Experts Gather At Global Symposium On Feline Hyperthyroidism
12 years ago
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16th August, 2012 19h11
On 9th May, 140 delegates from 24 countries gathered in Barcelona to hear state of the art presentations at the
Hill’s Global Symposium on Feline Hyperthyroidism. With an illustrious line up of speakers and an audience of specialists, faculty members and top veterinarians from general practice, the event provided an opportunity for the latest thinking on the most common endocrine disease in cats to be shared and discussed by some of the most influential people in the veterinary world. Now, there’s an opportunity for all vets to benefit from this event by accessing a webcast and written proceedings.
One of the highlights of a fascinating symposium programme was the presentation of recently published studies that show a restricted iodine diet decreases thyroid hormone concentrations in cats with naturally occurring disease.
1,2,3
Also on the agenda were comprehensive overviews of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of feline hyperthyroidism from Andrew Sparkes, Veterinary Director at the International Society of Feline Medicine and RCVS recognised feline specialist Sarah Caney.
Carmel Mooney, Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine (Endocrinology), gave a detailed view of the pros and cons of the medical management of hyperthyroidism – a problem many clinicians will have struggled with in practice. This state of the art lecture delves into the detail of achieving the right dosage regimes for the individual and discusses new treatment protocols that might be available in the future.
Iveta Be?vá?ová, Hill’s Director of Academic Affairs and Lynda Melendez, Medical Director at Hill’s, gave an overview of the influence of nutrition on thyroid health and studies that have established how
iodine restriction can return hyperthyroid cats to a euthyroid state.
1,2 A restricted iodine food has been shown to be safe and effective.
Marijke Peeters from Utrecht University had some choice tips to pass on regarding surgical intervention for thyroid disease. Covering everything from selection of candidates for surgery and pre-operative preparation, to surgical technique and prevention of post surgical hypocalcaemia; the session will prove to be essential watching for anyone who has ever removed, or aspired to remove, a feline thyroid gland.
Additional presentations included a stimulating session on human thyroid disease and masterclasses on hypertension; discussing the impact of hyperthyroidism on blood pressure, the evaluation and significance of hypertension in the geriatric cat and the impact of hypertension on renal function. Speakers include Hans Kooistra from Utrecht, Tim Williams from the RVC in London and Luca Aresu from the School of Veterinary Medicine in Padua, Italy.
The Hill’s symposium gave veterinary experts the opportunity to meet and focus on one disease condition and now vets around the world will also be able to access a
webcast giving an in-depth look at feline hyperthyroidism and up to the minute information. The webcast is essential watching for anyone interested in feline medicine or working in general practice. You can also read the
expert view of feline hyperthyroidism by viewing the full proceedings at
www.hillsvet.co.uk or
www.hillsvet.ie.
ReferencesControlled level of dietary iodine normalizes serum total thyroxine in cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism Yu S, Wedekind KJ, Burris PA, et al. J Vet Intern Med 2011;25:683-684 (abstract).Titration of dietary iodine for reducing serum thyroxine concentrations in newly diagnosed hyperthyroid cats Melendez LD, Yamka RM, Forrester SD, et al. J Vet Intern Med 2011;25:683 (abstract).Titration of dietary iodine for maintaining normal serum thyroxine concentrations in hyperthyroid cats Melendez LD, Yamka RM, Burris PA. J Vet Intern Med 2011;25:683 (abstract)More from
