Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of older cats. In almost all cases, it is caused by a non-malignant growth of the thyroid gland that causes an increased production of thyroid hormone.
Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism:
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include:
- weight loss,
- enormous appetite,
- poor hair coat,
- hyperactivity,
- coughing,
- heavy breathing,
- vomiting,
- and diarrhea.
Hyperthyroidism is a progressive disease. Symptoms, if untreated, will continue to worsen until the cat dies.
Diagnosis Of Hyperthyroidism:
The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be confirmed by running blood tests to determine the cat's thyroid hormone level.
Additional blood tests should be performed to screen for other health problems that might be present in older cats and might influence treatment choice and prognosis.
Treatment Of Hyperthyroidism:
Each of the treatment options discussed below offers advantages and disadvantages which must be considered for each cat and it’s owner.
- Medication: The anti-thyroid drug (methimazole) can be used to control the signs of hyperthyroidism. This drug blocks the production of thyroid hormone. It does not destroy the tumor, and therefore will not cure the disease. However, it can effectively control the signs of hyperthyroidism when given daily. It must be given diligently. If drug treatment is interrupted, even for a day or two, hormone levels will increase and signs will return.
- Surgery: Surgery can be performed to remove overly active thyroid glands, thereby curing the hyperthyroid state. There is risk involved with this type of surgery, with a certain degree of mortality associated.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy (I-131) can also be used to destroy the thyroid tissue. This is curative, but very costly and only offered at facilities licensed to handle radioactive materials.
