How Are Cats Checked for Thyroid Problems?

Thyroid problems in middle-aged cats are on the rise. Even so, they are not common enough for all veterinarians to routinely screen for them.
Because symptoms often go unnoticed, or are easily attributable to aging, thyroid problems in cats can be silent killers. That is why it is especially important to be aware of the early warning signs.

Thyroid Symptoms in Cats

There are a number of symptoms that may be indicative of a thyroid problem in your cat. If you notice any combination of the symptoms of thyroid problems in your cat, be sure to check with your veterinarian. According to the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine, watch for significant weight loss or gain, increased thirst or urination, a change in appetite, rapid or irregular heart rate, muscle weakness, vomiting, decreased tolerance for heat, a change in bowel movements or a change in coat.

The Touch Test

If you suspect a thyroid problem in your cat, the first and easiest diagnostic test is to feel your cat's throat. Your cat's thyroid gland is comprised of two lobes, located alongside his larynx---his Adam's apple. These lobes may be swollen and painful in cats with thyroid problems. Your veterinarian will feel your cat's throat to detect the lobes, and apply mild pressure. If your cat coughs or appears to be in pain, that could be indicative of a thyroid problem. Sometimes it is difficult to gauge your cat's reaction, however. He may just be confused by an unfamiliar touch or unhappy about being in the veterinarian's office. Your veterinarian will also be able to determine whether the lobes are the appropriate size.
You may try the touch test yourself, prior to a veterinary visit, if you like. The lobes should feel like cartilage.

A Blood Test

If the touch test is not conclusive, your veterinarian will likely test your your cat's blood.
Your cat's thyroid controls his metabolism. It secretes two hormones, thyroxine and calcitonin, which can be measured with a blood test called T4. Since these hormone levels vary, sometimes it is necessary to test multiple times.

A Nuclear Scan

If your veterinarian suspects a thyroid problem, but has not been able to confirm it with the touch test or blood testing, he may recommend a nuclear scan. The cat is given a radioactive compound that travels to the thyroid gland. The cat is then scanned, allowing the veterinarian to view the thyroid. This test typically requires hospitalization of your cat, but it should definitively confirm or rule out a thyroid problem in your cat.

Prevention

The exact cause of thyroid problems in cats has yet to be confirmed, but it is thought to be an auto-immune condition in which the cat's immune system attacks his thyroid. Basic prevention guidelines for thyroid problems in cats are the same as those for general health: regular exercise, a well balanced diet and regular veterinary check-ups.
Naturalist advocates extend those guidelines to include a raw diet and supplements to boost immunity, but the jury is still out on those.