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Published on: April 17, 2013
Ectopic lingual thyroid tissue in a cat
A K Patnaik1, M E Peterson, A Hidgon
1Department of Pathology, The Animal Medical Center, 510 East 62nd Street, New York 10021, USA.
Insights
A domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with ectopic thyroid tissue at the base of its tongue. Surgical removal resulted in a full recovery, with the cat remaining euthyroid post-operation.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Comparative Pathology
Background:
- Ectopic thyroid tissue, while rare in felines, can occur in various locations.
- Accurate diagnosis and surgical management are crucial for affected animals.
Observation:
- A 9-year-old domestic shorthair cat presented with ectopic thyroid tissue at the base of its tongue.
- Histopathological examination revealed thyroid follicles replacing lingual submucosa and muscles.
Findings:
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed the presence of thyroid epithelial cells, positive for AE(1)/AE(3) and thyroglobulin.
- No evidence of C-cells (calcitonin-producing) or parathyroid tissue was detected.
Implications:
- Surgical excision of ectopic thyroid tissue can be a successful treatment in cats.
- Long-term monitoring confirmed the cat's euthyroid status and clinical well-being post-surgery.
Abstract:
Ectopic thyroid tissue was identified at the base of the tongue in a 9-year-old, euthyroid, domestic shorthair cat. The lingual submucosa and the muscles were replaced by thyroid tissue, which consisted of various-sized follicles each lined by a row of cuboidal epithelium. Many follicles contained eosinophilic, periodic acid Schiff-positive, colloid material. Imunohistochemically, the epithelial cells stained positive for AE(1)/AE(3)and thyroglobulin. No calcitonin positive cells or parathyroid tissue was seen. The cat has been followed for 1018 days after surgery, is clinically well and remains euthyroid.
