Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology (ALIVE): Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, (Euglycaemic) Diabetic Ketosis/Ketoacidosis, and Diabetic Remission—A Modified Delphi-Method-Based System to Create Consensus Definitions

Abstract

Companion animal endocrinology has benefited from international standardisation of disease terminology for diabetes mellitus, Cushing’s syndrome, and hypoadrenocorticism through Project Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology (ALIVE). A group of 14 experts and one chair convened for the third cycle of Project ALIVE, focusing on thyroid disease terminology. The cycle employed the modified Delphi approach from previous cycles, augmented by procedural refinements—such as inclusion of an off-site chair and stricter adherence to timelines —to improve efficiency and flexibility. Novel in this round was the integration of feedback from a previous cycle, which resulted in updated definitions for diabetes mellitus originally developed in ALIVE Cycle 1. Outcomes: A 100% consensus was achieved among panellists and 91.4–100% among 105 members of international veterinary endocrinology societies (32% of total memberships) over 78 thyroid-related terminology items and five revised definitions pertaining to diabetes mellitus. These standardised definitions are expected to facilitate clearer communication and education, enhance diagnostic consistency, support research comparability, and improve clinical care in feline and canine endocrine diseases.