Trueremedies.com
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 …
Allremedies.com
· 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.
What natural remedies can help hyperthyroid cat?
· Radioactive iodine ( 131 I) is a curative treatment for feline hyperthyroidism and is the treatment of choice for most cats due to its high cure rate and minimal side effects.
What should you do about a cat with hyperthyroidism?
· The drug sodium levothyroxine is usually given twice daily. Some cats may also require a second medication, called synthetic sodium liothyronine (L-T3). Cats with congenital and acquired hypothyroidism (primary, secondary, and iatrogenic from surgery or radioactive iodine) will have to be on medication forever.
When to euthanize a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The dose of I-131 used to treat hyperthyroid cats is very small and people and other animals are at very low risk from the radiation. Treated cats are hospitalized until they reach an acceptable low level of radioactivity.
Is there special diet for hyperthyroidism in cats?
Options for treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats include radioactive iodine therapy, medical management (most often oral medication), dietary management, and surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland (s).
What is the best treatment for hypothyroidism in cats?
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.
Can you cure 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 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.
How long do cats live with hypothyroidism?
Adult cats with acquired hypothyroidism have a good prognosis with management of their disease and can achieve a nearly normal life expectancy.
What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated in cats?
Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder in older cats, caused by the overproduction of thyroid hormone. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can result in heart failure and other complications, and can even lead to death.
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.
What is the best food to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism?
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 is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),2 and 48 months (iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).
Is hypothyroidism serious in cats?
Feline Hypothyroidism is a serious but rare condition affecting hypothyroid symptoms in women cats worldwide. This condition is often not deadly and very manageable if a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are put into place.
Why do cats get hypothyroidism?
Causes of Hypothyroidism in Cats Although sometimes caused by cancer, iodine deficiency or congenital disease (thyroid gland abnormalities), hypothyroidism is a rare condition most often seen in cats who have undergone surgery or iodine therapy as treatment for hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) .
What are the side effects of thyroid medication for cats?
The most common side effects of Felimazole reported to FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine are:A change in appetite (the cat's appetite may increase or decrease),decreased activity level (sluggishness),vomiting,diarrhea or loose stool,skin lesions,itchy skin, especially the face, head, and neck,More items...•
How is hyperthyroidism treated in older cats?
Treatment Option: Oral Medication Methimazole works by reducing the thyroid gland's ability to produce T4. This medication is readily available and relatively inexpensive. The major disadvantage to methimazole is that it must be used for the remainder of the cat's life.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),2 and 48 months (iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).
Is hypothyroidism serious in cats?
Feline Hypothyroidism is a serious but rare condition affecting hypothyroid symptoms in women cats worldwide. This condition is often not deadly and very manageable if a proper diagnosis and treatment plan are put into place.
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...
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.
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 to treat hypothyroidism in cats?
Treatment for hypothyroidism in cats is aimed at restoring normal blood levels of thyroid hormone. This is typically managed by giving an oral thyroid medication supplement, in either liquid or tablet form.
Why do cats need oral medication for hypothyroidism?
The goal of oral medication for hypothyroidism in cats is to improve the clinical signs of the disease. Follow-up bloodwork is important to assess the absorption and appropriate dosing of medication.
What is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in cats?
Adult-onset acquired hypothyroidism is most commonly caused by iatrogenic hypothyroidism. This condition occurs when a cat’s treatment for hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) results in an underactive thyroid.
Why do cats have hypothyroidism?
Goitrous congenital hypothyroidism is thought to be caused by an inherited defect or dietary issues with iodine in the pregnant mother cat or newborn kitten.
What happens if a cat has hyperthyroidism?
The most common scenario is when a cat that has hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) has treatment that overcorrects and then causes them to have (acquired) hypothyroidism.
Can cats be reversed with thyroid medication?
With some of these cats (that were given oral or transdermal medication for hyperthyroidism), hypothyroidism can be reversed when your vet finds the ideal dosage of long-term hyperthyroid medication for your cat.
Can cats have iatrogenic hypothyroidism?
Your cat can also have iatrogenic hypothyroidism if you are treating them with methimazole (in a pill or transdermal gel) as the veterinarian tries to find the right dose for your cat. However, this is reversible over several months after finding the right dose.
How to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
Radioiodine treatment is considered the gold standard treatment for#N#hyperthyroidism in most cats, especially in younger cats and those without#N#advanced kidney disease. It is curative 95% of the time with a single treatment (especially when done earlier in the disease process), and in most cases, treatment with radioiodine eliminates the need for long-term oral thyroid medication. It is the most effective and least invasive way to destroy all of the abnormal thyroid tissue. Veterinary clinics must be specially licensed to administer radiation therapy. After treatment, patients must be hospitalized until their level of radioactivity has declined to a level that is low enough to allow release back into their homes (usually 1-5 days at our facility).
How to diagnose thyroid disease in cats?
In most instances, diagnosis of this disease is relatively straightforward: 1 Enlargement of one or both thyroid lobes is one of the first changes to occur. The thyroid glands are too small to be easily palpated (felt) during a physical examination of a non-hyperthyroid cat. If the glands can be palpated, the cat likely has hyperthyroidism. 2 The first blood test performed to diagnose hyperthyroidism measures the level of thyroxine (T4), one of the thyroid hormones. A T4 level elevated beyond the normal reference range usually confirms the diagnosis. 3 If a cat is suspected of having hyperthyroidism (i.e., has a T4 level within the upper range of normal limits but not above normal, along with symptoms consistent with an overactive thyroid), a second test, called a Free T4, may be performed on the same blood sample to help confirm the diagnosis. Alternatively, repeating the T4 level in 4-6 weeks may show a T4 level above normal. Additional testing (thyroid stimulating hormone, thyroid scan) may be necessary for some cats.
Can cats have hyperthyroidism?
The cause of hyperthyroidism in cats remains unknown. Environment and diet have been investigated and may play a role in predisposing cats to hyperthyroidism, though the specific risk factors and mechanisms are unknown. No breed is known to be at increased risk.
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 does a vet do for a cat with thyroid issues?
Your vet will do a blood chemistry panel to determine the levels of thyroid hormone in your cat's blood. If your cat is suffering from hypothyroidism, levels of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones in his blood will be low. In many cases of feline hypothyroidism, your vet will be able to feel differences in the thyroid gland by palpitating your cat's throat.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from hypothyroidism?
Hair will begin to regrow within the first week of treatment, though it may take some time to grow back completely. Most cats begin to lose excess weight within the first two weeks of treatment. Four weeks after your cat's final dosage adjustment, he should have largely recovered from the symptoms of feline hypothyroidism.
How long does it take for a cat to lose weight after a thyroid treatment?
Most cats begin to lose excess weight within the first two weeks of treatment. Four weeks after your cat's final dosage adjustment, he should have largely recovered from the symptoms of feline hypothyroidism. With proper treatment, your cat can live normally and enjoy a high quality of life with feline hypothyroidism.
What is a cat's thyroid gland?
Feline hypothyroidism is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland, a small gland located in your cat's throat. The thyroid gland regulates your cat's metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid fails to produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone, and your cat's metabolic function decreases. This can cause problems with all of your cat's body systems.
How do you know if your cat has hypothyroidism?
Symptoms of Feline Hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism in cats usually include: Lethargy and lack of interest in play. Loss of appetite. Unexplained weight gain. Dry, brittle hair and excessive dandruff; hair loss. Slow heart rate. Lowered body temperature. Constipation.
Can cats live with hypothyroidism?
With proper treatment, your cat can live normally and enjoy a high quality of life with feline hypothyroidism. Treatment is as easy as administering daily oral medication, and the medications are generally inexpensive. Related Links:
Can cats have hormone replacement?
Hypothyroidism in cats is easily treatable with hormone replacement medication. These medications are prescribed according to your cat's weight, but your vet will monitor your cat's progress carefully during the initial stages of his treatment, to make sure his dosages are correct.
Causes
Pathophysiology
- Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems.
Symptoms
- Clinical Signs Cats afflicted with hyperthyroidism usually develop a variety of signs that may be subtle at first but that become more severe as the disease progresses. 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. The coat of affected cats …
Diagnosis
- Diagnosis A veterinarian who suspects a cat has a thyroid problem will conduct a physical examination and palpate the cats neck area to check for an enlarged thyroid gland (see Figure 2). The cats heart rate and blood pressure may also be checked. If thyroid disease is a possibility, your veterinarian will likely order a blood chemistry panel and an analysis of thyroid hormone lev…
Treatment
- Treatment There are four treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism: medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary therapy. Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. The treatment a cat receives for hyperthyroidism will depend on specific circumstances, including the patients overall health status, the owners abi...
Results
- 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. Rarely, a permanent reduction in thyroid-hormone levels called hypothyroidism occurs after radioactive iodine treatment. If this is accompanied by clinical sign…
Benefits
- 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.
Clinical significance
- Because of the important role the thyroid gland plays in the body, some cats with hyperthyroidism develop secondary problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. 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…
Prognosis
- Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another potential complication of hyperthyroidism, and can cause additional damage to several organs, including the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain. If hypertension is diagnosed along with hyperthyroidism, drugs may be needed to control the blood pressure and reduce the risk of damaging other organs. As in the case of heart disease, after th…