First Report of Idiopathic Advanced Follicular Atrophy of the Thyroid Gland in Three Miniature Donkeys

Document Type : Case Report

Authors

1 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

2 Diagnostic Laboratory of Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

3 Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ardakan University, P.O.Box 184, Ardakan, Iran

Abstract

Thyroid gland disorders in equines, particularly in donkeys, are seldom reported in the veterinary literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documented study focusing on pathological lesions of the thyroid in equines, especially miniature donkeys. The objective of this report is to provide insight into the histopathological, hormonal and electrolyte alterations observed in the thyroid glands of three animals. In this study, three miniature donkeys housed at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran, were subjected to necropsy procedures for educational purposes. Prior to necropsy, blood samples were collected from each animal to assess serum thyroid hormone levels. Following euthanasia, the thyroid glands were carefully dissected and submitted for histopathological evaluation using standard microscopic techniques. Histopathological analysis revealed notable lesions within the thyroid tissue, including infiltration of adipose (fat) cells, increased deposition of connective tissue (fibrosis), and structural collapse of thyroid follicles. These morphological changes were accompanied by a marked reduction in serum concentrations of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), as demonstrated by laboratory analysis of the collected blood samples. The findings of this report confirm the presence of advanced follicular atrophy in the thyroid glands of the examined miniature donkeys. This degenerative change appears to be directly associated with the observed decrease in circulating thyroid hormones, suggesting a state of hypothyroidism. These results underscore the need for further research into thyroid function and pathology in donkeys and other equids.

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References

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Veterinary and Comparative Biomedical Research
Volume 3, Issue 2
June 2026
Pages 78-82

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