Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
07:01
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
Thyroid tumors in dogs and cats.
1Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, Tufts University, 200 Westboro Road, North Grafton, MA 01536, USA. lisa.barber@tufts.edu
Summary
Thyroid tumors in dogs are often malignant and can cause clinical signs due to pressure. In cats, benign thyroid tumors causing hyperthyroidism are common, while malignant tumors are rare but metastatic.
Area of Science:
- Comparative oncology
- Veterinary medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Thyroid tumors exhibit diverse clinical presentations and biologic behaviors across species.
- Canine thyroid tumors are rare but frequently malignant, with signs often linked to local compression rather than hyperthyroidism.
- Feline hyperthyroidism is commonly associated with benign thyroid proliferation, whereas malignant tumors are rare but highly metastatic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical presentation and behavior of thyroid tumors in dogs, cats, and humans.
- To review diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for thyroid tumors in different species.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical and pathological data on thyroid tumors in dogs, cats, and humans.
- Discussion of diagnostic modalities including scintigraphy.
- Evaluation of treatment outcomes for surgery, Iodine-131, and external beam radiation therapy.
Main Results:
- Canine thyroid tumors are predominantly malignant, causing signs via impingement; hyperthyroidism is rare.
- Feline hyperthyroidism is common due to benign thyroid tumors; malignant tumors are uncommon but metastatic.
- Scintigraphy aids diagnosis and staging in all species.
- Surgery is suitable for noninvasive tumors.
- Iodine-131 is effective for feline thyroid nodules; its use in dogs is debated.
- External beam radiation therapy shows consistent local tumor control in dogs when surgery is not feasible.
Conclusions:
- Thyroid tumor management requires species-specific approaches.
- Diagnostic imaging like scintigraphy is crucial for staging.
- Therapeutic options vary, with surgery, radiation, and radioiodine having distinct roles and species-specific efficacies.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor, and heat...
01:23The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence in...