A storm on the horizon – Hyperthyroid, hypothyroid and their complications

Thyroid disease is commonly seen in small animal medicine, with hyperthyroid being more common in cats and hypothyroid more common in dogs. This lecture will review the function of the thyroid and the dysfunctions seen in companion animals. We will analyze common presentations of hyperthyroid and the emergent complication of a thyroid storm, as well as hypothyroid and the life-threatening manifestation of myxedema coma. Emergency management and nursing care will be reviewed.

At the end of this lecture participants should be able to:

● Understand the function of the thyroid gland and its hormones

● Associate clinical signs of thyroid dysfunction with hyper or hypothyroidism

● Review emergency management and nursing care of the patient with thyroid dysfunction