Hyperthyroidism in cats is a pathological process consisting of uncontrolled overproduction of thyroid hormones of the thyroid gland. Its development is due to benign hyperplasia affecting one or both lobes of the thyroid. Such enlargement of the animal’s thyroid gland is called a goiter or adenoma.
Most often the disease is diagnosed in elderly animals who have reached the age of 9 years. However, occasionally the disease also affects younger animals.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats
Hyperthyroidism in cats is recognized by the following symptoms:
- irritability;
- Increased appetite with a sharp decrease in body weight;
- increased activity;
- Increased lobes of the thyroid gland - they are palpable even with the fingers.
Diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats
Diagnosis is made on the basis of the result of a routine blood test reflecting the level of thyroid hormones. Other diagnostic measures may include:
- physical examination;
- collection of medical history;
- chest X-ray;
- radionuclide scan;
- general and biochemical blood tests.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats can be done in three ways:
- surgical removal of thyroid lobes;
- radioactive iodine therapy;
- Drug therapy with administration of Methimazole and beta-adrenoblockers to reduce the symptoms of the disease.
There are no preventive measures against hyperthyroidism in cats. The only way to prevent your pet from getting the disease is to have her regularly examined by a veterinarian.