Has your cat been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. This is when your cat has high thyroid levels. This disease can cause your cat to feel very bad and can be easily treated with daily medications. Most cats can go on to live a normal and happy life while managing this disease.
What is Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroid is commonly seen in middle-aged to older cats. As your cat starts to get older, their thyroid gland may start to overproduce thyroid hormone. These increased thyroid levels circulating in the body cause your cat to have increased metabolic activities.
What are the signs of Hyperthyroidism in cats?
The common signs seen in cats with Hyperthyroidism are:
- Weight loss despite eating more
- Increase heart rate
- Unkept coat
If your cat is showing any of these signs, it would be best to make an appointment with your vet. Your vet will want to run some bloodwork to see if your cat does indeed have thyroid disease. Most older cats who do have thyroid issues may even have another disease, along with Hyperthyroidism. Your vet will be able to help you manage these different diseases in your cat.
How to treat Hyperthyroidism in cats
If your cat does have Hyperthyroidism, there are a few different treatment options to manage this disease.
- Give your cat medication each day. Giving your cat a methimazole pill every day will help decrease the thyroid levels in their body. This is a lifelong medication that you need for your cat every day. While many people do not like to give their cat a pill every day, there are things that you can do to help make this fun for your cat.
- Removing the thyroid gland surgically. Some vets can surgically remove your cat’s thyroid glands. They will usually only remove one thyroid gland and leave the other gland to still produce the thyroid hormone that is needed for your cat’s body. Sometimes in cases of thyroid tumors, both glands are needed to be removed. The main side effect of having the surgery is your cat may be hypothyroid and then need a thyroid supplement.
- I-131 Radiation Treatment. Your cat will receive a tablet that contains a dosage of radiation. Your cat would need to stay in the hospital for a week and a specialty hospital while undergoing radiation treatment.
- Diet modification: There are specific foods that help your cat with thyroid disease. By feeding these diets, you can help keep your cat’s thyroid levels normal.
Discuss with your vet about the treatment option for your cat, and they can help you pick out the best option. Most cats who have Hyperthyroidism can be well managed and can live a very long and healthy life.
Prognosis of Hyperthyroidism in cats?
Many cats can go on to live a long and happy life while managing their disease. If your cat also has other issues, they will not have a good prognosis. Your vet can discuss the prognosis of your cat with Hyperthyroidism.
Do cats with this disease have to be treated?
Cat’s with Hyperthyroidism do need some type of treatment. If your cat’s disease is not managed, they can feel very bad and have other health issues from too much thyroid hormone circulating in their body.
Final Thoughts
If your cat has Hyperthyroidism, they can live a long and healthy life. There are a few different treatment options that you can discuss with your vet to pick out the best way to treat your cat for this disease. While working with your vet and giving your cat the appropriate treatment and monitoring, your cat may live a long and healthy life.
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