Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

Feline Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease, most commonly referred to as hyperthyroidism, is common in older cats but can occur in cats of any age. It is the most common disease affecting the thyroid gland in cats.

  1. About the Thyroid

    • The thyroid gland is located in the neck of the cat and produces hormones that control the cat's metabolism as well as other systems in the body.

    Feline Hyperthyroidism

    • Hyperthyroidism in cats is a condition in which the thyroid gland is producing an excessive amount of thyroid hormones including thyroxine and triiodothyronine. It is often caused by tumors or adenomas growing in the thyroids, but only one to two percent are cancerous.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of thyroid disease include weight loss, vomiting, behavioral changes and increased appetite. Less common symptoms include weakness, diarrhea, loss of appetite and decreased levels of activity (lethargy).

    Treatment

    • Treatment will vary based on the individual cat's needs. Common treatments include anti-thyroid drugs (methimazole), treatment with radioactive iodine and surgical removal of the gland.

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism is another condition affecting the thyroid gland, but it is extremely rare. Most cats who develop hypothyroidism do so because of treatment for hyperthyroidism, such as removal of the thyroid gland.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit "outside man grass." is Copyrighted by Flickr user: .through my eyes. (renee.) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.

Comments

You May Also Like

  • How to Cure Feline Thyroid Problems Naturally

    Hyperthyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone. It typically affects middle-aged to senior cats...

  • Symptoms of a Feline Thyroid Problem

    Symptoms of a feline thyroid problem include normal behavior, an increased appetite and consistent weight loss. Find out how to recognize hyperthyroidism...

  • Feline Thyroid Surgery & Dental Cleaning

    Hyperthyroidism, commonly found in older cats, is the enlargement of the thyroid glands resulting in overproduction of thyroid hormone. The cat experiences...

  • Details & Function of the Thyroid Gland

    The thyroid is a large hormone secreting gland located in the neck. It is located below the thyroid cartilage, otherwise known as...

  • Feline Neurological Disorders

    When the nervous system is affected by disease, toxins or trauma, the results can be devastating, causing problems with balance, sight, behavior,...

  • What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease in Cats?

    Thyroid disease is all too common in aging cats. In fact, veterinarian Hal E. Ott of the Cat Thyroid Center in Ruskin,...

  • Prognosis for Feline Dementia

    Feline dementia or "kitty Alzheimer's," is properly known as feline cognitive dysfunction or feline cognitive disorder. According to veterinarian Dr. Nicholas Dodman...

  • Feline Thyroid Problems

    The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck of the cat. It has two lobes which are on either side...

  • Thyroid Cancer in Situ Prognosis

    Thyroid cancer in situ is a cancer that originates in the thyroid gland. "In situ" is a Latin phrase meaning "in the...

  • Feline Hypothyroid

    Feline hypothyroidism occurs when a gland in a cat's body called the thyroid fails to produce enough thyroxine, a thyroid hormone. Thyroxine...

  • Feline Idiopathic Vestibular Disease

    According to the Veterinary Neurological Center, the vestibular system in animals helps them maintain their sense of balance and orientation. A condition...

  • Low-Fat Cat Food for Feline Kidney Disease

    Cats may develop kidney disease with the normal aging process. Some may have temporary urinary tract issues such as cystitis or blockage....

  • Thyroid Gland in Cats

    The feline endocrine system is responsible for producing hormones that are needed for the body to properly function. There are many different...

  • Thyroid Surgery for Cats

    In cats, the thyroid gland is commonly described as a butterfly-shaped gland located in the cat's neck. For the majority of cats,...

  • Feline Disease Symptoms

    Though the symptoms of feline diseases are complex and could fill a large book, there are nonetheless several common indicators that your...

  • Feline Hyperthyroid Conditions & Hair Loss

    Feline hyperthyroidism is a condition in cats caused by excess production of thyroid hormones. This overproduction may be the result of benign...

  • Hyperthyroid Disease Symptoms

    Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition in which the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, which wraps around the trachea and is located in the neck,...

  • Symptoms of Cat Thyroid Problems

    Cat thyroid problems are extremely common in older felines. There are specific symptoms that can indicate a thyroid problem. Fortunately, this condition...

  • Feline Heart Disease Prognosis

    The most common feline heart disease is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). According to Claws and Paws, it involves an enlarged heart muscle. It...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured