Spontaneous adult-onset primary hypothyroidism in 17 cats
Abstract
ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the clinical, laboratory and thyroid imaging features of 17 adult cats with spontaneous hypothyroidism diagnosed over a 4-year period in four countries.MethodsThis multicenter case series included cats diagnosed with spontaneous hypothyroidism between 2021 and 2025. We collected data on cats' signalment, clinical signs, results of physical examination, routine laboratory and thyroid hormone testing, and thyroid imaging (scintigraphy, ultrasonography or CT). We also reviewed treatment data, including levothyroxine dosage, changes in serum thyroid hormone and creatinine concentrations, clinical progression and follow-up scintigraphy.ResultsCats were aged 2-14 years, with no breed predilection; 10 (58.8%) were male and seven (41.2%) female. Common clinical signs included lethargy, dermatologic signs (unkempt hair coat, increased shedding, dandruff, hair thinning), weight gain or obesity, and palpable goiter. The most common laboratory findings included azotemia (five cats), anemia (three cats) and worsening of pre-existing diabetes mellitus (two cats). A total of 13 (76.5%) cats had low serum thyroxine (T4), whereas all cats had high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations. Thyroid imaging confirmed undetectable or atrophic thyroid tissue in 10 (58.8%) cats and bilateral thyroid enlargement in seven (41.2%). After levothyroxine treatment (median 133 µg/cat/day) in 15 cats, serum total T4 concentration increased and TSH…
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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