Disorder - Hypothyroidism

Organ Systems Involved
Endocrine

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Dwarfism

Alternative Names
Hypothyroidism, primary

Presenting Signs

Congenital hypothyroidism, a rare disorder of cats, may be caused by a number of factors relating to the thyroid gland. The cause may be aplasia (lack of development) or hypoplasia (underdevelopment) of the thyroid gland, thyroid ectopia (thyroid tissue in an abberant site), abnormal hormone production, or the mother having eaten a substance causing goitre or having been treated with radioactive iodine. Other possible causes are iodine deficiency (endemic goitre), or diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis, hypopituitarism, isolated thyrotropin deficiency, hypothalamic disease, or a deficiency of thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). In Abyssinians, the disease is inherited as a genetic trait.

Thyroid secretion is essential for normal postnatal development of the nervous and skeletal systems. Congenital hypothyroidism is characterised by disproportionate dwarfism, nervous system abnormalities and mental deficiency. Also, signs similar to adult onset hypothyroidism such as lethargy, lack of appetite, constipation, skin problems and hypothermia may be observed. Other signs may include large birth weight, mental dullness, weak nursing, delayed dental eruption and a distended abdomen.

Cats at Risk

Young cats

Breeds Affected
Abyssinian


Treatment

Medical (synthetic levothyroxine): thyroid supplementation

PubMed References
Hypothyroidism

Contributor
Suzanne Polak