Hyperthyroidism in cats is the most commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy in middle-aged and older cats.
This disease is characterized by an excessive production of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), and results from a functional benign adenomatous hyperplasia of the thyroid gland in 98% of affected cats.
The feline thyroid gland which is located in the neck attached to the wind pipe (trachea). When sustained with an excessive production of active thyroid hormones results in detrimental systemic effects, and if left untreated feline hyperthyroidism can lead to death.
The gland is responsible for producing hormones and controlling the cats metabolic rate. Thyroid hormone is transported through the blood to all organs and body cells. Primarily, the thyroid hormones main objective is to control cell function.
If the thyroid hormone is to low in the body, the cells work to slowly, this is called hypothyroidism. This disease is most common in dogs, and very rare in cats.
Hyperthyroidism in cats is when an excessive amount of hormone is circulated through the system, and the cells function at an accelerated rate. Feline hyperthyroidism is one of the most common diseases diagnosed in cats over 8 years of age.
Some Develop a Benign Tumor with Hyperthyroidism in Cats
In some cases hyperthyroid cats develop a benign tumor in one or two of the lobes, which can be observed and palpated in the neck area. This happens with 15% of cats with thyroid disease. The Adenoma (noncancerous tumor) produces an inordinate amount of thyroid hormone.
Cat hyperthyroidism will produce abnormalities in both lobes about 80% of the instances with both producing excessive hormone. This is a benign condition which is called, Adenomatous Hyperplasia.
A malignant (cancerous) tumor is rare and found in approximately 3% of cat hyperthyroid cases.
The common factor for each feline is the excessive circulation of thyroid hormone that affects essentially every organ and cell in the body. If this condition is ignored, the organ damage that results from this excessive exposure varies from cat to cat.
All things considered, feline hyperthyroidism can typically go unnoticed for some time before the owners notice their deteriorated condition.
If the overactive thyroid is left untreated it will eventually cause organ failure. Heart disease in cats , along with other organ diseases such as kidney failure in cats, and Liver disease is possible.
Heart disease is usually the main concern, and eventually the excessive heart rate will lead to failure.
The overactive system will increase the cats heart rate to a severity where the heart will eventually fail and the animal will die from heart failure. Another disorder primarily seen in middle-aged or older felines is diabetes in cats, it is often necessary to deal with, and treat multiple conditions at the same time.
Hyperthyroidism In Cats Symptoms
With different variables to consider like age, general health, nutrition, each cat will respond a little bit differently to the disease. Among the most common hyperthyroidism in cats symptoms are:
Hyperthyroid cats will be conducive to over activity and become uneasy. They will drink and eat more than normal to the point where, their appetites will become voracious. Despite the substantially increased appetite they will lose excessive weight. Weight loss in cats with hyperthyroidism is one of the obvious signs.
Hyperthyroidism In Cats Treatments
- Hyperthyroidism in cats natural treatment is where the main focus is on the cat attempting to respond and self heal their own body.A specially prepared complex therapy of substances called remedies.The symptoms of the sick animals are matched to the remedy or remedies to stimulate the body’s natural defenses so the body works naturally to heal itself and get well. Natural thyroid treatment remedies are made from plants, minerals, and animal substances.
- Radioactive iodine treatment is a very effective way to treat cats with hyperthyroidism. without any adverse side effects Radioiodine therapy (I-131) has a cure rate of 95% of Hyperthyroidism in cats
- Methimazole for cats inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones by interfering with metabolic steps to decrease the amount of thyroid hormones in the system. Treatment with the drug is a form of management for hyperthyroidism, it does not cure the disease.
- Surgery is usually a last resort especially when dealing with very old animals, most cats with age also have other health issues and Vets are apprehensive about putting them through anesthesia.
If hyperthyroidism in cats is left untreated the end result can be fatal. If you notice any change of habit or any of the clinical symptoms, its time to call your vet.
