Can a 20 year old have hyperthyroidism?
This is most common in women between the ages of 20 and 40 years but can occur at any age in men or women. The thyroid gland enlarges (called a goiter) (figure 2) and makes excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. (See ‘Hyperthyroidism symptoms’ below.)
Can you hyperthyroid without losing weight?
Since hyperthyroidism also increases appetite, some patients may not lose weight, and some may actually gain weight, depending on how much they increase their caloric intake.
How do I know if my cat has hyperthyroidism?
The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1).
How old do cats have to be to have hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs most commonly in older cats and is rare in dogs. The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is 13 years of age; only about 5 % of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. There are 2 thyroid glands located in the neck. One or both of the glands can enlarge and overproduce thyroid hormone.
How does hyperthyroidism affect the kidneys of older cats?
Older cats with hyperthyroidism often also have kidney disease. Treatment of these cats is a delicate balancing act. Hyperthyroidism can actually improve kidney function by increasing blood flow to the kidneys. Some cats with kidney disease will show a worsening of kidney function after treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Which is the second most common treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats?
Surgery is the second most common treatment for feline hyperthyroidism and involves removing the thyroid gland. There are two thyroid glands, one located each side of the windpipe in the neck.
How can I tell if my cat has hyperthyroidism?
If your vet recognises the symptoms of hyperthyroidism it’s likely they will take blood samples to confirm. If blood tests show high thyroid hormone levels, hyperthyroidism will be diagnosed. Your vet may also want to check your cat’s kidneys and blood sugar. There are a few different treatment options for hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs most commonly in older cats and is rare in dogs. The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is 13 years of age; only about 5 % of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. There are 2 thyroid glands located in the neck. One or both of the glands can enlarge and overproduce thyroid hormone.
How does hyperthyroidism affect the body of cats?
Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems. Cats afflicted with hyperthyroidism usually develop a variety of signs that may be subtle at first but that become more severe as the disease progresses.
Is there a cure for hyperthyroidism in cats?
It is pretty expensive, but the good news is that once the treatment is done, your cat’s hyperthyroidism is cured. Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is an option, but it may not solve the problem.
What are the signs of an apathetic hyperthyroid cat?
10. Apathetic hyperthyroidism. A small percentage (less than 5%) of hyperthyroid cats will show atypical signs where hyperexcitability or restlessness is replaced by depression, apathy, or weakness. Although weight loss is present in these cats, it is accompanied by poor appetite, instead of increased appetite.