The major value of thyroid scintigraphy is determining the extent of the thyroid gland involvement. Thyroid scintigraphy is also invaluable in the evaluation of the thyroid carcinoma patient. Therapy - The therapy for hyperthyroidism is directed at controlling the excessive production of thyroid hormones. Antithyroid drug administration will inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Antithyroid drug therapy is lifetime with symptoms of the disease recurring rapidly following discontinuation of the drug.
Surgical thyroidectomy is a highly effective therapy for feline hyperthyroidism.
Unfortunately anesthetic and surgical complications can result in significant morbidity and mortality. In cats with bilateral thyroid involvement, removal of both lobes is necessary to control hyperthyroidism. Post-operative complications include hypoparathyroidism, Horner's syndrome, laryngeal paralysis and persistent hypothyroidism. Planar thyroid scintigraphy of a hyperthyroid cat with bilateral thyroid adenomas. Notice the increased uptake of the radionuclide in the thyroid tissue bilaterally.