Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of older cats, caused by the excessive production of thyroid hormones. The most common cause for increased hormone production is a tumor of the thyroid gland itself. These tumors may be benign or malignant. The reason or cause for the tumor to develop is unknown.
Signs of excessive thyroid hormone production include weight loss despite a ravenous appetite,frequent bowel movements, increased thirst and urination, restlessness, frequent crying or vocalizing, neglect of normal grooming, and a rapid heartbeat. The effects on the heart may be severe and result in congestive heart failure and death.
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is the recommended treatment. If the gland is totally removed, replacement thyroid hormone is given for life.
Treatment with radioactive iodine is also an excellent form of therapy. This treatment, however, requires the availability of nuclear medicine facilities and isolation of the cat during treatment.
When serious heart disease has already occurred, treatment with anti-thyroid drugs is used until the cat is healthy enough to undergo surgery. However, long-term medical treatment with these drugs is not recommended because the tumor may be malignant and spread to other areas during treatment and because these drugs can have serious side effects with long term use. Nevertheless, in certain older cats and cats that are poor surgical risks, long-term drug therapy may be the best type of treatment.
If you think your cat has any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism take him or her to the
Signs of excessive thyroid hormone production include weight loss despite a ravenous appetite,frequent bowel movements, increased thirst and urination, restlessness, frequent crying or vocalizing, neglect of normal grooming, and a rapid heartbeat. The effects on the heart may be severe and result in congestive heart failure and death.
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is the recommended treatment. If the gland is totally removed, replacement thyroid hormone is given for life.
Treatment with radioactive iodine is also an excellent form of therapy. This treatment, however, requires the availability of nuclear medicine facilities and isolation of the cat during treatment.
When serious heart disease has already occurred, treatment with anti-thyroid drugs is used until the cat is healthy enough to undergo surgery. However, long-term medical treatment with these drugs is not recommended because the tumor may be malignant and spread to other areas during treatment and because these drugs can have serious side effects with long term use. Nevertheless, in certain older cats and cats that are poor surgical risks, long-term drug therapy may be the best type of treatment.
If you think your cat has any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism take him or her to the
Veterinarian as soon as possible for a check up.
My 14 year old cat recently developed hyperthyroidism and our vet put her on Tapezole. We are considering the radioactive iodine treatment if she is not too old for it.