Thyrotropin (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone)
Also known as: Thyrogen, Ambinon, Thyreostimulin, Thytropar
Thyrotropin is used as a **one-time diagnostic test** to evaluate how well your pet's thyroid gland is functioning. * **The Procedure:** Your pet will have a baseline blood sample drawn, receive an injection of the hormone, and then stay at the clinic (or return) for a second blood draw 4 to 6 hours later. * **Safety:** Because this is a human-derived protein, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction. Let your veterinarian know immediately if you notice facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing after the test. * **Cost:** The human recombinant product can be expensive, which may factor into the overall cost of the diagnostic workup.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- TSH stimulation test
- TSH stimulation test
- TSH stimulation test
- TSH stimulation test
- TSH stimulation test
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Hypersensitivity reactions (especially with repeated injections of human-derived proteins in animals)
- Clinical signs of hyperthyroidism (with chronic administration or high doses)
- Anaphylactic responses (specifically associated with chemical grade/bovine TSH; recombinant forms are generally well tolerated)
Cautions & contraindications
- Adrenocortical insufficiency (untreated Addison's disease)
- Hyperthyroidism
- Coronary thrombosis
- Hypersensitivity to bovine thyrotropin or human proteins
- Repeated administration is not advisable
- Patients currently receiving levothyroxine therapy
- Use of chemical grade TSH (due to anaphylaxis risk)
- > **Hypersensitivity Warning:** Because the commercially available product is derived from human sources, hypersensitivity reactions may occur in patients sensitive to human proteins, particularly with repeated use. * **Pregnancy:** FDA Category C. Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate studies in humans. * **Nursing:** Unknown if excreted in milk, but unlikely to be clinically significant when used for a one-time diagnostic test.
Drug interactions
- Anabolic or androgenic steroids: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Carbimazole: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Barbiturates: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Corticosteroids: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Diazepam: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Heparin: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Mitotane: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Phenylbutazone: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Phenytoin: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
- Salicylates: May decrease serum T4 levels, making the TSH stimulation test hard to interpret
Frequently asked questions
What is Thyrotropin (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) used for in pets?
Thyrotropin is used as a **one-time diagnostic test** to evaluate how well your pet's thyroid gland is functioning. * **The Procedure:** Your pet will have a baseline blood sample drawn, receive an injection of the hormone, and then stay at the clinic (or return) for a second blood draw 4 to 6 hours later. * **Safety:** Because this is a human-derived protein, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction. Let your veterinarian know immediately if you notice facial swelling, hives, vomiting, or difficulty breathing after the test. * **Cost:** The human recombinant product can be expensive, which may factor into the overall cost of the diagnostic workup.
Is Thyrotropin (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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