How serious is hyperthyroidism in cats?
They may develop periodic vomiting or diarrhea, and fur may appear unkempt. In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. Two secondary complications of hyperthyroidism can be significant; hypertension (high blood pressure) and a particular form of heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.
Can you reverse hyperthyroidism in cats?
Radioactive Iodine Therapy is considered the best option for treating feline hyperthyroidism by many veterinarians. The treatment involves a single shot followed by few days of monitoring by a veterinary professional. In most cases, only one treatment is needed to cure feline hyperthyroidism.
Which is the best treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is recognized as the most common endocrinopathy of older cats. Traditional therapeutic measures include thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine therapy, and antithyroid medications. A new therapeutic option—a limited-iodine diet that helps normalize thyroid hormone concentrations and alleviate clinical signs—is now available.
How long does a hyperthyroid cat stay in the hospital?
Usually this means that the cat will need to be hospitalized for between three and five days after treatment. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. Radioactive iodine therapy is curative within three months of therapy in approximately 95 percent of all hyperthyroid cases.
How can you tell if your cat has hyperthyroidism?
Most cats with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, but a small percentage of cats with hyperthyroidism have T4 levels within the normal range. If your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism,…
Is it common for cats to have thyroid disease?
Hobbs, an adorable orange cat, had been to the emergency room 2 weeks earlier and indeed had been diagnosed with cat thyroid disease. My technician informed me that Hobbs was in to see me because his owner was out of Tapazole, the most common medication a feline hyperthyroid patient is prescribed.
What is the average age of a hyperthyroid cat?
The typical cat with hyperthyroidism is middle aged or older – the average age of affected cats is approximately 12 years. Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism and despite an increased appetite.
What can be done about hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: So Treatable if Diagnosed Early 1 Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Cats. The diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism is usually simple and the treatment straightforward and very successful. 2 Feline Hyperthyroidism Treatment. 3 The Consequences of Letting Hyperthyroidism in Cats Go Untreated.
Most cats with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, but a small percentage of cats with hyperthyroidism have T4 levels within the normal range. If your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism,…
Hobbs, an adorable orange cat, had been to the emergency room 2 weeks earlier and indeed had been diagnosed with cat thyroid disease. My technician informed me that Hobbs was in to see me because his owner was out of Tapazole, the most common medication a feline hyperthyroid patient is prescribed.