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Effects of methimazole on renal function in cats with hyperthyroidism
T J Becker1, T K Graves, J M Kruger
1Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824, USA.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|May 29, 2000
Summary
Methimazole treatment for hyperthyroid cats significantly reduced elevated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to normal levels. This study highlights how hyperthyroidism impacts feline kidney function and the effects of treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats, often leading to increased glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Assessing renal function in hyperthyroid cats is crucial due to potential impacts of treatment on kidney function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of methimazole on renal function in cats with hyperthyroidism.
- To compare GFR in hyperthyroid cats before and after treatment with methimazole.
Main Methods:
- Included 12 hyperthyroid cats and 10 controls.
- Assessed renal function via plasma iohexol clearance (PIC) test for GFR estimation.
- Treated hyperthyroid cats with methimazole until euthyroidism, then reevaluated.
Main Results:
- Pretreatment GFR was significantly higher in hyperthyroid cats (3.83 ml/kg/min) than controls (1.83 ml/kg/min).
- Methimazole treatment significantly decreased GFR in hyperthyroid cats (2.02 ml/kg/min).
- No significant changes in serum urea nitrogen, creatinine, or urine specific gravity were observed post-treatment, though two cats had elevated creatinine.
Conclusions:
- Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit an increased GFR compared to healthy cats.
- Methimazole treatment effectively reduces GFR in hyperthyroid cats, normalizing renal function.
- Monitoring renal function is important during hyperthyroidism treatment in cats.
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