Abstract
Dear Sir,
Ref: Within- and between-examiner agreement for two thyroid palpation techniques in healthy and hyperthyroid cats. Paepe, Smets, van Hoek, et al (JFMS Vol 10, page 558).
I would like to compliment the authors in devising an objective comparison of the two thyroid palpation techniques.
My only concern with the study is the experience factor. The authors state that each person had considerable experience palpating the thyroid gland of cats; however, my technique (T2) was introduced to them for the purpose of the study. It seems safe to assume that their experience with T2 was quite minimal compared with that of the classic technique (T1).
I did not perfect my technique in a few days or weeks. I used it for several years before assembling the data in my papers.
Thyroid palpation is a learnt technique, just as abdominal palpation, cardiac auscultation, catheter placement, surgical procedures, and dozens of other things that we do in clinical practice. With each, improvement comes with experience. There is also a significant difference in the degree to which various clinicians can perfect any given technique. Some of the veterinarians who have worked in my practice and were trained by me in this thyroid palpation technique learned it extremely well; others never mastered it. The real bottom line for thyroid palpation should be to use the technique that works best for you. For some it will be T1; for others it will be T2.