Efficacy of parathyroid gland autotransplantation in maintaining serum calcium concentrations after bilateral thyroparathyroidectomy in cats

Bilateral thyroidectomy is a commonly indicated treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. The most common postoperative complication is hypocalcemia due to disruption of the parathyroid glands. When parathyroid gland disruption is obvious, many authors suggest autotransplantation (AT) of the glands. This technique never has been supported by a scientific study which monitored postoperative calcium or parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations. Cats in this study each underwent bilateral thyroidectomy and parathyroid AT to mimic a clinical situation. Serum calcium concentrations normalized much quicker than concentrations in previously reported cats undergoing bilateral thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Parathyroid AT greatly reduces morbidity in the parathyroidectomized cat.