Endocrine disorders: Thyroid Storm

Question 1

Thyroid storm is an acute thyrotoxicosis that occurs primarily in -?

What clinical signs can be associated with this syndrome?

Answer 1

Hyperthyroid cats

CNS dysfunction, hyperthermia, dehydration, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cardiac murmurs/ arrhythmias, icterus, cavitary effusions, pulmonary edema, hypertension, retinopathies, weakness, and thromboembolic disease

Question 2

What are potential precipitating events that are associated with feline thyroid storm syndrome?

Answer 2

Thyroid and parathryoid surgery, stress, and nonthyroid disease

Question 3

Treatment for feline patients exhibiting signs of a thyroid syndrome includes -?

Answer 3

• Methimazole (dosage dependent on renal function), to prevent the production of new thyroid hormones
• Dexametahsone, (0.1-0.2 mg/kg IV) to prevent thyroid release
• Iopanoic acid, a hyperosmolar drug to prevent thyroid hormone binding to its receptors
• Propanolol (5 mg PO q 8hr, 0.02 mg/kg IV over 1 minute) as a sympatholytic
  Supportive care for hyperthermia, hypertension, dehydration