Another medical condition commonly affecting cats in any breed is hyperthyroidism. What is hyperthyroidism? Is hyperthyroidism in cats fatal? This is a disease relating to the overproduction of thyroid hormones with an enlarged thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones affect nearly all bodily functions including the cat’s metabolism. Thus, when there is thyroid hormonal imbalance, secondary medical problems may arise such as:
- Brain damage
- Heart enlargement
- High blood pressure
- Kidney problems
- Ocular problems
On a positive note, there is a cure for hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism in cats was first documented by Dr. Mark Peterson in 1975. Five years later, he was also the first veterinarian who treated hyperthyroid cats using radioactive iodine.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
One should really have keen eyes to determine when a cat is sick. Aside from cats having the tendency to hide their pain, early signs of hyperthyroidism are subtle. As such, in most cases, cats are only diagnosed once the signs have become apparent and the condition is already severe. Commonly manifesting signs include:
- Weight loss – Despite an increase in appetite, affected felines will lose weight caused by the escalated metabolic rate.
- Increased appetite (polyphagia) and thirst (polydipsia) – These are still due to the high metabolic rate. These signs are often misinterpreted by the owner as ordinary starvation.
- Increased urination – The effect of excessive drinking.
- Hyperactivity – The affected cat is more jumpy and active than usual.
- Unkempt messy appearance with an increased rate of shedding.
- Heart disease – This includes rapid heart rate which may lead to cardiac disease and related health issues.
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
Symptoms are closely similar to diabetes and kidney disease. As such, it is very important to be able to identify and report the manifestations to a vet who can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Fortunately, feline hyperthyroidism treatment is usually successful with only as low as 2 per cent of cats developing cancer associated with the disease.
How do you treat hyperthyroidism in cats? Before initiating treatments, the cat should undergo several tests including blood test, chest X-ray, ECG, urinalysis, and blood pressure monitoring. This is to evaluate the overall state of your furry friend.
As for the treatment, there are four options for hyperthyroidism that depend on the medical and financial considerations:
- Anti-thyroid drug therapy Medication is provided to reduce the release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. This might not be a cure that would completely eliminate the disease but it will provide control of hyperthyroidism.Further, there are two ways to take such medication:
- Oral dosage that can be taken twice to daily
- Gel to be applied on the skin
- Anti-thyroid drug therapy Medication is provided to reduce the release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. This might not be a cure that would completely eliminate the disease but it will provide control of hyperthyroidism.Further, there are two ways to take such medication:
After-effects that may last for a few weeks include:
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting
- Lethargy
- Surgical approach This is a common treatment and can result in a permanent cure. This is procedure consists of removing the affected tissues. However, there is still a tendency for formerly unaffected thyroid tissue to develop such a disease again.Tip: It is best for the feline to remain in the hospital after surgery for monitoring particularly on calcium regulation.
- Radioactive iodine therapy This is said to be one of the safest treatment with no notable after-effects. However, the feline patient should still remain in the hospital for a few days as a precaution.This treatment involves the injection of radioactive iodine, which is then taken up by the thyroid gland and the emitted radiation destroys the abnormal thyroid tissues.
- Dietary therapy The newest option is to strictly manage the nutrition intake by controlling the levels of iodine. Iodine has a significant role in producing thyroid hormones. As such, with less or sufficient iodine intake, it may help to achieve normal levels of such hormones.
Hyperthyroidism in Cat’s Diet
Cats by nature are carnivores. From the beginning, felines have a uniquely large intake of protein. This is good as protein is primarily responsible for the main support of muscle mass in the body. Preserving muscle tissue is one way to treat an overactive thyroid feline. As such, high-quality dietary protein should be provided in sufficient measure.
What to feed:
- Above 40 per cent meat protein
- Low carbohydrate diet
What to avoid:
- Food containing too much iodised salt
- Fish
- Flavoured food with fish additives
- Egg yolk
- Soy sauce
- Soy milk
- Fish oils
Hyperthyroidism in Cats Left Untreated
Hyperthyroidism usually occurs in adults and older felines and is rare for cats seven years below. It can affect both genders, male and female.
For treated cats, they may go back to a normal life and continue to have a normal lifespan. However, for untreated cats, there is no data on its remaining lifespan, although it is cited that it may develop serious symptoms. Such symptoms may become severe such as serious heart problem, eating issue, and visible blood in her stool. Thus, a feline with hyperthyroidism may suffer from fatal heart difficulties or from other secondary health conditions caused by abnormal release of thyroid problems.
In conclusion, upon having suspicions that your cat might be suffering from hyperthyroidism, it is always advisable to get her tested. Closely monitor your furry friend to spare her from serious medical conditions.
Do you still have more questions regarding your pet’s health? Learn more pet health advice here.
