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Hyperthyroidism In Cats
Veterinarians tell us that hyperthyroidism
is very common type of hormonal disorder seen in older cats, and even
some middle aged cats. This occurs when the thyroid glands began
producing large amounts of thyroid hormones. Often this happens as a
result of a benign thyroid tumor (adenoma); however, vets do not know
what causes the tumor to develop in cats.
For informational purposes, thyroid glands are paired glands located
in the neck and they secrete thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is
important because it controls metabolic rate of an animal. Cats with
hyperthyroidism have an increased metabolic rate, and thus they tend to
use up excessive amounts of energy within their bodies. This means that
your cat may be eating more and always hungry, but still seems to be
losing weight. This is one of the most common clinical signs of
hyperthyroidism. Some other signs may include a patchy hair coat and
hyperactivity. The onset of this disease is usually very slow, and
signs are usually not recognized until they are severe. Sometimes, the
hyperthyroid state can exist for months to years before becoming severe
enough for the owner to recognize the clinical signs.
Many times, a veterinarian can feel a nodule in your cat's neck
where the thyroid gland is located. This is usually indicates your cat
has hyperthyroidism. The diagnosis can be confirmed by testing the T4
(thyroid hormone) levels in your cat's blood.
If your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, there are a few
treatment options: There is medical treatment, surgical removal of the
thyroid, or radioactive iodine treatments.
With medical management, this consists of the administration of
anti-thyroid hormone drugs. However, this will not cure the disease but
will provide for long term control of the disorder. These drugs will
probably have to be administered twice daily for the rest of your cat's
life.
With surgical thyroidectomy, this involves the removal of the
affected parts of the thyroid glands, and this can result in a
permanent cure--but there can be complications. As with any surgery,
there is always a risk with anesthesia. Hyperthyroidism can recur if
some of the remaining thyroid tissue becomes hyperactive. A common
secondary complication of surgery is accidental removal of part or all
of the parathyroid glands which are small glands sitting next to the
thyroid glands; and this results in a hypoparathyroid state. This can
result in transient hypocalcemia that may need to be treated for a few
weeks or months.
Radioactive iodine is the last treatment option. This works because
the thyroid gland takes up the iodine whereas no other body tissue does
this; and the iodine kills all of the affected thyroid tissue. All
other body tissues are spared and this can be a cure as it does not
have any major side effects for the cat. Not, however, this must be
performed in a facility licensed to handle radioactive substances. A
university teaching hospital is a common place to perform this. Also,
an extended hospital stay for your cat is usually required. Most of the
excess radioactive iodine is eliminated in the cat's urine. The cat is
kept in isolation until most of the radioactivity has been eliminated.
Tags: Cat Health and Care Cat Health Hyperthyroidism In Cats signs of hyperthyroidism anti-thyroid hormone drugs |
