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Hyperthyroid cats and their kidneys: a literature review
L Yu1, L Lacorcia1, T Johnstone2
1Veterinary Referral Hospital, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia.
Australian Veterinary Journal
|June 17, 2022
Summary
Hyperthyroidism in cats can mask chronic kidney disease (CKD) by elevating kidney function markers. Careful monitoring of thyroid and renal health, including symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), is crucial post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prevalent in older cats and frequently coexist.
- Hyperthyroidism impacts renal function by increasing protein catabolism, renal blood flow, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
- Elevated GFR in hyperthyroid cats can render traditional renal biomarkers insensitive for early CKD detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic considerations and treatment modalities for feline hyperthyroidism, focusing on radioiodine therapy.
- To emphasize the importance of monitoring thyroid and renal parameters post-treatment.
- To explore the utility of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) in assessing renal function in hyperthyroid cats.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic approaches for feline hyperthyroidism.
- Discussion of radioiodine therapy as a common treatment in Australia (fixed dose).
- Comparison of long-term outcomes with global research and exploration of SDMA's role.
Main Results:
- Hyperthyroidism can mask underlying CKD, complicating diagnosis.
- Iatrogenic hypothyroidism from overtreatment can negatively impact renal function and survival.
- SDMA's role in monitoring renal function in hyperthyroid cats requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis and management of hyperthyroidism in cats with concurrent CKD are critical.
- Radioiodine therapy requires careful post-treatment monitoring of both thyroid and renal parameters.
- Further research is needed to fully understand SDMA's application in assessing renal function in hyperthyroid cats.
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