Hyperthyroidism treatment in cats usually involves antithyroid medication or the use of radioactive iodine to destroy the abnormal (overactive) tissue growing in the thyroid gland. Surgery to remove the abnormal tissue is generally not advised, as the surgery could also accidentally destroy parathyroid tissue. The parathyroid gland releases a hormone called PTH that increases blood calcium levels. Based on your knowledge of homeostasis, predict why surgery is ill-advised.
A) Blood calcium levels would reach abnormally low levels if there is a lack of PTH.
B) Blood calcium levels would reach abnormally high levels if there is a lack of PTH.
C) Positive feedback will not be able to compensate for any problems caused by negative feedback.
D) A lack of PTH disrupts positive feedback control of blood calcium levels.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The parathyroid gland releases a hormone called PTH that increases blood calcium levels. If the parathyroid tissue is accidentally destroyed during surgery, there will be a lack of PTH leading to abnormally low levels of blood calcium. This disrupts homeostasis and can cause serious health problems for the cat.

Hyperthyroidism Treatment in Cats Usually Involves Antithyroid Medication or the Use