How do you treat an overactive thyroid in cats?
Treatment
- Medication. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy. When available, radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism.
- Surgery.
- Dietary Therapy.
Are there any medications for cats with hyperthyroidism?
One way to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism is with an oral medication that contains methimazole. The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment options, such as radioactive iodine therapy or surgery. For years, there was no methimazole product approved to treat hyperthyroidism in cats in the United States.
When to give radioactive iodine to a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The cat is also given the anti-thyroid medication for at least 15 days prior to treatment with I-131. As with the surgical option, a cat with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, kidney disease, diabetes, or any other serious condition is not a candidate for radioactive iodine therapy.
Can a cat have too much thyroid hormone?
Hyperthyroidism, or too much of the thyroid hormone circulating in his body, usually occurs because of a benign tumor growing on the gland. Mostly affecting older felines, hyperthyroidism causes symptoms including weight loss, constant hunger, unkempt appearance and lots of drinking and urinating. Signs you can’t see include high blood pressure.
What causes anesthesia and hyperthyroidism in cats?
Anesthesia Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats, and mostly afflicts cats middle-aged and older. Also called thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones (known as T3 and T4) from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat’s neck.
What are the effects of untreated thyroid disease in cats?
If hyperthyroidism in cats is left untreated, it can cause serious problems and even be fatal. For instance, thyroid hormones cause the heart to beat faster and contract more strongly. Over time, this can impair the normal functioning of the heart and trigger cardiac arrest.
What are the signs of thyroid problems in cats?
The most common thyroid problem in cats is hyperthyroidism and involves the overproduction or over-release of the thyroid hormone T-4 in the bloodstream. Signs are weight loss and increased appetite.
What not to feed cats with hyperthyroidism?
But for now, do not feed your cats canned or dry, fish-flavored cat foods. If you feed your cats fish, avoid fish like salmon and whitefish that are known to concentrate this chemical. Not all cats that develop hyperthyroidism eat fish products. The EPA veterinarians who conducted the study pointed out…
Does hyperthyroidism in cats lead to death?
Hyperthyroidism can be extremely dangerous in cats if left untreated. When the condition isn’t managed, it can lead to kidney failure, liver failure, heart disease and eventually death.