What is the next step after the initial screening?
Two diagnostic nuclear imaging studies are the next step in the process. Thyroid scintigraphy is performed to assess for ectopic thyroid tissue, confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, and to evaluate the pattern of the uptake of the nuclear isotope within the thyroid tissue which may be consistent with benign adenomatous thyroid tissue. The second nuclear study is performed to determine the renal glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR results are used to determine the functional status of the kidneys, and identify cats with subclinical renal disease. Ideally, the GFR should be above 2.25 mL/min/kg. If the GFR is below this number, medical therapy for hyperthyroidism may be recommended, although 131I treatment may still be an option in specific patients.
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