Does mild hyperthyroidism need to be treated?
Subclinical hyperthyroidism due to thyroiditis typically resolves spontaneously without any additional treatment required. If thyroiditis is severe, your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs.
Can you have mild hyperthyroidism?
If there is too much thyroid hormone, your body functions speed up. Subclinical hyperthyroidism is a mild form of hyperthyroidism. “Subclinical” means that you do not have any symptoms, or that your symptoms are mild.
Are there alternative ways to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats?
However, up to 10% of all hyperthyroid cats and 40% of those with mild disease have serum T4 values within the reference range.1,2 In these cases, serum free T4, measured by equilibrium dialysis (fT4ED), may provide an alternative approach to diagnosis.
How many cats have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism?
56% (19/34 hypothyroid cats with available information) had clinical signs of hypothyroidism. 52% (23/44 cats) were given thyroid hormone supplementation.12
How is the diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism determined?
The choice of treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis, the presence of contraindications to a particular treatment modality, the severity of hyperthyroidism, and the patient’s preference. Hyperthyroidism is an excessive concentration of thyroid hormones in tissues causing a characteristic clinical state.
Which is the best antithyroid drug for cats?
The antithyroid drugs used most often in cats are methimazole and carbimazole; both can be given orally or formulated for transdermal application. Custom formulation of transdermal products may increase expense of therapy and there is no guarantee of product stability.
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.
Is there a cure for hyperthyroidism in cats?
The good news is that there are many treatment options available to our hyperthyroid cats. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. The treatment you and your vet choose depends on several factors including how severe the disease is, your cat’s health, and what works best for your family.
Can a cat have an underactive thyroid?
In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. Other than unexplained weight loss, your cat may also become more restless, hyperactive, vocal, and extremely hungry!
Can a deficient diet cause hyperthyroidism in cats?
Conveniently, the main use of iodine in the body is the production of thyroid hormone, so a deficient diet shouldn’t cause any other health issues in a hyperthyroid cat.