Cat Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in older cats. It is caused by an increase in the production of thyroid glands which are basically located in the neck and play an important role in regulating the body’s rate of metabolism. Clinical signs associated with Hyperthyroidism are quite serious and need proper treatment.
Fortunately, in most of cases, hyperthyroidism is treatable and most of the cats recover soon. It is generally caused due to the overproduction of thyroid hormone and subsequent increase in the metabolic rate. This disease is mostly caused to old cats. Most of the cats suffering from hyperthyroidism have high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in cats
The symptoms that can be noticed in hyperthyroid cats are unexplained weight loss, loss of muscle mass, frequent vomiting, increased appetite, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, excessive thirst, unkempt-looking coat, and irritability or nervousness. If you notice any one or two of these symptoms in your pet cat then immediately take it to the vet to confirm hyperthyroidism.
The vet will perform a blood test of your cat to determine whether or not a cat’s thyroid is producing more hormones than it should. Once it is determined that the thyroid is producing more hormones then the vet will suggest proper treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats.
Treatment for Hyperthyroidism in cats
Hyperthyroidism in cats can be treated with three basic treatments. There is a chance that these three basic treatments will help to return the thyroid gland to normal function. Though each of the treatments has some advantages and drawbacks, however, you can take advice from your vet that which treatment will be best for your pet cat. The best and easiest method for the treatment of Hyperthyroidism in cats is anti-thyroid medication.
A common anti-thyroid medicine which is prescribed by vets to treat Hyperthyroidism in cats is methimazole. This medicine helps to control the production of thyroid hormones. The other two treatments for Hyperthyroidism in cats are surgery and Radioiodine treatment. It is better to take to the diseased cat to a vet for treatment. He will suggest you a proper treatment for Hyperthyroidism in cats. If it is left untreated, then there is a chance that it can become serious and can even pose a threat to a cat’s life.
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