Correlations between hypothyroidism and ovarian cysts in bitches

Abstract

This study involved 48 canine individuals with ovarian cystic formations larger than 4–5.5 mm in diameter, as identified by ultrasound, who were in the diestrus or anestrus phase of the sexual cycle. Both T4 and fT4 levels were measured in all 48 cases. The imaging diagnosis of ovarian cystic formations was performed using the stationary ultrasound equipment Esaote MyLab X5, and with the owners' consent, samples were collected and the obtained data processed. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected in coagulation activator-lined tubes. Hormone assays were performed using the Biomerieux MiniVidas hormone analyzer. The results are automatically calculated by the machine using stored calibration curves and are expressed in mg/dL for T4 and in ng/dL for fT4. The objective of this study is to determine the prevalence and extent of hypothyroidism in polycystic ovarian syndrome in bitches by measuring the levels of both T4 and fT4 in 48 patients with ovarian cysts. Considering clinical symptoms, borderline values were classified as indicative of hypothyroidism. 27% (n = 13) were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, while 73% (n = 35) had euthyroidism. Statistically significant differences were found in the results of both T4 and fT4 between the euthyroid and hypothyroid groups. This study found a high prevalence of hypothyroidism in female dogs with ovarian cysts. Given the impact of hypothyroidism on ovulation in women and its potential effects in dogs, thyroid function testing is recommended for female dogs with infertility.

Keywords

• cysts, hypothyroidism, infertility, bitch