Selenium status of cats in four regions of the world and comparison with reported incidence of hyperthyroidism in cats in those regions.

OBJECTIVE

To assess selenium (Se) status of cats in 4 regions of the world and to compare results for Se status with reported incidence of hyperthyroidism in cats in those regions.

ANIMALS: 50 cats (30 from 2 regions with an allegedly high incidence of hyperthyroidism and 20 from 2 regions in which the disease is less commonly reported).

PROCEDURE: Hematologic samples (heparinized whole blood, plasma, and RBC fractions) were obtained from 43 healthy euthyroid cats and 7 hyperthyroid cats. Plasma concentration of Se and activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in whole blood and plasma were determined.

RESULTS

Plasma concentration of Se and GPX activity in whole blood or plasma did not differ significantly among cats from the 4 regions. However, cats had a plasma concentration of Se that was approximately 5 times the concentration reported in rats and humans. The GPX activity in whole blood or plasma in cats generally was higher than values reported in rats or humans.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Cats have higher Se concentrations in plasma, compared with values for other species. However, Se status alone does not appear to affect the incidence of hyperthyroidism in cats. High Se concentrations may have implications for health of cats if such concentrations are influenced by the amount of that micronutrient included in diets.