title: Adrenal function in cats with hyperthyroidism.
abstract: Adrenal function may be altered in animals with hyperthyroidism. The aim of the study was to assess adrenal function of hyperthyroid cats (n = 17) compared to healthy cats (n = 18) and cats with chronic diseases (n = 18). Adrenal function was evaluated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test and the urinary cortisol to creatinine ratio (UCCR) was determined. Length and width of both adrenal glands were measured via ultrasound. Hyperthyroid cats had significantly higher cortisol levels before and after stimulation with ACTH than the other groups. However, the UCCR was not elevated in hyperthyroid cats. The size of the adrenal glands of hyperthyroid cats was not significantly different from the size of those of healthy cats. The results indicate that cats with hyperthyroidism have a higher cortisol secretory capacity in a hospital setting. The normal size of the adrenal glands suggests that cortisol levels may not be increased permanently.
authors.affiliation: Clinic of Small Animal Medicine, LMU University of Munich, Veterinaerstrasse 13, Munich, Germany.
authors.forename: Sabine
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ramspott
authors.forename: Katrin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hartmann
authors.forename: Carola
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sauter-Louis
authors.forename: Karin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Astrid
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Wehner
mesh_terms: D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000818:Animals; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000652:urine; D002415:Cats; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000652:urine; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000652:urine / Q000662:veterinary*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone; D003404:Creatinine; D006854:Hydrocortisone