Presentation Description / Summary: This lecture will focus on an overview of the latest information on diagnostic testing for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism in cats. The use of serum T4, free T4, and TSH measurements will be reviewed, as well as the value of thyroid scintigraphy and thyroid ultrasonography for diagnosis and staging of the thyroid disease. In this lecture, I will compare the commonly used serum T4 and free T4 assays offered by commercial laboratories and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology. I will also present my latest data/results for the new feline-optimized TSH assay (Truforma, Zomedica) and discuss the advantages of this feline-optimized TSH assay over the standard cTSH chemiluminescence assay offered by most commercial laboratories. The role of dynamic thyroid testing, including an updated protocol for TRH stimulation testing in which serum TSH response in measured as the endpoint, will also be discussed for diagnosis of hyper- and hypothyroidism in cats. With all of these diagnostic test options, emphasis will be given on how to select the “best” diagnostic protocol for each individual cat. The issue of false-negative and false-positive results, which exists with all of these thyroid function tests, will be discussed.
Learner Outcomes: 1. Learn the pros and cons of the various diagnostic tests for cats with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. 2. Learn which tests are most useful in diagnosing cats with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism 3. Learn how to best monitor cats with hyper- and hypothyroidism after treatment
Learning Objectives:
List the pros and cons of the various diagnostic tests for cats with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Define which tests are most useful in diagnosing cats with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Describe how to best monitor cats with hyper- and hypothyroidism after treatment.
