Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Four Paths to Euthyroid — CE Course — CE Portal | Dr. Rosie DVM
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Four Paths to Euthyroid
Dr. Rosemary Stolzer-Bolton, DVM, DVMFelineFree Preview
Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disorder in cats over 10 — yet the 'right' treatment is rarely obvious. This course walks through all four treatment modalities (methimazole, radioactive iodine, surgery, iodine-restricted diet), evidence-based integrative support, and the critical skill of unmasking hidden CKD at diagnosis. Earn 1.0 RACE CE credit.
Learning Objectives
1Recall the diagnostic criteria for feline hyperthyroidism including T4 thresholds, clinical signs, and when to pursue free T4 or scintigraphy
2Explain the concept of 'unmasking CKD' when treating hyperthyroidism and describe the recommended monitoring protocol for renal function post-treatment
3Compare and contrast the four primary treatment options — methimazole, radioactive iodine (I-131), thyroidectomy, and iodine-restricted diet — including efficacy, risk profile, cost, and quality-of-life implications
4Given a patient case, select the most appropriate treatment modality based on concurrent disease, owner constraints, and clinic capabilities
5Assess the evidence for integrative adjuncts — including hepatoprotectants, adaptogens, cardiac support nutraceuticals, and acupuncture — and determine when each is appropriate in the hyperthyroid cat
Course Syllabus
1
Meet Biscuit: A Case That Asks the Right QuestionsPreview
Opening case scenario introducing a classic but diagnostically tricky presentation of feline hyperthyroidism
6 min
2
Pathophysiology and Diagnosis
Adenomatous hyperplasia, T4 cascade effects, diagnostic thresholds, when to pursue free T4 and scintigraphy
10 min
3
The CKD Masking Problem
Why hyperthyroidism inflates GFR and creatinine, how to stage renal function safely, trial methimazole protocol before permanent treatment
9 min
4
Four Paths to Euthyroid
Methimazole (oral vs. transdermal), radioactive iodine (gold standard), thyroidectomy, and iodine-restricted diet — evidence, risks, costs, and patient selection
14 min
5
Integrative Adjuncts: Liver, Heart, and Stress
SAMe/milk thistle for methimazole-induced hepatotoxicity, taurine/CoQ10 for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, adaptogens for anxiety, acupuncture evidence