Cat Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in older cats. It is caused by an increase in production of thyroid glands which is basically located in the neck and plays an important role in regulating the body’s rate of metabolism. Clinical signs associated with Hyperthyroidism are quite serious and need proper treatment. Fortunately in most of the cases, hyperthyroidism is treatable and most of the cats recover soon. It is generally caused due to the overproduction of thyroid hormone and subsequent increase in the metabolic rate. This disease is mostly caused to old cats. Most of the cats suffering from hyperthyroidism have high blood pressure.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in cats:
The symptoms that can be noticed in hyperthyroid cats are unexplained weight loss, loss of muscle mass, frequent vomiting, increased appetite, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, excessive thirst, unkempt looking coat and irritability or nervousness. If you notice any one or two of these symptoms in your pet cat then immediately take it to vet to confirm hyperthyroidism. Vet will perform a blood test of your cat to determine whether or not a cat’s thyroid is producing more hormone than it should. Once it is determined that thyroid is producing more hormone then vet will suggest a proper treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats.
Treatment for Hyperthyroidism in cats:
Hyperthyroidism in cats can be treated with three basic treatments. There is a chance that these three basic treatments will help to return the thyroid gland to normal function. Though each of the treatment has some advantage and drawback, however you can take advice from your vet that which treatment will be best for your pet cat. The best and easiest method for the treatment of Hyperthyroidism in cats is anti thyroid medications. A common anti thyroid medicine which is prescribed by vet to treat Hyperthyroidism in cats is methimazole. This medicine helps to control the production of thyroid hormones. The other two treatments for Hyperthyroidism in cats are surgery and Radioiodine treatment. It is better to take to diseased cat to vet for the treatment. He will suggest you a proper treatment for Hyperthyroidism in cats. If it left untreated, then there is a chance that it can become serious and can even pose a threat to a cat’s life.