title: Hyperthyroidism in cats: what's causing this epidemic of thyroid disease and can we prevent it?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Since first being reported in the late 1970s, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is now recognized worldwide as the most common feline endocrine disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  Hyperthyroidism is an important cause of morbidity in cats older than 10 years of age. It is estimated that over 10% of all senior cats will develop the disorder.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Despite its frequency, the underlying cause(s) of this common disease is/are not known, and no one has suggested a means to prevent the disorder. Because of the multiple risk factors that have been described for feline hyperthyroidism, it is likely that more than one factor is involved in its pathogenesis. Continuous, lifelong exposure to environmental thyroid disruptor chemicals or goitrogens in food or water, acting together in an additive or synergistic manner, may first lead to euthyroid goiter and then to autonomous adenomatous hyperplasia, thyroid adenoma and hyperthyroidism.
  
  
  METHODS
  This review draws on published research studies to summarize the available evidence about the risk factors for feline hyperthyroidism. Based on the known goitrogens that may be present in the cat's food, drinking water or environment, it proposes measures that cat owners can implement that might prevent, or reduce the prevalence of, thyroid tumors and hyperthyroidism in their cats.
authors.affiliation: Animal Endocrine Clinic, 21 West 100th Street, New York 10025, USA. drpeterson@animalendocrine.com
authors.forename: Mark
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Peterson
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002415:Cats; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014730:Veterinary Medicine / Q000379:methods