Prevalence and risk factors for hyperthyroidism in Irish cats from the greater Dublin area

Abstract

Abstract Background Hyperthyroidism is common in older cats. Prevalence varies geographically, but is anecdotally considered low in Ireland. The aim of this study was to document prevalence of hyperthyroidism in older cats in the greater Dublin area of Ireland and to assess environmental and clinical associations for development and identification of the disease. Methods Primary-care veterinary practices were requested to select cats aged 10 years or older where blood sampling was being performed for health screening or clinical investigations. Surplus serum/plasma samples were submitted to University College Dublin Diagnostic Endocrine Laboratory for total thyroxine (T4) measurement. Cats were classified as hyperthyroid, equivocal or euthyroid based on a total T4 concentration (reference interval, 15–60 nmol/L), of >60 nmol/L, 30–60 nmol/L or 60%) may reflect failure to detect goitre and account for the perceived low prevalence of this condition in Ireland.

Keywords

• Feline
• Hyperthyroidism
• Prevalence
• Ireland
• Risk
• Epidemiology