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  Discussion on Hypothyroid vs other endocrine issues
Author Message
New Member:
Claudiam

Posted on Monday, Sep 27, 2004 - 9:38 pm:

Greetings,

I have a warmblood, 10 years old. Lately he has been lethargic, obesity has set in no matter what diet I put him on and he has strange unexplainable lameness issues (bone scan and x-rays show nothing significant). He does better on the lameness issues if on anti-inflammatories (Bute) though I am not comfortable keeping him on this chronically - 1 scoop). I suspected early cushing's, insulin resistance and or a thyroid issues. I asked my vet to test for these and was talked out of the cushing's test and told insulin resistance is rare. We checked thyroid and CBC with differential and a Chemistry Panel. Low T-3 levels showed up (42 with normal range of 50-165) as well as a high potassium level (6.1 with normal range of 3-5)and a slightly low NA/K ratio (23 with normal range of 24-58). Strangely, I expected to see a high glucose and instead we have a low glucose level of 57 (normal range being 70-120). Insulin was not done but if I press the issue I could probably get it. I expected to see a high glucose level if anything (approx 5 hours post feeding time). All this is puzzling to me. I'm not sure he is truly hypothyroid, not with these other endocrinology issues presenting themselves. However, vet wants him on L-thyro and never even mentioned the low blood sugar issue. (I saw it when I requested a copy of the blood work). Given that the horse seems lethargic, and to my understanding, low blood sugar is not really a "true" problem in humans or horses but more of an indication of impaired insulin function, what am I supposed to think, and what can I do next to adequately evaluate or help my horse who's quality of life I care greatly about?
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Tuesday, Sep 28, 2004 - 7:32 am:

Welcome Claudia,
Let's take the problems in sequence:

The glucose value is probably not significant and did not reflect the value at the time the blood was taken. Unfortunately when we take blood in the field it is often several hours before it gets back to the office and tests run. During this time the blood cells metabolize the glucose: it goes down in the tube.

Low T3/T4 values do not reflect thyroid function, see Equine Diseases » Endocrine Disorders » Hypothyroidism in Adult Equines.

Cushingnoid disease is not likely as they are not easy keepers see Equine Diseases » Endocrine Disorders » Topic Cushing's SynDrOme and Pituitary Tumors.

That leaves us with Equine Metabolic SynDrOme which is where you posted. The article associated with this forum explains the diagnosis and management of these horses. But let me ask you, are you use to a Thoroughbred temperment and now you have a WB? Most horses settle down a bit after 8 to 10 years of age.
DrO

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