The Guidelines for the Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism explains feline hyperthyroidism (FHT) as a primary disease process with compounding factors and also provides a concise explanation of what veterinary professionals know to be true about the etiology and pathogenesis of the disease.
Specifically, the Guidelines:
- Distill the current research literature into simple recommendations for testing sequences that will avoid misdiagnosis and separate a FHT diagnosis into six clinical categories with associated management strategies.
- Emphasize the importance of treating all hyperthyroid cats regardless of co-morbidities, and outline the currently available treatments for the disease.
- Explain how to monitor the treated cat to help avoid exacerbating co-morbid diseases.
- Dispel some of the myths surrounding certain aspects of FHT and replace them with an evidence-based narrative that veterinarians and their practice teams can apply to feline patients and communicate to their caregivers.
“Our hope is that by using these Guidelines, veterinary professionals will be able to diagnose FHT long before the cat becomes the classic scrawny, unkempt patient with a mass on its neck,” said Cynthia Ward, VMD, PhD, DACVIM, and AAFP Advisory Panel Co-chair. “With newer clinical presentations, the Guidelines explain how a cat can fall into one of six categories, and includes a diagnostic and management strategy for each.”
“The Guidelines provide guidance on how to recognize the health significance of early presentations of the disease, how to treat the disease, and recommend treatment for all hyperthyroid cats with management of any comorbidity,” explains Hazel Carney, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine & Feline), and AAFP Advisory Panel Co-chair.
A supplementary brochure and handout for clients on FHT are also available. The brochure outlines the signs and symptoms of FHT, treatment options, and management goals.
The Task Force included Hazel Carney, DVM, MS, DABVP (Canine & Feline) (Co-chair); Cynthia Ward, VMD, PhD, DACVIM (Co-chair); Steven Bailey, DVM, DABVP (Feline); David Bruyette, DVM, DACVIM; Sonnya Dennis, DVM, DACVIM (Canine & Feline); Duncan Ferguson, VMD, PhD, DACVIM, DACVCP; Amy Hinc, VMD, DABVP (Feline); and Renee Rucinsky, DVM, DABVP (Feline)