The OSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital is currently recruiting untreated hyperthyroid cats to participate in a study of CT imaging of the feline thyroid gland.
Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy in cats. These cats have an overproduction of thyroid hormones from abnormal thyroid tissue. The elevated concentrations of thyroid hormone can have many effects in cats, most noticeably increased appetite, weight loss, vomiting and hyperactivity. Evaluation of the thyroid glands with diagnostic imaging is potentially useful for optimizing treatment of this disease.
The goal of this study is to determine the size and CT imaging characteristics of abnormal thyroid tissue before and after methimazole treatment in awake cats. We are recruiting cats that have been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism but have not yet received any treatment. Specifically, we are seeking cats whose owners are interested in initial treatment with methimazole. Participating cats will receive outpatient CT imaging before beginning methimazole treatment and again during treatment once blood concentrations of thyroid hormone are normal. The two CT studies and a consultation with a Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist will be at no cost to the owner of the cat.
If you are interested in participating or would like more information, contact Jen Bush at bushj@onid.orst.edu or the Small Animal Clinic 541-737-4812. We are enrolling 10 cats over the summer of 2013.
