A, Williamson PE, Martin GB, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18076821" target="_blank">Pituitary and testicular endocrine responses to exogenous gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinising hormone in male dogs treated with GnRH agonist implants</a>. Reprod Fertil Dev 2007;19:891-898. </li>
<li>Junaidi A, Williamson PE, Martin GB, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19769638" target="_blank">Dose-response studies for pituitary and testicular function in male dogs treated with the GnRH superagonist, deslorelin</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2009;44:725-734. </li>
<li>Romagnoli S, Siminica A, Sontas BH, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23279546" target="_blank">Semen quality and onset of sterility following administration of a 4.7-mg deslorelin implant in adult male dogs</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2012;47 Suppl 6:389-392. </li>
<li>Trigg TE, Wright PJ, Armour AF, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11787159" target="_blank">Use of a GnRH analogue implant to produce reversible long-term suppression of reproductive function in male and female domestic dogs</a>. J Reprod Fertil Suppl 2001;57:255-261. </li>
<li>Gentil M, Hoffmann B, Spang A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23053053" target="_blank">Restart of steroidogenesis in dogs during recrudescence of testicular function following downregulation with a GnRH-agonist implant</a>. Cell Tissue Res 2012;350:513-523. </li>
<li>Vickery BH, McRae GI, Bonasch H. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6178098" target="_blank">Effect of chronic administration of a highly potent LHRH agonist on prostate size and secretory function in geriatric dogs</a>. Prostate 1982;3:123-130. </li>
<li>Nizanski W, Levy X, Ochota M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947855" target="_blank">Pharmacological treatment for common prostatic conditions in dogs - benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis: an update</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 2:8-15. </li>
<li>Polisca A, Orlandi R, Troisi A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23320475" target="_blank">Clinical efficacy of the GnRH agonist (deslorelin) in dogs affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia and evaluation of prostatic blood flow by Doppler ultrasound</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2013;48:673-680. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Wehrend A, Georgiev P. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947859" target="_blank">Suppression of fertility in adult cats</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 2:33-40. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Georgiev P, Antonov A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21196037" target="_blank">Clinical efficacy of a GnRH-agonist implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin, Suprelorin, regarding suppression of reproductive function in tomcat</a>s. Theriogenology 2011;75:803-810. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Georgiev P, Fasulkov I, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23622940" target="_blank">Basal testosterone concentrations after the application of a slow-release GnRH agonist implant are associated with a loss of response to buserelin, a short-term GnRH agonist, in the tom cat</a>. Theriogenology 2013;80:65-69. </li>
<li>Volkmann DH, Kutzler MA, Wheeler R, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16490242" target="_blank">The use of deslorelin implants for the synchronization of estrous in diestrous bitches</a>. Theriogenology 2006;66:1497-1501. </li>
<li>Fontaine E, Mir F, Vannier F, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21872318" target="_blank">Induction of fertile oestrus in the bitch using Deslorelin, a GnRH agonist</a>. Theriogenology 2011;76:1561-1566. </li>
<li>Maenhoudt C, Santos NR, Fontaine E, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23279547" target="_blank">Results of GnRH agonist implants in oestrous induction and oestrous suppression in bitches and queens</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2012;47 Suppl 6:393-397. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20610312" target="_blank">Reproduction control in cats: new developments in non-surgical methods</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2010;12:539-546. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Georgiev P, Atanasov A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23265930" target="_blank">Treatment of queens in estrus and after estrus with a GnRH-agonist implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin; hormonal response, duration of efficacy, and reversibility</a>. Theriogenology 2013;79:640-646. </li>
<li>Coit VA, Dowell FJ, Evans NP. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19054550" target="_blank">Neutering affects mRNA expression levels for the LH- and GnRH-receptors in the canine urinary bladder</a>. Theriogenology 2009;71:239–47.</li>
<li>Ponglowhapan S, Church DB, Khalid M. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18023320" target="_blank">Differences in the expression of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone receptors in the lower urinary tract between intact and gonadectomised male and female dogs</a>. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2008;34:339-351. </li>
<li>Reichler IM, Welle M, Sattler U, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17276503" target="_blank">Comparative quantitative assessment of GnRH- and LH-receptor mRNA expression in the urinary tract of sexually intact and spayed female dogs</a>. Theriogenology 2007;67:1134–42.</li>
<li>Reichler IM, Hubler M, Jöchle W, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14511775" target="_blank">The effect of GnRH analogs on urinary incontinence after ablation of the ovaries in dogs</a>. Theriogenology 2003;60:1207–16.</li>
<li>Reichler IM, Jöchle W, Piché CA, , et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16672159" target="_blank">Effect of a long-acting GnRH analogue or placebo on plasma LH/FSH, urethral pressure profiles and clinical signs of urinary incontinence due to sphincter mechanism incompetence in bitches</a>. Theriogenology 2006;66:1227–36.</li>
<li>Schoemaker NJ, van Deijk R, Muijlaert B, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18439664" target="_blank">Use of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist implant as an alternative for surgical castration in male ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)</a>. Theriogenology 2008;70:161-167. </li>
<li>Prohaczik A, Kulcsar M, Trigg T, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20081178" target="_blank">Comparison of four treatments to suppress ovarian activity in ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)</a>. Vet Rec 2010;166:74-78. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Wehrend A. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23117991" target="_blank">The use of a slow release GnRH-agonist implant in female ferrets in season for oestrus suppression</a>. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd 2012;154:487-491. </li>
<li>van Zeeland YR, Pabon M, Roest J, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24789851" target="_blank">Use of a GnRH agonist implant as alternative for surgical neutering in pet ferrets</a>. Vet Rec 2014;175:66. </li>
<li>Rosenthal KL, Peterson ME, Quesenberry KE, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8407489" target="_blank">Hyperadrenocorticism associated with adrenocortical tumor or nodular hyperplasia of the adrenal gland in ferrets: 50 cases (1987-1991)</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1993;203:271-275. </li>
<li>Schoemaker NJ, Teerds KJ, Mol JA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12431804" target="_blank">The role of luteinizing hormone in the pathogenesis of hyperadrenocorticism in neutered ferrets</a>. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002;197:117-125. </li>
<li>Wagner RA, Piche CA, Jochle W, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15934621" target="_blank">Clinical and endocrine responses to treatment with deslorelin acetate implants in ferrets with adrenocortical disease</a>. Am J Vet Res 2005;66:910-914. </li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-78996941796285505502015-01-23T13:15:00.000-05:002015-01-23T13:15:32.047-05:00Top Endocrine Publications of 2014: Canine and Feline Reproductive Endocrinology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
As I've done for the last 5 years, I’ve now finished compiling a fairly extensive list of references concerning canine and feline endocrinology that were written last year (in 2014). I’ll be sharing these with you over the next few months, as well as reviewing a few of the best papers from my lists of clinical endocrine publications.<br />
<br />
In my last post, I provided my last list for the 2013 papers on canine and feline endocrine reproduction, so I've decided to start this year off with papers that deal with the same theme of endocrine disorders of the canine and feline gonads, prostate, and mammary gland.<br />
<br />
Listed below are 23 papers published in 2014 that deal with a variety of topics of importance for reproductive endocrinology in dogs and cats. These range from the identification and study of kisspeptin (a protein ligand that activate GnRH neurons) in dogs (1) to the use of relaxin measurements to diagnose pregnancy status (2); as well as from a study of the effects of GnRH agonist and antagonists during the postnatal period in cats (3) to the effects of GnRH immunization for treatment of urinary incontinence in spayed bitches (4). <br />
<br />
Other publication included studies dealing with suppression of fertility in dogs and cats (4-6,12,13,14,21) to endocrinologic investigations of pyometra (9), ovarian cysts (10), mammary neoplasia (16,19), and benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis (17); and finally, from a study of oxytocin and social bonding in dogs (20) to a review of the influence of sex hormones on seizures in dogs and man (22).<br />
<br />
<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Albers-Wolthers KH, de Gier J, Kooistra HS, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24902774" target="_blank">Identification of a novel kisspeptin with high gonadotrophin stimulatory activity in the dog</a>. Neuroendocrinology 2014;99:178-189.</li>
<li>Bergfelt DR, Peter AT, Beg MA. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25234789" target="_blank">Relaxin: a hormonal aid to diagnose pregnancy status in wild mammalian species</a>. Theriogenology 2014;82:1187-1198.</li>
<li>Carranza A, Faya M, Merlo ML, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24725419" target="_blank">Effect of GnRH analogs in postnatal domestic cats</a>. Theriogenology 2014;82:138-143.</li>
<li>Donovan CE, Gordon JM, Kutzler MA. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24100163" target="_blank">Gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunization for the treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in ovariectomized bitches</a>. Theriogenology 2014;81:196-202.</li>
<li>Fagundes AK, Oliveira EC, Tenorio BM, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24238399" target="_blank">Injection of a chemical castration agent, zinc gluconate, into the testes of cats results in the impairment of spermatogenesis: a potentially irreversible contraceptive approach for this species?</a> Theriogenology 2014;81:230-236.</li>
<li>Favre RN, Bonaura MC, Praderio R, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25082022" target="_blank">Effect of melatonin implants on spermatogenesis in the domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus)</a>. Theriogenology 2014;82:851-856.</li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Wehrend A, Georgiev P. Suppression of fertility in adult cats. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 2:33-40.</li>
<li>Hoglund OV, Hagman R, Olsson K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25130060" target="_blank">Intraoperative changes in blood pressure, heart rate, plasma vasopressin, and urinary noradrenalin during elective ovariohysterectomy in dogs: repeatability at removal of the 1st and 2nd ovary</a>. Veterinary Surgery 2014;43:852-859.</li>
<li>Jitpean S, Holst BS, Hoglund OV, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24661434" target="_blank">Serum insulin-like growth factor-I, iron, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A for prediction of outcome in dogs with pyometra</a>. Theriogenology 2014;82:43-48.</li>
<li>Knauf Y, Bostedt H, Failing K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24698026" target="_blank">Gross pathology and endocrinology of ovarian cysts in bitches</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49:463-468.</li>
<li>Kobayashi M, Hori T, Kawakami E. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25130649" target="_blank">Efficacy of low-dose human chorionic gonadotropin therapy in dogs with spermatogenic dysfunction: a preliminary study</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49:E44-47.</li>
<li>Lucas X. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25277434" target="_blank">Clinical use of deslorelin (GnRH agonist) in companion animals: a review</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 4:64-71.</li>
<li>Maenhoudt C, Santos NR, Fontbonne A. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947862" target="_blank">Suppression of fertility in adult dogs.</a> Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 2:58-63.</li>
<li>Marino G, Rizzo S, Quartuccio M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24467617" target="_blank">Deslorelin implants in pre-pubertal female dogs: short- and long-term effects on the genital tract</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49:297-301.</li>
<li>Meloni T, Comin A, Rota A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24674237" target="_blank">IGF-I and NEFA concentrations in fetal fluids of term pregnancy dogs</a>. Theriogenology 2014;81:1307-1311.</li>
<li>Michel E, Rohrer Bley C, Kowalewski MP, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22738741" target="_blank">Prolactin--to be reconsidered in canine mammary tumourigenesis?</a> Vet Comp Oncol 2014;12:93-105.</li>
<li>Nizanski W, Levy X, Ochota M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947855" target="_blank">Pharmacological treatment for common prostatic conditions in dogs - benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis: an update</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 2:8-15.</li>
<li>Parker K, Snead E. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25001170" target="_blank">Atypical presentation of ovarian remnant syndrome in a dog</a>. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2014;50:e1-5.</li>
<li>Queiroga FL, Perez-Alenza MD, Gonzalez Gil A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25096592" target="_blank">Clinical and prognostic implications of serum and tissue prolactin levels in canine mammary tumours</a>. Vet Rec 2014;175:403.</li>
<li>Romero T, Nagasawa M, Mogi K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24927552" target="_blank">Oxytocin promotes social bonding in dogs</a>. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2014;111:9085-9090.</li>
<li>Schafer-Somi S, Kaya D, Gultiken N, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24947857" target="_blank">Suppression of fertility in pre-pubertal dogs and cats.</a> Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49 Suppl 2:21-27.</li>
<li>Van Meervenne SA, Volk HA, Matiasek K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24878266" target="_blank">The influence of sex hormones on seizures in dogs and humans</a>. Vet J 2014;201:15-20.</li>
<li>Volta A, Manfredi S, Vignoli M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24237178" target="_blank">Use of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in chronic pathologic canine testes</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2014;49:202-209.</li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-31316360376556516322014-12-28T08:55:00.000-05:002014-12-28T08:55:47.504-05:00Top Endocrine Publications of 2013: Canine and Feline Reproductive Endocrinology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #171616; line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my tenth compilation of the canine and feline endocrine publications, I’m moving on to endocrine disorders of the canine and feline gonads and mammary gland. </span></span>Listed below are 20 papers published in 2013 that deal with a variety of topics of importance for reproductive endocrinology in dogs and cats.<br />
<br />
Of all of these publications, one of the most common and clinically useful topics involves the use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists for management of a variety of disorders. These include the use of GnRH agonist for treatment of queens in estrus and after estrus (3), for reproductive control in queens (4) and tom cats (5), and in dogs affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia (12).<br />
<br />
On my next blog post, I will review the mechanism of action for the GnRH agonists, along with their many potential uses and dosage forms.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Adams GP, Ratto MH. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23141951" target="_blank">Ovulation-inducing factor in seminal plasma: a review</a>. Anim Reprod Sci 2013;136:148-156. </li>
<li>Faya M, Carranza A, Miotti R, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23800695" target="_blank">Fecal estradiol-17beta and testosterone in prepubertal domestic cats</a>. Theriogenology 2013;80:584-586. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Georgiev P, Atanasov A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23265930" target="_blank">Treatment of queens in estrus and after estrus with a GnRH-agonist implant containing 4.7 mg deslorelin; hormonal response, duration of efficacy, and reversibility</a>. Theriogenology 2013;79:640-646. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Georgiev P, Atanasov A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23186637" target="_blank">Treatment with Suprelorin in a pregnant cat</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2013;15:357-360. </li>
<li>Goericke-Pesch S, Georgiev P, Fasulkov I, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23622940" target="_blank">Basal testosterone concentrations after the application of a slow-release GnRH agonist implant are associated with a loss of response to buserelin, a short-term GnRH agonist, in the tom cat</a>. Theriogenology 2013;80:65-69. </li>
<li>Greenberg M, Lawler D, Zawistowski S, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23499239" target="_blank">Low-dose megestrol acetate revisited: a viable adjunct to surgical sterilization in free roaming cats?</a> Vet J 2013;196:304-308. </li>
<li>Leroy C, Conchou F, Layssol-Lamour C, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23293870" target="_blank">Normal canine prostate gland: repeatability, reproducibility, observer-dependent variability of ultrasonographic measurements of the prostate in healthy intact beagles</a>. Anat Histol Embryol 2013;42:355-361. </li>
<li>Luu VV, Hanatate K, Tanihara F, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23719116" target="_blank">The effect of relaxin supplementation of in vitro maturation medium on the development of cat oocytes obtained from ovaries stored at 4 degrees C</a>. Reprod Biol 2013;13:122-126. </li>
<li>Marino G, Zanghi A. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22632402" target="_blank">Activins and inhibins: expression and role in normal and pathological canine reproductive organs: a review</a>. Anat Histol Embryol 2013;42:1-8. </li>
<li>Mattoso CR, Takahira RK, Beier SL, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23035816" target="_blank">Evaluation of von Willebrand factor during pregnancy, lactation and oestrous cycle in bitches affected and unaffected by von Willebrand disease.</a> Reprod Domest Anim 2013;48:416-422. </li>
<li>Nishida CR, Everett S, Ortiz de Montellano PR. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23821647" target="_blank">Specificity determinants of CYP1B1 estradiol hydroxylation</a>. Mol Pharmacol 2013;84:451-458. </li>
<li>Polisca A, Orlandi R, Troisi A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23320475" target="_blank">Clinical efficacy of the GnRH agonist (deslorelin) in dogs affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia and evaluation of prostatic blood flow by Doppler ultrasound</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2013;48:673-680. </li>
<li>Poppl AG, Mottin TS, Gonzalez FH. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23164637" target="_blank">Diabetes mellitus remission after resolution of inflammatory and progesterone-related conditions in bitches.</a> Res Vet Sci 2013;94:471-473. </li>
<li>Rota A, Tursi M, Zabarino S, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23279574" target="_blank">Monophasic teratoma of the ovarian remnant in a bitch.</a> Reprod Domest Anim 2013;48:e26-e28. </li>
<li>Serafim MK, Silva GM, Duarte AB, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22953726" target="_blank">High insulin concentrations promote the in vitro growth and viability of canine preantral follicles</a>. Reprod Fertil Dev 2013;25:927-934. </li>
<li>Sozmen M, Kabak YB, Gulbahar MY, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23219070" target="_blank">Immunohistochemical characterization of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in canine normal testis and testicular tumours</a>. J Comp Pathol 2013;149:10-18. </li>
<li>Spankowsky S, Heuwieser W, Arlt SP. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23315766" target="_blank">Does oral administration of the amino acid tyrosine affect oestradiol-17beta concentration and sexual behaviour in the bitch?</a> Vet Rec 2013;172:212. </li>
<li>Trisolini C, Albrizio M, Roscino MT, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23261151" target="_blank">Leptin and queen ovary: new insights about ovulation</a>. Res Vet Sci 2013;94:707-710. </li>
<li>Tvarijonaviciute A, Carrillo-Sanchez JD, Ceron JJ. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23131145" target="_blank">Effect of estradiol and progesterone on metabolic biomarkers in healthy bitches</a>. Reprod Domest Anim 2013;48:520-524. </li>
<li>Wongbandue G, Jewgenow K, Chatdarong K. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23439008" target="_blank">Effects of thyroxin (T4) and activin A on in vitro growth of preantral follicles in domestic cats</a>. Theriogenology 2013;79:824-832. </li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-85803997452808159342014-12-21T10:19:00.001-05:002014-12-21T10:19:10.240-05:00Blood Glucose Curves and the Fractious Diabetic Cat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My problem patient is a 12-year old, DSH, female spayed cat with a 2-year history of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. She has been treated with glargine insulin at a variable dose, but typically between 1-3 units, BID. This cat will not eat canned food so we are feeding higher protein, lower carb dry foods (Hill's MD and Purina DM).<br />
<br />
Six months ago, the cat was diagnosed with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) and was treated successfully with prednisolone and cyclosporine (Atopica). This led to development of insulin resistance and loss of diabetic control, but the cat did relatively well after raising the insulin dose to 6 units while on prednisolone. After a long and slow taper, the cat is now off all glucocorticoids for the last month, and the insulin dose is back down to 2 U, twice daily. The cat remains on Atopica, probably for life.<br />
<br />
We have periodically done in-house blood glucose curves to adjust her insulin dose, but she becomes extremely fractious when hospitalized, and we can't really handle her (she bites, scratches, cries, and screams louder than any other cat I've ever had!). The owner does not care to check blood glucose at home, and given the cat's nature, I doubt if they could even do it. Since weaning her off the prednisolone, we have seen a couple of hypoglycemic readings on spot blood glucose checks so we are now worried that the current insulin dose may be too high.<br />
<br />
Therefore a week ago, we performed a serial glucose curve on 2 units glargine, BID. The results were as follows:<br />
<ul>
<li>6 am = Insulin given</li>
<li>8 am = 317 mg/dl</li>
<li>10 am = 376 mg/dl</li>
<li>12 noon = 352 mg/dl</li>
<li>2 pm = 299 mg/dl</li>
<li>4 pm = 229 mg/dl</li>
</ul>
We were a bit surprised by the high glucose concentrations during the day on this curve, but we increased glargine from 2 to 3 units BID based on the severe and persistent hyperglycemia. However, when I checked a spot afternoon blood glucose value yesterday, it was low-normal at 69 mg/dl. I rechecked another blood glucose reading 30 minutes later, and it was even lower at 57 mg/dl. Right or wrong, I put her back down to 2 units glargine BID and pm spot check in 1 week.<br />
<br />
My main question is this: could this cat's in-hospital curve be leading us astray because she is so fractious? I am aware that spot checks aren't ideal. However, this cat is relatively easy to handle during a quick exam and single spot check, but she become so angry when hospitalized throughout the day.<br />
<br />
What would you do? How do I adjust the insulin dosage in this cat? We've been trying to get the cat into remission but it's not looking good!<br />
<br />
<b>My Response:</b><br />
<br />
Well, first the bad news: I can almost guarantee that this cat's diabetes will not go into remission, given the fact that she has been diabetic for 2 years. A number of studies have reported that diabetic remission, when it does occur, will generally happen within the first 6 months of diagnosis (1,2). In addition, the fact that she has concurrent disease and has been treated with glucocorticoids certainly hasn't increased her chances for remission.<br />
<br />
The good news is that once we decide that diabetic remission is no longer our goal, then we can be more lax with our glucose regulation. Our goal for diabetic cats should then be 3-fold:<br />
<ol>
<li>Control clinical signs of diabetes (e.g., weight loss, polyuria, polydispsia)</li>
<li>Prevent diabetic ketoacidosis</li>
<li>Avoid hypoglycemia</li>
</ol>
To do this, it's not really necessary to do the tight glucose regulation and frequent blood glucose monitoring that we would ideally do if we are trying to increase the odds for diabetic remission (3-5).<br />
<br />
In fractious diabetic cats, I would never recommend doing serial blood glucoses to determine the best insulin dose. The release of catecholamines during this excitable state can absolutely increase the glucose readings during the curve (commonly referred to as stress hyperglycemia) (6). Overall, this means that all of the serial blood glucose curves you have done in this cat are most likely next to meaningless and that such testing should be stopped.<br />
<br />
Spot glucose checks can't hurt, but as you say, they can be hard to interpret and may be misleading. If the blood glucose reading is low, you might want to decrease the insulin dose, but if the blood glucose is in the ideal range or high, you could still be overdosing the insulin.<br />
<br />
In cats like this, I'd recommend that you adjust the insulin dose based on the presence or absence of clinical signs, including body weight and water intake (7). If the owners can measure water intake at home, that can be a very sensitive way to help determine if more insulin is needed. If there are no clinical signs of diabetes and the weight is stable, the cat is probably adequately controlled. Monitoring an occasional serum fructosamine level can also help (8,9), as well as home measurement of urine glucose, if the owner can do it (7,19,11). A weekly check for urinary ketones can also be used to monitor for pending ketoacidosis, and become extremely important if anorexia, vomiting, or any other signs of illness develop.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Bottom Line:</span></b><br />
In fractious cats, I would not recommend in-hospital blood glucose curves for monitoring. Stress hyperglycemia will give you results that are meaningless, and one could easily be misled into giving higher doses of insulin than are actually needed. This is especially true in cats with long-term diabetes that are unlikely to ever develop remission.<br />
<br />
In cats like this case, I use a combination of clinical signs and blood/urine values, looking at the overall trend in results rather than the specific or individual values. For example, I don't use serum fructosamine concentration as the sole means of judging control, but I still think it is helpful as one piece of the puzzle. If it is high, that suggests that the insulin dosage may have to be increased; if the fructosamine value is low to low-normal, this may indicate overdosage and hypoglycemia.<br />
<br />
Believe me, both your hospital staff and the fractious diabetic cat will all be better off with this approach!<br />
<br />
<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Gottlieb S, Rand JS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522170" target="_blank">Remission in cats: including predictors and risk factor</a>s. Vet Clinics North America 2013: 43: 245-249</li>
<li>Zini E, Hafner M, Osto M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20840299" target="_blank">Predictors of clinical remission in cats with diabetes mellitus</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2010;24:1314-1321.</li>
<li>Roomp K, Rand J. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19592286" target="_blank">Intensive blood glucose control is safe and effective in diabetic cats using home monitoring and treatment with glargine</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2009;11:668-682.</li>
<li>Roomp K, Rand J. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22553309" target="_blank">Evaluation of detemir in diabetic cats managed with a protocol for intensive blood glucose control</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2012;14:566-572.</li>
<li>Nack R, DeClue AE. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24964071" target="_blank">In cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus, use of a near-euglycemic management paradigm improves remission rate over a traditional paradigm</a>. Vet Q 2014; 34:132-136.</li>
<li>Rand JS, Kinnaird E, Baglioni A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11899027" target="_blank">Acute stress hyperglycemia in cats is associated with struggling and increased concentrations of lactate and norepinephrine</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2002;16:123-132. </li>
<li>Miller E. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7660533" target="_blank">Long-term monitoring of the diabetic dog and cat. Clinical signs, serial blood glucose determinations, urine glucose, and glycated blood proteins</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 1995;25:571-584. </li>
<li>Crenshaw KL, Peterson ME, Heeb LA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8947867" target="_blank">Serum fructosamine concentration as an index of glycemia in cats with diabetes mellitus and stress hyperglycemia</a>. J Vet Intern Med 1996;10:360-364. </li>
<li>Thoresen SI, Bredal WP. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8656595" target="_blank">Clinical usefulness of fructosamine measurements in diagnosing and monitoring feline diabetes mellitus</a>. J Small Anim Pract 1996;37:64-68. </li>
<li>Bennett N. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12219718" target="_blank">Monitoring techniques for diabetes mellitus in the dog and the cat</a>. Clin Tech Small Anim Pract 2002;17:65-69. </li>
<li>Cook AK. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22768878" target="_blank">Monitoring methods for dogs and cats with diabetes mellitus</a>. J Diabetes Sci Technol 2012;6:491-495. </li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-6285578864047431152014-12-14T17:24:00.001-05:002014-12-14T17:24:27.229-05:00Top Endocrine Publications of 2013: Feline Diabetes Mellitus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
In my ninth compilation of the canine and feline endocrine publications of 2013, I’m moving on to disorders of the feline endocrine pancreas. I covered the canine diabetic publications in a blog post last spring. Click <a href="http://endocrinevet.blogspot.com/2014/03/top-endocrine-publications-of-2013.html" target="_blank">this link </a>to review my list of 2013 research papers that pertain to diabetes in dogs.<br />
<br />
Listed below are 29 papers published in 2013 that deal with a variety of diabetic topics of clinical importance for diabetic cats.<br />
<br />
These topics range from a study of survival time and prognostic factors in cats with newly diagnosed diabetes (2) to studies involving pathogenesis or risk factors for development of diabetes (6,15,20,21,24); from the relationship between diabetes and kidney disease and pancreatits (1,3) to a review of what we know about diabetic remission (10); and, from reviews of insulin treatment of diabetic cats (4,16,26) to the use of oral hypoglycemia agent or incretin hormonal therapy in cats (22,25).<br />
<br />
Other studies range from investigations of diet management of obese and diabetic cats (5,7,17,29) to studies of insulin antibodies in cats (28); from reviews of secondary diabetes, including acromegaly and hyperadrenocorticism (18,19) to ketoacidosis (16,23); and finally, from the use of routine home glucose monitoring (9) to continuous glucose monitoring in cats (11,27).<br />
<br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #171616; line-height: 20.533332824707px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">References:</span></b><br />
<ol>
<li>Bloom CA, Rand JS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522176" target="_blank">Diabetes and the kidney in human and veterinary medicine</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:351-365. </li>
<li>Callegari C, Mercuriali E, Hafner M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23786195" target="_blank">Survival time and prognostic factors in cats with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus: 114 cases (2000-2009)</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;243:91-95. </li>
<li>Caney SM. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522174" target="_blank">Pancreatitis and diabetes in cats</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:303-317. </li>
<li>Caney SM. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522172" target="_blank">Management of cats on Lente insulin: tips and traps</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:267-282. </li>
<li>Coradini M, Rand JS, Morton JM, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23827214" target="_blank">Fat mass, and not diet, has a large effect on postprandial leptin but not on adiponectin concentrations in cats</a>. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2013;45:79-88. </li>
<li>Dirtu AC, Niessen SJ, Jorens PG, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23672960" target="_blank">Organohalogenated contaminants in domestic cats' plasma in relation to spontaneous acromegaly and type 2 diabetes mellitus: A clue for endocrine disruption in humans? </a>Environ Int 2013;57-58:60-67. </li>
<li>Farrow HA, Rand JS, Morton JM, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23869495" target="_blank">Effect of dietary carbohydrate, fat, and protein on postprandial glycemia and energy intake in cats</a>. J Vet Intern Med 2013;27:1121-1135. </li>
<li>Fleischhacker SN, Bauersachs S, Wehner A, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23636037" target="_blank">Differential expression of circulating microRNAs in diabetic and healthy lean cats</a>. Vet J 2013;197:688-693. </li>
<li>Ford SL, Lynch H. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522173" target="_blank">Practical use of home blood glucose monitoring in feline diabetics</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:283-301. </li>
<li>Gottlieb S, Rand JS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522170" target="_blank">Remission in cats: including predictors and risk factors</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:245-249. </li>
<li>Hafner M, Lutz TA, Reusch CE, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23064996" target="_blank">Evaluation of sensor sites for continuous glucose monitoring in cats with diabetes mellitus</a>. J Feline Med Surg 2013;5:117-123. </li>
<li>Hoenig M, Pach N, Thomaseth K, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23408676" target="_blank">Cats differ from other species in their cytokine and antioxidant enzyme response when developing obesity</a>. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2013;21:E407-414. </li>
<li>Hoenig M, Traas AM, Schaeffer DJ. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24134581" target="_blank">Evaluation of routine hematology profile results and fructosamine, thyroxine, insulin, and proinsulin concentrations in lean, overweight, obese, and diabetic cats</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2013;243:1302-1309. </li>
<li>Leal RO, Gil S, Brito MT, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24153100" target="_blank">The use of oral recombinant feline interferon omega in two cats with type II diabetes mellitus and concurrent feline chronic gingivostomatitis syndrome</a>. Ir Vet J 2013;66:19. </li>
<li>Link KR, Allio I, Rand JS, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23660449" target="_blank">The effect of experimentally induced chronic hyperglycaemia on serum and pancreatic insulin, pancreatic islet IGF-I and plasma and urinary ketones in the domestic cat (Felis felis)</a>. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013;188:269-281. </li>
<li>Marshall RD, Rand JS, Gunew MN, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23530935" target="_blank">Intramuscular glargine with or without concurrent subcutaneous administration for treatment of feline diabetic ketoacidosis</a>. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2013;23:286-290.</li>
<li>Mimura K, Mori A, Lee P, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23449461" target="_blank">Impact of commercially available diabetic prescription diets on short-term postprandial serum glucose, insulin, triglyceride and free fatty acid concentrations of obese cats</a>. J Vet Med Sci 2013;75:929-937. </li>
<li>Niessen SJ. <a href="http://inpractice.bmj.com/content/35/1/2.abstract" target="_blank">Update on feline acromegaly</a>. In Practice 2013;35:2-6. </li>
<li>Niessen SJ, Church DB, Forcada Y. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522175" target="_blank">Hypersomatotropism, acromegaly, and hyperadrenocorticism and feline diabetes mellitus</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:319-350. </li>
<li>O'Leary CA, Duffy DL, Gething MA, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23909918" target="_blank">Investigation of diabetes mellitus in Burmese cats as an inherited trait: a preliminary study</a>. N Z Vet J 2013;61:354-358. </li>
<li>Osto M, Zini E, Reusch CE, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23247272" target="_blank">Diabetes from humans to cats</a>. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2013;182:48-53. </li>
<li>Palm CA, Feldman EC. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522179" target="_blank">Oral hypoglycemics in cats with diabetes mellitus</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:407-415. </li>
<li>Rand JS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522177" target="_blank">Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in cats</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:367-379. </li>
<li>Rand JS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522168" target="_blank">Pathogenesis of feline diabetes</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:221-231. </li>
<li>Reusch CE, Padrutt I. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522180" target="_blank">New incretin hormonal therapies in humans relevant to diabetic cats.</a> Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:417-433. </li>
<li>Roomp K, Rand JS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522171" target="_blank">Management of diabetic cats with long-acting insulin.</a> Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:251-266. </li>
<li>Surman S, Fleeman L. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522178" target="_blank">Continuous glucose monitoring in small animals</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:381-406. </li>
<li>Takashima S, Nishii N, Hachisu T, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24054858" target="_blank">Natural anti-insulin autoantibodies in cats: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the determination of plasma anti-insulin IgG and its concentrations in domestic cats</a>. Res Vet Sci 2013;95:886-890. </li>
<li>Zoran DL, Rand JS. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23522169" target="_blank">The role of diet in the prevention and management of feline diabetes</a>. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 2013;43:233-243. </li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-39145294849509797392014-11-15T10:47:00.000-05:002014-11-15T10:47:31.836-05:00Managing Diabetic Dogs with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cK_Mm1jHK23vcJpUqqWNCEEoi6bfa1ZbHqNbulE3g4yYui5G2Zf9_fOoWSXuL4ffKF-58GQ12gRFLOQoQgIWjVEoua7t3bkfvGIPjuWCDSmuNxp-VabGidk3xBJRL6nBeFQE2qpnxNA/s1600/Diabetic+yorkie+with+EPI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cK_Mm1jHK23vcJpUqqWNCEEoi6bfa1ZbHqNbulE3g4yYui5G2Zf9_fOoWSXuL4ffKF-58GQ12gRFLOQoQgIWjVEoua7t3bkfvGIPjuWCDSmuNxp-VabGidk3xBJRL6nBeFQE2qpnxNA/s1600/Diabetic+yorkie+with+EPI.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a><i>My problem patient is a 9-year old, female spayed Yorkie with concurrent exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and diabetes mellitus. The stools, which had been very large and odoriferous, are </i><i>smaller and not as smelly now that we have started the pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. However, the stools are still not completely normal. The dog remains very thin, but she has gained a pound over the past month.</i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>The diabetic control has been more problematic. Six weeks ago, the dog was on 3 units of Novolin N every 12 hours and had serial blood glucose values running in the range of 400-600 mg/dl throughout the day. After starting on the enzyme powder, the insulin dosage has fallen to only 0.5 unit twice daily. The current glucose curves start with a morning reading of 400 mg/dl, but the blood glucose then drops down during the day to values in the 100's or, at times, to as low as 45 mg/dl. The owner is trying to be as consistent as possible in feeding (the dog has a very good appetite) and giving the insulin. The dog has shown signs of clinical hypoglycemia, despite the low blood glucose values. </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>What do you suggest? Is there a better insulin for this dog? Would a special diet help?</i><br />
<br />
<b>My Response:</b><br />
<br />
The vast majority of dogs with EPI have a concurrent B12 (cobalamin) deficiency; therefore, cobalamin should be part of this dog's treatment regimen (1). If this Yorkie weighs less than 7 kg, I would suggest administering 250 µg SC every 7 days for 8 weeks, then 250 µg every 14 days for 2 months, then 250 µg once monthly for a couple more months. The treatment may need to be repeated based on serum cobalamin levels.<br />
<br />
In addition, some dogs with EPI have dysbiosis (the <i>new</i> term for bacterial overgrowth/gut microbial imbalance), so metronidazole or tylosin power given for a couple weeks plus a probiotic may be helpful. Lastly, if the stools don't get better with the above treatments then the dog may have inflammatory bowl disease (IBD) in addition to the EPI (2). This breed appears predisposed to developing IBD or lymphangietasia (2). As far as what to feed this dog, I'd recommend a diet low in fat because of the concurrent diabetes and GI issues (1).<br />
<br />
As far as the insulin type, it looks like the duration of NPH activity is too short for this dog. Use of an insulin with a longer duration of action, such as Vetsulin or glargine, may be a better choice for this case. Based on the fact that the insulin dose is so small and the dog is so very sensitive to the insulin, I'd go with glargine, starting with 1 U, twice daily. This insulin is much less potent than either NPH or Vetsulin in dogs, making hypoglycemia less unlikely (3).<br />
<br />
<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Wieberg, M. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in dogs. In: Bonagura JD, Twedt DC, eds. Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy, Volume XV. Philadelphia: Saunders Elsevier, 2013;558-560.</li>
<li>Simmerson SM, Armstrong PJ, Wünschmann A, J., et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24467282" target="_blank">Clinical features, intestinal histopathology, and outcome in protein-losing enteropathy in Yorkshire Terrier dogs</a>. J Vet Intern Med. 2014;28:331-7. </li>
<li>Fracassi F, Boretti FS, Sieber-Ruckstuhl NS, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22008227" target="_blank">Use of insulin glargine in dogs with diabetes mellitus</a>. Vet Rec 2012;170:52. doi: 10.1136/vr.100070.</li>
</ol>
Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1020386515354656609.post-37854869457628200982014-11-02T10:29:00.000-05:002014-11-02T10:29:53.129-05:00Hyperthyroidism in Guinea Pigs: An Emerging Disease<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWuxu3DE9zDmm-_uPM_lztwSvAahRab_E4FRrAdrSlR6QDphVtVGnPdeMCRkBCGFFVfh2b3lH7QRMxwmFnnawQ13iztF8mVBn5GEfWaFNsJf2udqOwDql1KQhboN5KfeD1Omh3Mvqzwk/s1600/Guinea+Pig3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdWuxu3DE9zDmm-_uPM_lztwSvAahRab_E4FRrAdrSlR6QDphVtVGnPdeMCRkBCGFFVfh2b3lH7QRMxwmFnnawQ13iztF8mVBn5GEfWaFNsJf2udqOwDql1KQhboN5KfeD1Omh3Mvqzwk/s1600/Guinea+Pig3.png" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><i>PAPER REVIEW</i></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Hyperthyroidism in Four Guinea Pigs: Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Treatment</span></b></div>
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<b>by F. Künzel, B. Hierlmeier, M. Christian, and M. Reifinger</b></div>
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<a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23902399" target="_blank">Journal of Small Animal Practice 2013; 54:667-671.</a></div>
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<b>Background</b><br />
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Only limited information regarding hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs has been reported, much of which has been published as a general review article (1-3). Therefore, veterinarians may not be aware of this disease, resulting in under-diagnosis of this condition.<br />
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The purpose of this case series by Künzel et al. (4) is to describe the results of diagnosis, treatment, and outcome of guinea pigs with hyperthyroidism. The goal was to provide additional information about this disease to help clinicians dealing with guinea pigs that may be suspected of having this disease.<br />
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<b>Case Series of 4 Guinea Pigs Suffering from Hyperthyroidism</b><br />
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<u><i>Signalment</i></u>: Hyperthyroidism was diagnosed in four guinea pigs (3 females and 1 male), ranging in age from 3 to 6 years. These 4 cases represented 1.3% of guinea pigs examined at the University clinic during the same 2.5-year period.<br />
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<u><i>Clinical features</i></u>: Clinical signs reported in all guinea pigs included weight loss despite the maintenance of a normal appetite. Polyuria was noted in 2 of the 4 cases.<br />
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<u><i>Physical examination findings</i></u>: Physical examination revealed evidence for weight loss and a palpable mass in the ventral cervical region in all guinea pigs. Additional findings in individual guinea pigs included unkempt hair coat, tachycardia and tachypnea.<br />
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<u><i>Serum chemistry results and thyroid hormone determinations</i></u>: All 4 of the guinea pigs showed elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was confirmed by demonstration of increased serum total thyroxine (T4) concentrations in all guinea pigs, as measured by chemiluminescent technique (5).<br />
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<u><i>Treatment</i></u>: Surgical thyroidectomy was attempted in 1 case but the guinea pig died during anesthetic induction. Histopathology confirmed thyroid adenoma.<br />
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The other 3 guinea pigs were treated with methimazole, using starting doses of 1-1.4 mg/kg/day. Based on clinical signs and results of follow-up serum T4 values, the final methimazole doses ranged from 2-3 mg/kg every 24 hours in 2 cases and 2.5 mg/kg every 8 hours in the third guinea pig. In this latter case, radioactive iodine treatment was eventually performed.<br />
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<u><i>Response to treatment</i></u>: All 3 of the treated guinea pigs showed progressive weight gain as serum T4 concentrations fell to within the reference interval. However, all died of unknown causes 18-28 months following initial treatment.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">My Bottom Line:</span></b><br />
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Hyperthyroidism in guinea pigs represents a relatively new addition to the list of differential diagnoses for weight loss in guinea pigs (2-4). In many ways, the description and management of hyperthyroidism in these 4 guinea pigs mimics the situation we had with feline hyperthyroidism in the early 1980’s, as we were just starting to routinely recognize this common disease in cats (6,7).<br />
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The signalment (middle-aged to senior), clinical signs (weight loss despite a good appetite) and physical exam findings (palpable thyroid nodule) displayed by these guinea pigs are all remarkably similar to those of the typical hyperthyroid cat. The finding of a high total T4 concentration was diagnostic in all of these 4 guinea pigs, as it is in over 90% of hyperthyroid cats.<br />
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Treatment with methimazole was successful in management of 3 of the 4 guinea pigs. However, on a body weight basis, much higher daily doses were needed for the guinea pigs, at least compared to the typical hyperthyroid cat. Use of radioiodine therapy also appears to be a safe and promising treatment for guinea pigs suffering from hyperthyroidism (2,5). However, more work needs to be done before this becomes an accepted therapeutic approach for hyperthyroidism in the guinea pig.<br />
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<b>References:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>Mayer J, Hunt K, Eshar D, et al. Thyroid scintigraphy in a guinea pig with suspected hyperthyroidism. Exotic DVM 2009;11:25-29.</li>
<li>Mayer J, Wagner R, Taeymans O. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20682433" target="_blank">Advanced diagnostic approaches and current management of thyroid pathologies in Guinea pigs</a>. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2010;13:509-523. </li>
<li>Brandao J, Vergneau-Grosset C, Mayer J. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23642869" target="_blank">Hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)</a>. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract 2013;16:407-420. </li>
<li>Kunzel F, Hierlmeier B, Christian M, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23902399" target="_blank">Hyperthyroidism in four guinea pigs: clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment.</a> J Small Anim Pract 2013; <span style="text-align: center;">54:667-671</span>. </li>
<li>Muller K, Muller E, Klein R, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19548971" target="_blank">Serum thyroxine concentrations in clinically healthy pet guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus)</a>. Vet Clin Pathol 2009;38:507-510. </li>
<li>Peterson ME, Johnson JG, Andrews LK. Spontaneous hyperthyroidism in the cat. Spontaneous hyperthyroidism in the cat. Proceedings of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine 1979: 108.</li>
<li>Peterson ME, Kintzer PP, Cavanagh PG, et al. <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6874510" target="_blank">Feline hyperthyroidism: pretreatment clinical and laboratory evaluation of 131 cases</a>. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1983;183:103-110. </li>
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Dr. Mark E. Petersonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10804290441832222507noreply@blogger.com0