Treatment FAQ

what is treatment for cats with hypothyroidism

by Nelda Grimes Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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For many cat's with hypothyroidism no treatment is necessary. That said, if your pet's symptoms are severe your vet may prescribe synthetic hormone supplements, and schedule followup blood tests to monitor your kitty's overall health and hormone levels.Jan 14, 2021

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What natural remedies can help hyperthyroid cat?

  • Methimazole needs to be taken orally for life. If it is impossible to give your cat pills, there is a gel alternative that is rubbed in the ear instead. ...
  • Surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Surgery may cure hyperthyroidism, as long as all of the affected gland can be removed. ...
  • Radioactive iodine, administered once by injection. ...

What should you do about a cat with hyperthyroidism?

What to Feed a Hyperthyroid Cat

  • Wet Canned Food. When planning a diet for a hyperthyroid cat, stick with canned food. ...
  • High Protein Content. Provide a food product that's at least 40 percent protein. ...
  • Reduced Carbs. Your cat's meals should be comprised of less than 15 percent carbohydrates. ...
  • Low in Phosphates. ...
  • Generous Fat. ...
  • Specialty Diets. ...

When to euthanize a cat with hyperthyroidism?

When to Euthanize a Cat with Hyperthyroidism

  • Your Cat’s State. When to put a cat to sleep with hyperthyroidism is a heartbreaking decision. ...
  • Disease Stage. Cat owners, no doubt, wish that cat hyperthyroidism could be put to sleep instead of their cats. ...
  • Cat Age. Your cat’s age can be a crucial factor in managing treatment and recovery. ...
  • Comorbidities. ...

Is there special diet for hyperthyroidism in cats?

Yes. Giving your cat a low-iodine diet can help ease the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, as iodine controls how active the thyroid glands are. However, low-iodine diets have to be followed to the letter to be successful. That means making sure your cat doesn’t eat any special treats, and prey such as birds or mice.

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What is the best treatment for hypothyroidism in cats?

Only one drug, Felimazole Coated Tablets (methimazole), is FDA-approved to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. Approved by FDA in May 2009, Felimazole contains methimazole as the active ingredient.

Can hypothyroidism in cats be cured?

Is there a cure for hypothyroidism in cats? No, there is no cure for hypothyroidism in cats, but it can be treated. In most cases, synthetic hormone replacement drugs improve or resolve symptoms. However, these drugs will be necessary for the remainder of your cat's life.

How Long Can cats live with hypothyroidism?

What is the prognosis for cats diagnosed with Feline Hyperthyroidism? If effectively managed, cats with hyperthyroidism can live for many years with a very good quality of life. If untreated, this disease will cause uncontrolled weight loss, severe heart disease and eventually death.

How do vets treat hypothyroidism in cats?

The majority of cats diagnosed with hypothyroidism will not require treatment. However, if your pet's symptoms are more severe, synthetic hormone supplements may be prescribed by your vet, and follow-up blood tests will be scheduled in order to monitor your cat's hormone levels.

What is the best food for cats with thyroid problems?

It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.

What happens if a cat with hypothyroidism is left untreated?

Elevated thyroid hormones stimulate an increased heart rate and a stronger contraction of the heart muscle, and can cause thickening of the left ventricle of the heart over time. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure.

Are cats with hypothyroidism in pain?

The side effects of untreated hypothyroidism can be painful. In kittens with congenital hypothyroidism, pain and discomfort can arise from the lameness associated with the illness.

What are the final stages of hyperthyroidism in cats?

Over time, this progresses to increased blood pressure, severe weight loss, heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. The slow onset of signs means that cat owners will often miss these changes until the late stages of disease.

How can I fatten up my cat with hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroid cats need high calorie and high protein diets to reduce the rate of weight loss and muscle wasting that accompanies the disease. Thyroxine (the major hormone produced by the thyroid gland) is one of numerous counter-regulatory or anti-insulin hormones.

How much does it cost to treat hypothyroidism in cats?

Medications can cost $1 - $2 per day or approximately $350 to $700 per year. Monitoring side effects and dosage adjustments mandates that cats be re-examined and have blood tests repeated every 3-6 months.

How much does it cost to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism?

The cost for any treatment for feline hyperthyroidism is significant. The fee for radioiodine therapy ranges from $1,685 - $1,910, depending on how much drug is required to treat each patient (which also factors into the required length of hospitalization in the nuclear ward).

How long does thyroid medication take to work in cats?

The cat's natural thyroid hormone levels will be reduced in one to three weeks. After your cat is stabilized on methimazole, blood tests for thyroid hormone levels usually are performed every three to six months.

Is hypothyroidism fatal in cats?

Acquired hypothyroidism, which affects adult cats, is rarely fatal. However, hypothyroidism can lower the kidney glomerular filtration rate, which...

How long can cats live with hypothyroidism?

Kittens with congenital hypothyroidism have an unknown prognosis. As this is a rare disease for cats, not much research exists for survival rates....

Is hypothyroidism in cats painful?

The side effects of untreated hypothyroidism can be painful. In kittens with congenital hypothyroidism, pain and discomfort can arise from the lame...

What do you feed a cat with hypothyroidism?

Cats with hypothyroidism should be fed a high-quality diet as recommended by their veterinarian.Some hypothyroid kittens require a growth formula t...

References

Ettinger, S., & Feldman. Feline Hypothyroidism. In Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine (pp. 1427–1428). Saunders; 2000. Wasik, B., DVM, DACVIM...

How to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?

Hyperthyroidism is usually treated in one of the four ways: a) surgery to remove the thyroid glands completely , b) lifelong treatment with methimazole (reducing the thyroid function), c) treatment with I-131 injection that destroys the gland and c) a low iodine diet (iodine is required for normal thyroid function). While most cats commonly respond very well to these treatments in the first few months, the thyroid hormone levels will drop below the normal range. Sometimes this results in iatrogenic hypothyroidism.

What is the condition of cats that is a result of over treatment of hyperthyroidism?

This type of feline hypothyroidism is termed as iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Other two potential types are spontaneous and congenital feline hypothyroidism. Cat Book GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY.

What is the thyroid gland in a cat?

The thyroid gland is a large endocrine gland (endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood), located in the neck of the cat just below the larynx (Figure 1). Adjacent to the thyroid are also small ...

What hormones do cats produce?

The thyroid gland produces a number of hormones, including triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) . These two hormones play important roles in the regulation of the cat’s metabolism. There are two potential thyroid disorders that may occur: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism transpires when the levels of the produced thyroid hormones are too high, as opposed to hypothyroidism caused by an under-active gland.

What is spontaneous hypothyroidism in cats?

Spontaneous hypothyroidism. Spontaneous hypothyroidism occurs when the function of the gland decreases without any other causes. It is also sometimes referred to as primary hypothyroidism which is a rare case among cats with only a few cases documented.

What happens if my cat's thyroid drops?

While most cats commonly respond very well to these treatments in the first few months, the thyroid hormone levels will drop below the normal range. Sometimes this results in iatrogenic hypothyroidism.

What is the condition in which a kitten is born with a defect in the gland that limits its activity?

Congenital hypothyroidism. This type of hypothyroidism occurs when a kitten is born with a defect in the gland that limits its activity. A missense point mutation in the TPO gene has been identified as a cause of genetically determined hypothyroidism.

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism, the opposite of hypothyroidism, is also known as thyrotoxicosis and occurs when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces extra hormones. The thyroid gland is located in the neck and makes hormones called T3 and T4, which play a role in a variety of bodily functions, including metabolism and body temperature regulation.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism in Cats

There are two types of tumors that cause hyperthyroidism in cats. Most cases of hyperthyroidism are due to a benign tumor called an adenoma but in rare cases, a cancerous tumor called an adenocarcinoma is the cause. Both tumors cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged but no one knows what causes either type of tumor to grow to begin with.

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism in Cats

If your cat is showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a visit to their veterinarian is warranted. The vet will perform a physical examination and obtain your cat's history before recommending blood screening be performed. Sometimes, enlarged thyroid glands can be detected during the physical exam.

Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in Cats

There are four ways to treat a cat that has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism: dietary treatment, surgery, medication, and radioactive iodine therapy. Each option has its pros and cons and may not be right for every cat but the majority of cat owners opt to treat the disease with either diet or medication.

How to Prevent Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Because no one knows what causes a cat to develop the tumors that cause hyperthyroidism, there is no way to prevent the disease. The best thing you can do as a cat owner is to address any symptoms of hyperthyroidism as soon as you see them. Additionally, treating the disease promptly upon diagnosis will help prevent other problems from developing.

Risk Factors for Hyperthyroidism in Cats

While no specific cat breed has a definitively higher risk for developing hyperthyroidism than another, any cat senior is at a greater risk for the disease. Some studies suggest that cats that eat mostly canned food, especially fish-based canned food, are at increased risk.

How is hyperthyroidism in cats treated?

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.

What are the signs of hyperthyroidism in cats?

The most common sign of hyperthyroidism in cats is weight loss de spite an increased appetite. Other common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, drinking and urinating more than normal, and an unkempt hair coat. Because the disease develops gradually, signs are often easy to miss at first.

How to tell if my cat has thyroid issues?

Your veterinarian will likely confirm the diagnosis by doing blood tests that measure the level of your cat's thyroid hormones .

What is the most common endocrine disease in cats?

Hyperthyroidism results when the thyroid gland over-produces thyroid hormones. It’s the most common endocrine disease of cats older than 8-years-old. (An endocrine disease is a disease of the organs that make and secrete hormones.) In almost 99 percent of the cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the thyroid gland.

How often can you give a cat Felimazole?

Felimazole is available only with a veterinarian’s prescription. The drug is typically given by mouth every 12 hours. Your veterinarian will adjust the dose, as necessary, based on the results of your cat’s blood tests and response to treatment.

Why is my cat blind?

The high blood pressure is due to the increased pumping pressure of the heart. In some cats, the blood pressure becomes so high that the retina detaches from the back wall of the eye, resulting in sudden blindness. Heart disease develops because ...

Can Felimazole be given to cats with kidney disease?

Also talk to your veterinarian about monitoring your cat’s blood pressure. Veterinarians should carefully monitor cats with kidney disease that are receiving Felimazole. Older cats often have both hyperthyroidism and kidney disease, and treating these cats is a delicate balancing act.

What is hypothyroidism in cats?

Hypothyroidism is a condition that means your cat has an underactive thyroid, which isn’t producing enough hormones for their body to function properly . Feline hypothyroidism is a rare condition and is easily treatable.

How did my cat get hypothyroidism?

Ironically, most cats develop hypothyroidism as a result of treatment for hyperthyroidism. However, some cats can be born with the disease or can develop it at a young age. Hypothyroidism is classified as either congenital (had since birth) or acquired (developed after being born).

What is the cost of treating hypothyroidism?

The cost of the medication itself may also vary depending on where you get the prescription filled, but it generally ranges around $25 to $40 per month.

What hormones do cats produce?

Thyroid glands produce two iodine-containing hormones: T3 and T4. These hormones affect many of the processes in your cat’s body and regulate metabolic rate. When a cat has hyperthyroidism, the body produces too much of the thyroid hormones, and bodily processes speed up. With hypothyroidism, which occurs when there is too little thyroid hormone, bodily processes slow down. While hypothyroidism is markedly less common than hyperthyroidism in cats, it can occur, especially as a secondary result of treatment for hyperthyroidism.

What is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats?

Radioactive Iodine Therapy . When available, radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream.

What is the procedure to remove a cat's thyroid gland?

Removal of the thyroid glands, called surgical thyroidectomy, is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure that has a good success rate. The advantage of surgery is that it is likely to produce a long-term or permanent cure in most cats, and therefore eliminates the need for long-term medication.

What causes a cat to vomit?

Vomiting. Diarrhea. Anorexia. 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. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid ...

How long does radioactive iodine therapy last?

Radioactive iodine therapy is curative within three months of therapy in approximately 95 percent of all hyperthyroid cases. In cases where radioactive iodine therapy is not successful, the treatment can be repeated.

How long does it take for a cat to get iodine?

The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia.

How do anti-thyroid drugs work?

Medication. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. These medications do not provide a cure for the disease, but they do allow either short-term or long-term control of hyperthyroidism.

How do you know if your cat has hyperthyroidism?

The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity.

An Overview of Hypothyroidism in Cats

Hypothyroidism is a type of endocrine disorder that cats sometimes develop. It is important to note that hypothyroidism is a rare condition in cats. In cats, the thyroid gland is a key component to a number of processes within the body. The thyroid is an essential gland and produces a number of different hormones within the body.

Causes of Hypothyroidism in Cats

Because of how rarely hypothyroidism occurs in cats, there is no significant understanding as to how and why hypothyroidism develops in some cats. The most common cause of hypothyroidism in cats is as a result of treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism in Cats

Because hypothyroidism is caused by a decreased number of thyroid hormones in the bloodstream, a number of bodily processes are affected and as a result, produce symptoms that indicate abnormal function. The thyroid directly affects the metabolism, and in cats affected by hypothyroidism, the metabolism can slow down considerably.

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism in Cats

If you believe your cat is suffering from hypothyroidism, it is vital that you make an appointment with a licensed veterinarian.

Treating Hypothyroidism in Cats

Hypothyroidism is usually transitory in cats, meaning that it is not permanent and will correct itself. Cats that do experience hypothyroidism as a result of radioactive iodine therapy or surgery often require time after their treatment for their body to readjust and regulate its thyroid hormones.

Cats Living with Hypothyroidism

As a pet owner, maintaining a treatment plan with an animal that has a chronic condition can be difficult and daunting. If your cat has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism that is not transitory and requires prescribed medication to control, then you will need to make a shift in your life to accommodate their health condition.

What is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats?

Treatment for Hyperthyroid Cats. The gold standard therapy is radioiodine (I 131) treatment, which can cure the hyperthyroidism in most cases. Daily medication (methimazole) or feeding a low-iodine diet are good options when radioiodine therapy is not an option due to financial considerations or the cat’s overall health.

How Do Vets Test for Feline Hyperthyroidism?

In most cases, diagnosing hyperthyroidism is straightforward: high levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream (total T4 or TT4) along with the typical signs.

How Common Is Hyperthyroidism in Cats?

There is no known genetic predisposition for hyperthyroidism, but it is quite common in cats.

What Does the Thyroid Gland Do?

In cats, the thyroid gland has two parts, with one on each side of the trachea (windpipe), just below the larynx (voice box).

Why do cats have thyroid hormone?

One of the primary functions of this thyroid hormone is to regulate an animal’s metabolism. Cats with too much thyroid hormone have a greatly increased metabolic rate, which leads them to lose weight despite having a ravenous appetite.

How does thyroid affect cats?

These thyroid hormones affect many of your cat’s body processes: Regulation of body temperature. Metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. Weight gain and loss. Heart rate and cardiac output. Nervous system function. Growth and brain development in young animals. Reproduction. Muscle tone.

How do you know if your cat has hyperthyroidism?

Here are the major symptoms of hyperthyroidism that you should look for in your cat: Less than 10% of cats suffering from hyperthyroidism exhibit atypical signs such as poor appetite, loss of appetite, depression, and weakness.

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