How do you test a cat for thyroid problems?
Diagnosing hyperthyroidism will require blood tests to measure the levels of thyroid hormones (T4) in your cats’ blood. Most cats will have a significantly elevated T4 level2. In cats with borderline or high normal T4 levels, a free T4 test may be done to confirm the disease.
What tests are done to diagnose thyroid problems?
A blood test measuring your hormone levels is the only accurate way to find out whether there’s a problem. The test, called a thyroid function test, looks at levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxine (T4) in the blood. Doctors may refer to this as “free” T4 (FT4).
What kind of thyroid test do I need for my Cat?
If a low to low-normal serum thyroxine (T4) value is found in a cat that has been treated for hyperthyroidism, repeating the total T4 analysis, determining free T4 and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations, or performing a TSH stimulation test or thyroid scintigraphy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis. …
How can you tell if a cat has hyperthyroidism?
The majority of cases of hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed with a single blood test that measures the total thyroxine (T4) concentration. Because hyperthyroidism in cats is due to the excess production of thyroid hormones (primarily T4), the blood T4 concentration is usually markedly elevated in cats with the disease.
Which is the most common thyroid problem in cats?
Hyperthyroidism is the most common thyroid problem in cats. Katie, the cat pictured here, was one of the estimated 1 in 10 cats aged 10 years or older who are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
Can a cat have a false positive thyroid test?
The potential for false-negative and false-positive results exists with all thyroid function tests, especially in older cats that may have concurrent nonthyroidal illness. Therefore, all thyroid function test results must be interpreted in light of the cat’s history, clinical signs, and other laboratory findings.
How are cats checked for thyroid problems?
- The Physical Exam. The first thing the vet will do is give Fluffy a basic physical exam.
- Testing T4 Levels. A physical exam is not enough to confirm hyperthyroidism.
- particularly if it is in the early stages.
- After the Diagnosis.
Do hyperthyroid cats always need a thyroid scan?
Thyroid scintigraphy should always be done in hyperthyroid cats when a thyroid tumor is not palpable, especially in cats with severe or long-standing hyperthyroidism. In many of these cats the thyroid tumor has fallen into the chest.
What is a normal thyroid level for a cat?
A normal cat thyroid will vary slightly based on the machine, but 1 to 4mg/dl is a typical normal thyroid range for cats on most machines.
What you ought to know about thyroid problems in cats?
Cat Thyroid Problems The Symptoms and Treatments Symptoms of Feline Hyperthyroidism (too much thyroid) Weight loss. Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid) There may be other symptoms and a cat may not show all of the signs above. Diagnosis of Cat Thyroid Problems. Treatments Available For Cat thyroid Problems. Medication. Surgical. Radioactive iodine therapy. Diatary Treatment.