Principal Investigator: Nicola Di Girolamo

Co-PI: Lauren Thielen

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): 

Although avian hypothyroidism is frequently mentioned in textbooks and narrative reviews, this condition has been confirmed in only a few avian species. Pet parrots are oftentimes diagnosed based on clinical signs and administered a treatment without a definitive diagnosis.

Three published studies described TSH stimulation testing in birds. Unfortunately, TSH used in those studies is not available anymore. Two conference proceedings reported preliminary results of TSH stimulation in psittacine birds by the use of the commercially available recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH)(Thyrogen, Sanofi). Since one vial of rhTSH costs approximately $2,000, using it in several occasions after freezing individual aliquots would help the dissemination of this test in general practice.

The purpose of the present study is (1) to describe the effects of fresh and frozen commercially available rhTSH at two different doses on thyroid hormone concentrations in healthy Quaker parrots, and (2) to evaluate the responses of various thyroid hormones.