Hyperthyroidism
"My cat is always eating and she keeps losing weight!"
Cats with hyperthyroidism show signs of weight loss despite their
increased appetite. Increased drinking and urination, vomiting and/or
diarrhea may also occur when a cat is hyperthyroid.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is typically found in cats who are middle to
geriatric age. It is caused by a growth on one or both of the thyroid
glands. This results in over production of thyroid hormones called
thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the blood. A blood panel is
necessary to diagnose hyperthyroidism.
Treatment
*The good news: With the appropriate treatment for
hyperthyroidism, your cat will continue to enjoy its quality of life.*
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
"My cat is always eating and she keeps losing weight!"
Cats with hyperthyroidism show signs of weight loss despite their
increased appetite. Increased drinking and urination, vomiting and/or
diarrhea may also occur when a cat is hyperthyroid.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is typically found in cats who are middle to
geriatric age. It is caused by a growth on one or both of the thyroid
glands. This results in over production of thyroid hormones called
thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) in the blood. A blood panel is
necessary to diagnose hyperthyroidism.
Treatment
- Medical Treatment: Methimazole, an anti-thyroid drug, is
used for long periods of time for cats that can not withstand
surgery or radioactive iodine. It requires administering a pill
orally twice a day. The veterinarian will recheck the blood levels
and re-evaluate the patient's condition after a few weeks of
medication. - Surgery: Surgical removal of the thyroid glands is an effective
method of treatment for hyperthyroidism. To simulate the
impact of removing the thyroid glands the cat is
supplemented for a few weeks with Methimazole. At this time
the cat's blood is rechecked and the thyroid levels are
measured. If the blood work and physical systems show
favorable improvement, then surgery is usually performed. - Radioactive iodine: Radioactive iodine is a radioactive
material that is administered once subcutaneously (under the
skin) and is highly effective. The hyperactive thyroid cells
consume the iodine. The iodine releases gamma and beta
rays which destroys the abnormal cells. Because of the
radioactive material, cats must be kept in isolation for
approximately 2 weeks. During this time, the cat will be
checked by a veterinarian daily. Once or twice weekly, the
radiation level will be checked using a special counter. When
the radiation level reaches safe levels, the cat will be released.
The cost of radioactive iodine therapy will be approximately
$1,000-1,300.
*The good news: With the appropriate treatment for
hyperthyroidism, your cat will continue to enjoy its quality of life.*
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
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