Is thyroid disease hereditary in cats?
There is no known genetic predisposition for hyperthyroidism, but it is quite common in cats. In fact, hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal (endocrine) disease in the cat population, often seen in late middle-aged and older cats. The average age of diagnosis is approximately 13 years.
What happens if your cat has a thyroid problem?
Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats. If it is not addressed, hyperthyroidism could lead to secondary health problems like hypertension, heart disease, kidney disease and blindness. Fortunately, thyroid disorders are pretty easy to spot in cats and are also easy to treat once diagnosed.
How old does a cat have to be to have hyperthyroidism?
Remember signalment is important in considering a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is rarely diagnosed in cats less than 6-7years of age. Most hyperthyroid cats have high serum concentrations of thyroid hormones.
What kind of thyroid hormone does a cat have?
Two of the most common known thyroid hormones are liothyronine (T3) and levothyroxine (T4). Both liothyronine and levothyroxine play a role in metabolic function within the body. When a cat is suffering from hypothyroidism, they have noticeably lower than normal levels of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream.
Where can I get a thyroid profile for my Cat?
The Clinical Pathology section is located in the Veterinary Medical Center on the main MSU campus. All other laboratory sections are in the MSU VDL facility located south of the main campus. In a cat with appropriate clinical signs of hyperthyroidism, a first step would be to perform a feline thyroid profile.
What do you need to know about hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism in Cats. This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Hyperthyroidism is the overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands. Hyperthyroidism occurs most commonly in older cats and is rare in dogs.
Can a cat have a benign thyroid tumor?
The thyroid glands produce hormones that are vital for normal body function. Thyroid growths in your cat can be benign (adenoma) or malignant (carcinoma). Benign growths tend to get larger and may produce excess hormones; malignant growths can also spread to other parts of the body. Does My Cat Have a Thyroid Tumor?
Where are the thyroid glands located in cats?
The thyroid glands are paired structures located along the windpipe (trachea), about halfway down the neck of cats. The thyroid glands produce hormones that are vital for normal body function. Thyroid growths in your cat can be benign (adenoma) or malignant (carcinoma).
What should I do if my cat has enlarged thyroid?
If both glands are enlarged, they can both be removed and most cats will still produce enough thyroid hormone by a few thyroid cells scattered through out the body to prevent hypothyroidism (abnormally low thyroid hormone levels). A few cats will become hypothyroid and may need to take thyroid pills.