An online presentation by Danielle Gunn-Moore, Professor of Feline Medicine at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, has been launched by Dechra Veterinary Products as part of its Dechra Academy training suite.

During the presentation, Professor Gunn-Moore uses a case study approach to discuss all aspects of the condition from diagnosis through to its treatment, management and on-going monitoring.  She reminds viewers that an individual approach must be taken in treating affected cats as the clinical signs can be subtle and starting treatment with the lowest possible dose of anti-thyroid medication is likely to prove physiologically beneficial.

"The study I've recently been involved in showed that the treatment of hyperthyroid cats can result in iatrogenic hypothyroidism*. Hypothyroid cats are significantly more likely to develop azotaemia than euthyroid cats - and hypothyroid cats that developed azotaemia in the study had significantly shorter survival times*. 

"The message for practitioners is that there is no 'standard recipe' in treating hyperthyroidism. The clinical signs aren't always obvious and it's important to check for concurrent heart and kidney disease. You then need to tailor treatment, starting with a low dose of medication and, if necessary, increasing it by the smallest increments possible."

To watch Professor Gunn-Moore's presentation, visit www.dechra.co.uk/hyperthyroidism. 

Reference:
* Williams, T. et al (2010) JVIM 24: 1086-1092

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