Thyroid storm in cats: diagnosis and treatment

Thyroid storm is a well-recognized endocrine emergency in human medicine, caused by an exacerbation of the hyperthyroid state resulting in the acute decompensation of one or various body systems (Thermoregulatory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, CNS). Early recognition and aggressive treatment are fundamental to limit its morbidity and mortality. Diagnosis is made based on the clinical signs and the detection of a precipitating event. Its pathogenesis is not clearly understood, but increases in the values of serum free thyroid hormones as well as hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system are thought to be important. It has recently been described, with some controversy, the possibility that hyperthyroid cats may present with a similar syndrome, the so-called feline thyroid storm. This paper wants to raise awareness on the discussion, as well as the clinical signs, diagnosis and treatment of this rare disease that can be life threatening if not detected and treated early on.