How to Spot Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Orients cat owners on hyperthyroidism in cats, its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. What it is.
   Hyperthyroidism in cats is a disorder marked by an overproduction of the hormone by the thyroid gland. It is most prevalent in cats with an average age of 13 years. A small gland consisting of two lobes located on either side of the trachea produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 is produced in a much smaller amount. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which is produced by the pituitary gland (located in the brain) controls the production of the thyroid hormones. The thyroid hormones regulate the body’s metabolic rate.The thyroid gland enlarges due to an increase in abnormal cells on the lobes where they form lumps or nodules which are termed as adenomas. These are benign growths. (In rare cases the growths can be malignant.)

2. Symptoms
   Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are: weight loss, increased appetite, increased water intake, increased urination, brittle dry coat, behavior changes, tremors, diarrhea and vomiting.

3. Diagnosis
   Diagnosis of the condition is reached by a professional examination where the thyroid is palpated, blood samples are collected to measure hormone levels and the presence of the symptoms listed are taken into account. A hyperthyroid cat can have normal or only a slightly elevated T4. In this case a T3 suppression test will be performed. this case the cat will be retested at the veterinarian’s advise.

4. Treatment
   Treatments for hyperthyroidism are medication for life, surgery where the gland is removed, and radioactive iodine (where it collects in the gland and kills the cells). Periodic blood test are necessary to control the medication dosage.

5. Causes
   There are no known causes for this condition but it is believed that dietary and environmental factors play a role.

6. Prognosis
   Hyperthyroidism can lead to heart problems because the heart is stimulated to beat and pump faster which can lead to high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause blindness because the pressure can cause retinal detachment or hemorrhage. Death can occur but with the proper treatment cats can lead a long, healthy life.

[femwriter]

on 9/10/2009 This is a very informative article on how to spot hyperthyroidism in cats. Thanks for sharing this article. 5* plus recommendation!

[lexajayne]

on 8/6/2009 Great article on Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Thanks for the info!

[showpup]

on 7/22/2009 Thanks for the education on this. My kitty thanks you.

[angelanyc]

on 7/20/2009 Great information! My vet told me to use high quality organic or all natural cat food without meat bone meal that contribute many health problems in cats.

[jenkinr]

on 7/18/2009 I really like how well you've organized this article with the "what it is" all the way through to the "Prognosis." 5*