Quantitative Pertechnetate Thyroid Scintigraphy and the Ultrasonographic Appearance of the Thyroid Gland in Clinically Normal Horses

The purpose of this study was to report the scintigraphic and sonographic appearance of the thyroid gland in clinically normal horses so these modalities could be used to assess the thyroid gland in this species. Horses were divided into two age groups. Group A consisted of 8 horses between 3 and 10 years of age and Group B of 7 horses between 11 and 20 years of age. Total T4 concentrations were within the laboratory reference interval. Thyroid to salivary (T/S) ratio, percent dose uptake of pertechnetate and thyroid lobe volume were calculated. Echogenicity of thyroid lobes and presence of nodules were documented. The two groups were compared using appropriate parametric and nonparametic tests. Total T4 concentrations were significantly lower in the older group. Sixty minute mean ± standard deviation (SD) T/S ratios for older versus younger horses were 5.8 ± 3.0 and 5.3 ± 2.2, respectively. Sixty minute median and interquartile ranges for percent dose uptake of pertechnetate for older versus younger horses were 3.64% (1.5 to 3.98%) and 2.55% (2.33 to 2.90%), respectively. Mean ± SD thyroid lobe volumes for older versus younger horses were 18.93 ± 5.16 cm3 and 13.55 ± 3.56 cm3, respectively. Most thyroid lobes were hyper or isoechoic to the sternocephalicus muscle. Prevalence of thyroid nodules did not differ between groups. Older horses had trends for greater T/S ratios, percent dose uptakes and thyroid lobe volumes but had lower total T4 concentrations. Further studies using scintigraphy and ultrasound in horses with thyroid disease are planned.