I learned later that the weight-loss cat food he’d been eating contained excessive iodine, which likely over-stimulated his thyroid gland and caused thyroid tumors. Therefore surgery is an expensive option – however it only needs to be done once. Many older cats may already have bad dental disease, increasing this risk. If you can detect it earlier, you may select the right treatment for your cat. As with all surgical procedures, there are a number of risks associated with surgery and anaesthetic (remember heart disease is common with hyperthyroidism). Anti-thyroid medications are most frequently given as tablets and this can be very challenging in some cats, especially as they may require tablets multiple times a day for the rest of their lives. We review the three most common treatment options, medication, surgery and radioactive iodine therapy for cats. It often provides a long-term or permanent cure in most cats. This is usually due to non-cancerous ‘growth’ of the gland. Understand that the severity and number of symptoms experienced is subject to variation based on the particular cat. Involvement of both g… Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands in the neck develop abnormal tissue and produce too much thyroid hormone, causing bodily functions to speed up. People like you are essential to our work. there may be osteoporosis leading to weak bones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats can vary; some may show no visible signs at all, which can make it difficult to diagnose in the first instance. Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid can sometimes develop as a result of surgery to address an overactive thyroid. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. After surgery, regular blood tests may be recommended so that your vet can ensure that the thyroid hormone levels are normal. Sometimes I’m out of the house for a long time…does it matter if I’m late with a dose or miss one? There are 2 thyroid glands located in the neck. Hyperthyroidism Symptoms Too much thyroid hormone affects your cat's metabolism, essentially resulting in her body burning through fat and calories at warp speed. Hypocalcemia (Low Blood Calcium) in Cats and Dogs ... Signs, Symptoms and Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Excessive thirst, increased urination, hyperactivity, unkempt appearance, panting, diarrhea and increased shedding have also been reported. Some of the most common and obvious symptoms to watch out for are: Increased appetite, … 10-12 years old) since the alternative is daily medication for life. Symptoms tend to develop slowly but hyperthyroidism is serious and can be fatal if left untreated. Hyperthyroidism (also referred to as hyperthyroid disease) is the most common feline endocrine disorder, usually found in cats over 8 years old. Hyperthyroidism in cats arises from overactivity of the thyroid gland. He recently had blood work done and all his blood levels are normal, including his thyroid hormone level. He has lost some weight, but he’s doing ok. We provide free pet advice as every pet deserves to be well looked after. Put him on Hills Y/D Thyroid food (ONLY ) thing he can eat. Blue Cross is a registered charity in England and Wales (224392) and in Scotland (SC040154). Hyperthyroidism in cats is caused by excessive production of circulating thyroid hormones. 28-30 The prevalence of CKD in hyperthyroid cats has been reported to be between 14 and 49%. A common solution for cats suffering with hyperthyroidism is to surgically remove the affected tissues, an operation which is known as a thyroidectomy. These patients exhibit atypical signs such as poor appetite, loss of appetite, depression, and weakness. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1). The thyroid hormones are important to maintain cats’ metabolism, body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, including gastrointestinal function. This may be revealed when hyperthyroidism is reversed by treatment but often can’t be seen on tests prior to treatment. The prevalence of CKD has been reported to be between 7.7% for cats over 10 years of age and 30% for cats over 15 years of age. As all animals have two thyroid glands, the size of both are inspected at surgery, then one or both removed if they are enlarged. Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands. The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is 13 years of age; only about 5 percent of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. Symptoms are reduced very rapidly and the body starts to return to normal, including the heart in early cases. It can affect cats of any breed. The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is 13 years of age; only about 5 % of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. These symptoms of hyperthyroidism include a visible large mass over trachea and larynx of the cat, dyspnea (difficult breathing), dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing), weight loss, dysphonia (hoarseness.) Whilst side effects are uncommon after surgery, your cat may have symptoms including loss of appetite, vomiting and tiredness. How to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. We treated around 35,000 sick injured and homeless pets last year. Eventually I found Hill’s prescription low-iodine YD food, and this is mainly what he’s been eating for almost 2 years. The disease is due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones, which results in an increase of overall body metabolism. My cat is 17 and was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism almost 2 years ago. It is virtually impossible to differentiate hyperthyroidism from chronic kidney disease (which also commonly occurs in older cats) based on clinical signs alone. Here is a list of possible symptoms that you may notice: Weight loss (despite good appetite) – use our cat body condition tool to assess this Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in Cats As with so many conditions the symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to those of other diseases including low thyroxine. If both are removed, either together or in two separate operations, this may carry an increased risk of post-surgical complications. Thyroid hormone regulates the body's metabolic rate and affects all tissues and every system in the cat's body. Vomiting may result from a direct action of thyroid hormones on an area of the brain called the chemoreceptor trigger zone. We review the three most common treatment options, medication, surgery and radioactive iodine therapy for cats. Over the past several decades the incidence of hyperthyroidism in felines has been on the rise, though no one is certain why this is the case. What Are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Cats? Registered company in England and Wales under company number 00363197. Increased appetite - very often is the first noticeable symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. Diabetes however, usually occurs in younger animals and many diabetic cats are weak rather than restless. risks associated with radioactive iodine therapy for cats with hyperthyroidism. Surgery can cure hyperthyroidism in cats, but is a technically challenging  procedure and you will likely be referred to a specialist surgeon. It is a delicate balance in cats that have both conditions to balance the thyroid treatment with the kidney disease to minimise the adverse effects of both, and in many cases it may not be worth treating the thyroid disease in this situation. Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss, increased appetite, restlessness and many other symptoms. The most common symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss, and increased thyroid hormones cause it. There is no rule on whether both glands should be removed together or in separate procedures, and your vet will advise you on the best option for your cat. Thyroid hormone regulates the body's metabolic rate and affects all tissues and every system in the cat's body. Symptoms can become worse as the disease progresses. The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is 13 years of age; only about 5 % of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. The onset of hyperthyroidism may be quite insidious and as always a good knowledge of your cat and its normal behaviour will set you in good stead if a thyroid problem is suspected. The underlying cause is unknown but in rare cases cancer can cause the condition. The vet said she’d never heard of treating hyperthyroidism with diet alone, but said I should keep doing what I’m doing because it’s clearly working. On its own, hyperthyroidism is simple to treat, though it requires surgery or medical treatment. The blood test will detect elevated levels of thyroid hormone in the blood in the case of hyperthyroidism, although levels may be normal in very early cases or if there is another serious illness. Your vet will initially stabilise your cat’s condition with anti-thyroid medication before performing surgery. Copyright © 2021 Pawesome Cats - All Rights Reserved. If one gland is left, it may later start producing an excess of thyroid hormone. Canned cat food is frequently contaminated with BPA, a … The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling metabolism, therefore excessive activity of this gland causes symptoms associated with an increased metabolic rate. The most common symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss, and increased thyroid hormones cause it. The major caveat for treatment is whether or not there is concurrent chronic kidney disease – one of the benefits of hyperthyroidism is that it improves blood circulation through the kidneys which may compensate for diseased kidneys. Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism in Cats Your vet will begin by asking you for a detailed history of your cat’s signs and symptoms including litter box habits, weight changes, eating and drinking habits and amounts, activity levels, and changes in behavior/moods. Registered address Shilton Road, Burford, Oxfordshire, OX18 4PF. Gastrointestinal signs including intermittent vomiting or regurgitation are fairly common in cats with hyperthyroidism. My cats hate Hills Science Diet itself, I can get them to eat it if I mix a little Fancy feast in with it. An alternative option is a cream that is applied to the inside of the ear and the medication is absorbed through the skin. Stop your cat spraying and soiling in the house. Hyperthyroidism in cats can cause the heart muscle to become thickened. Not all cats will have all symptoms, and about 20% of hyperthyroid cats will be sluggish and depressed instead of hyperactive. As soon as I changed his diet he stopped vomiting, and over the next several months all his other symptoms cleared up. A company limited by guarantee. Radioactive iodine therapy will usually require referral to a specialist as most veterinary clinics don’t have the facilities to perform this procedure. My cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at age 13, after a year and a half of eating a cat food that was “guaranteed” to cause weight loss. If levels creep up for for a few or 12 or even 24 hours it is not going to cause all the chronic changes we talked about. Weight loss and increased appetite are among the most common clinical signs of this condition. Hypothyroidism—reduced levels of thyroid hormone production—can occur in cats, but it is rare. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats can vary; some may show no visible signs at all, which can make it difficult to diagnose in the first instance.
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