| Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disorder that causes an over production of hormones. The thyroid gland helps regulate metabolism of the body; when the thyroid produces more hormones than are needed, the body’s metabolism speeds up. Hyperthyroidism is the most diagnosed hormone disorder in mature cats. |  |
The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism exhibited by cats can vary but often include a ravenous appetite with severe weight loss. Other symptoms found in felines are attitude changes, irritability, diarrhea, not grooming itself well, and rapid breathing. The increase in the metabolic rate can also cause rapid heart rate and an increase in urination.
If you suspect that your cat may have hyperthyroidism, please contact a veterinarian. During the office visit, the veterinarian will do a physical exam and bloodwork to diagnosis your pet. Because the thyroid lobes may become enlarged (due to unknown causes), they might be feIt on the cat’s neck during the physical exam. To help the veterinarian more accurately diagnose the cause for the thyroid enlargement, blood may be drawn. The blood sample will be tested for the hormone T4, also called thyroxine; the presence of this hormone confirms hyperthyroidism.
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, there are various treatment options available to manage or treat this disease. Some of these options include:
- Placing the cat on a therapeutic diet. Prescribed by the veterinarian, the goal of the diet is to
- The use of oral medication. This medication is called Methimazole, and it controls hyperthyroidism by stopping the production thyroid hormones . The medication does not decrease the size of the gland nor is not a cure; the cat will have to take the medication for the rest of its life. To ensure proper dosing to manage symptoms, the veterinarian will conduct blood work every 6 months.
- The use of radioactive iodine therapy. This treatment is considered curative because a low dose of radioactive iodine is given orally to the cat in order to destroy the tumor cells. Since iodine is stored only in the thyroid, it is a very localized treatment and the side effects are closely monitored and minimal. The treatment is offered at specialized hospitals, and the cat will be placed in isolation at the hospital after treatment to eliminate the iodine from the body.
Having early detection blood work preformed every year on your older cat will help diagnosis this disorder in the earlier stages. Early detection will promote a long and healthy life.
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