Diagnostic Testing for Hyper - and Hypothyroidism in cats: More than just T4!

This lecture will focus on an overview of the latest thoughts on diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Use of serum T4, free T4, and TSH measurements will be reviewed, as well as the value of thyroid imaging for diagnosis of benign and malignant thyroid tumors. The usefulness of dynamic thyroid testing (e.g., T3 suppression tests) for diagnosis of hyperthyroidism will also be included. The issue of false-negative and false-positive results, which exists with all of these thyroid function tests, will be discussed

• To review the four available treatment options for hyperthyroidism in the cat, and how each form of treatment works to restore euthyroidism
• To compare the advantages and disadvantages associated with of the four major forms of treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism
• To review why one treatment may be ideal for some cats and their owners, where another form of treatment is recommended for other cats