Congenital hypothyroidism and concurrent renal insufficiency in a kitten

Authors

  • Chee Kin Lim University of Pretoria
  • Chantal T Rosa University of Pretoria
  • Yolanda de Witt University of Pretoria
  • Johan P Schoeman University of Pretoria

Abstract

A 3-month-old male domestic short-hair kitten was presented with chronic constipation and disproportionate dwarfism. Radiographs of the long bones and spine revealed delayed epiphyseal ossification and epiphyseal dysgenesis. Diagnosis of congenital primary hypothyroidism was confirmed by low serum total thyroxine and high thyroid stimulating hormone concentrations. Appropriate supplementation of levothyroxine was instituted. The kitten subsequently developed mild renal azotaemia and renal proteinuria, possibly as a consequence of treatment or an unmasked congenital renal developmental abnormality. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment are vital as alleviation of clinical signs may depend on the cat’s age at the time of diagnosis.

Author Biographies

  • Chee Kin Lim, University of Pretoria

    Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa and Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Purdue University, United States of America

  • Chantal T Rosa, University of Pretoria

    Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Yolanda de Witt, University of Pretoria

    Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa

  • Johan P Schoeman, University of Pretoria

    Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies, University of Pretoria, South Africa

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Published

2021-12-09

Issue

Section

Case Report