A Case of Congenital Hypothyroidism in Cats: Diagnostic Challenges and Therapeutic Outcomes.

Abstract

This report presents a case of congenital hypothyroidism in a 3-year-old female Persian cat, a condition that is seldom encountered in feline patients. The cat was presented with chronic renal failure and stunted growth, exhibiting a unique combination of symptoms, including dwarfism, an abnormal skull shape and open growth plates. A complete blood count (CBC) identified moderate anaemia, while the biochemical analysis showed elevated serum creatinine levels and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels. Low serum total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations, both before and after the administration of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), confirmed the presumptive diagnosis of congenital hypothyroidism. Following this, levothyroxine supplementation was initiated. After 1 week of therapy, the cat displayed decreased creatinine levels and increased activity. This case highlights that feline hypothyroidism, although rare, should be considered a differential diagnosis in similar cases.