Your older cat hasn’t been quite right lately. You take him to the veterinarian, and she says he has hyperthyroidism. But what is it?
We’ll investigate feline hyperthyroidism and take a look at the symptoms. We’ll also go into how to treat it.
What is Feline Hyperthyroidism
Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that affects older cats. It is caused by an overactive thyroid gland, which produces excessive amounts of the hormone thyroxine. This hormone regulates the body’s metabolism, and an overabundance of it can cause a wide range of health problems in cats.
Hyperthyroidism Symptoms to Watch Out For
Symptoms of feline hyperthyroidism include increased appetite, weight loss, increased thirst and urination, and restlessness. In severe cases, cats may also experience vomiting, diarrhea, and heart problems, such as high blood pressure and heart murmurs.
What is the Cause of Feline Hyperthyroidism
The exact cause of feline hyperthyroidism is not well understood, but it is believed to be related to environmental factors, such as exposure to chemicals and radiation. Additionally, genetics may play a role, as certain breeds of cats, such as Siamese and Oriental breeds, are more prone to developing the disease.
How is Feline Hyperthyroidism Diagnosed
Diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism is typically made through a combination of blood tests, physical exams, and possibly an ultrasound. Blood tests measure the level of thyroxine in the blood and help confirm the diagnosis.
Physical exams can detect signs of hyperactivity, such as a rapid heartbeat and increased appetite, and ultrasound can be used to visualize the thyroid gland and determine if it is enlarged.
3 Feline Hyperthyroidism Treatments
- Medication: Medication, such as methimazole, is the most common form of treatment and works by reducing the production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland.
- Surgery: Surgery involves removing the affected part or all the thyroid gland and is typically recommended for cats that are not good candidates for medication.
- Radioactive iodine therapy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small amount of radioactive iodine to destroy the overactive cells in the thyroid gland.
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Regardless of the treatment option chosen, it is important to monitor a cat’s health and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure that the disease is well managed. This may include regular blood tests and physical exams to monitor the cat’s thyroid function and overall health.
Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that affects older cats and is caused by an overactive thyroid gland.
Symptoms of the disease include increased appetite, weight loss, increased thirst and urination, and restlessness. Treatment options include medication, surgery, and radioactive iodine therapy, and regular monitoring is important to ensure that the disease is well managed.
If you suspect that your cat has feline hyperthyroidism, it is important to take them to the veterinarian for a thorough examination and diagnosis.