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  Discussion on Layperson needs translation
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Posted on Sunday, Jul 23, 2000 - 2:12 pm:

Hi Dr O,

Hope the fishing trip was great! I have been reading through the article on Hypothyroidism in Foals. There were a couple of terms I didn't understand and was wondering if you could explain.

1) What is goitrogenic as in goitrogenic plants?
2) Is "endophyte contaminated fescue" another way of saying "moldy hay/pasture"?
3) When it talks about hyperplastic thyroid gland remnants, does it mean the partial thyroid gland that was left grew back much more than expected?
4) What do T2, T3 and T4 represent?
5) Am I correct in my understanding that the article by Allen AL, Townsend HG, Doige CE, and Fretz PB felt that hypothyrodism in foals was caused by low iodine levels and any level of nitrates in the mares diet?


Thanks for the help!
Nancy

Posted on Tuesday, Jul 25, 2000 - 3:45 pm:

Nancy,

I can help a little.

Endophytes can occur in fescue hay and pasture and it is very common in the SE US. Fescue with endophytes is linked to birthing problems with horses on it. It is recommended pregnant mares are removed from fescue pastures and fescue hay for the last part of their gestation. Dr. O has an article on this.

T2, T3 and T4 are typically measured in a thyroid test and their values are indicative of thyroid function.

I'll defer to Dr. O's wisdom for your other questions, LOL.

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2000 - 2:18 pm:

1) goitergenic: promoting a goiter
2) No, though endophyte is a fungus it is invisible to the eye.
3) Hyperplastic means it enlarged, as to whether it was more than expected I cannot say.
4) T3 and T4 are the two most common forms of thyroid hormone found in the blood.
5) Unfortunately I do not have the whole article (I don't get the CaVJ) so I an not sure, but when one uses the term trace it generally means very low levels. They think there is a strong possibility this may be one of the causes of the problem.
DrO

Posted on Wednesday, Jul 26, 2000 - 4:21 pm:

Thanks Christine and Dr O! Appreciate the help!

Nancy
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