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Hemithyroidectomy in a horse with confirmed hyperthyroidism.
M K Alberts1, J P McCann, P R Woods
1Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater 74078-2041, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|October 6, 2000
Summary
Hyperthyroidism in horses, characterized by weight loss and hyperactivity, can be diagnosed via clinical signs and hormone tests. Surgical removal of the thyroid adenoma (hemithyroidectomy) effectively treated the condition in this case.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Endocrinology
- Equine Medicine
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism is a rare condition in horses, often presenting with non-specific clinical signs.
- Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment strategies are crucial for managing equine endocrine disorders.
Observation:
- A 23-year-old Quarter Horse gelding exhibited severe cachexia, hyperactivity, tachycardia, pyrexia, polydipsia, enophthalmos, and alopecia.
- Physical examination revealed a significantly enlarged right thyroid lobe and a grade V/VI diastolic murmur.
Findings:
- Clinical signs and elevated plasma thyroid hormone concentrations suggested hyperthyroidism.
- A triiodothyronine-suppression test confirmed the diagnosis.
- Histological examination of the surgically removed thyroid tissue identified an adenoma.
Implications:
- Hemithyroidectomy is a potentially successful surgical treatment for equine hyperthyroidism caused by thyroid adenoma.
- This case highlights the importance of considering hyperthyroidism in horses presenting with cachexia and behavioral changes.