Birchard S.J.
Feline Practice, 1993. 21(2): p.23-26.
Hyperthyroidism, a multisystem disorder, should be fully understood by the clinician before anesthesia and surgery is attempted. Thyroid tumors in the cat are usually benign and are functional. Malignant thyroid tumors in cats have been reported and can also be functional. Definitive treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats is either by thyroidectomy or administration of radioactive iodine. The objectives of thyroidectomy in the cat are to maintain meticulous hemostasis, preserve at least one parathyroid gland, and remove all abnormal tissue. Postoperatively, cats are closely monitored for evidence of hemorrhage from the surgical anatomy of the thyroid and parathyroid glands; the pathophysiology and diagnosis of hyperthyroidism; preoperative care of the hyperthyroid cat; objectives and techniques of thyroidectomy; and postoperative care is provided.