Hyperthyroidism is a common hormone disorder that is found in cats, who are usually over the age of 10. Although it can cause various serious conditions, such as heart and kidney disease, if it is treated quickly and effectively, it can give your cat a new lease on life and renewed health.
Learn more about hyperthyroidism, its symptoms and the best ways to treat it in this blog post.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a hormone condition that commonly affects elderly cats. It is caused by the thyroid gland producing an abnormal amount of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) due to benign tumours on the gland (or in very rare cases, malignant tumours). This overproduction of hormones causes a cat’s metabolism to go into overdrive.
The thyroid gland controls many crucial functions in the body, such as organ function, body weight and energy levels.
The good news is that most cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism can be treated and cured, but early detection is key.
What Causes Hyperthyroidism in Cats?
Why do cats get hyperthyroidism? The exact cause is unknown. However, it is believed that some of the following factors can play a contributing role:
Diet
Cat diets that feature excessive amounts of canned food can increase the risk of hyperthyroidism due to the high levels of soy protein and dietary iodine in canned food, which can overstimulate the thyroid.
Age
Hyperthyroidism is a risk for certain age groups of cats (middle-aged and elderly) due to the natural wear and tear of their bodies and exposure to various factors throughout their lives.
Exposure to Chemicals/Pollutants
Constant exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals and pollutants is a high-risk factor. This includes flame retardants, which can be found around the home.
Iodine Deficiency
While too much iodine deficiency in a cat’s diet can cause problems, not having enough can also be an issue, as they require it to
Knowing What To Look For
Knowing the warning signs to look for can make all the difference in getting your cat the early intervention and medical care they need before the condition causes other serious health issues.
Be aware of the following signs:
- Weight loss: Continued weight loss despite your cat having a stable or an increased appetite.
- Increased thirst: Has your cat been drinking more water than usual and urinating more as a result?
- Unkept coat: Is your cat’s coat looking much more unkept and matted than usual? Are they showing less interest in grooming themselves?
- Behaviour changes: Is your cat more restless, vocal and agitated than usual?
- Stomach issues: Is your cat showing signs of stomach issues, such as vomiting and diarrhoea?
- Heat intolerance: Your cat may be showing increased heat intolerance and may seek out cool spots to lie on, including tiled or wooden floors.
- Heavy breathing: Have you noticed an increase in your cat’s breathing intensity?
Diagnosis Process
If you vet suspects that your cat has hyperthyroidism, they will usually carry out the following procedures to get a diagnosis:
- Physical exam: The vet will examine your cat’s neck to see if their thyroid gland is swollen and enlarged.
- Heart rate and blood pressure: The vet will check your cat’s heart rate and blood pressure.
- Blood test: A blood test will be carried out to test for elevated T4 hormone levels in the bloodstream.
Hyperthyroidism Treatment
The good news is that hyperthyroidism in cats is treatable if detected early. There are several main treatments veterinarians employ for hyperthyroidism in cats. These treatments include:
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive Iodine Therapy is the treatment that many veterinarians recommend because of its curative nature. Radioactive iodine is given as an injection, so it is absorbed in the bloodstream and helps to produce the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones, while the radiation destroys any abnormal thyroid tissue. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for cats to have normal hormone levels once again, and it cures most cats of hyperthyroidism.
Cats may have to spend some time in the veterinary clinic until the radiation in their body reaches safe levels. This treatment may not be suitable for cats that have underlying medical conditions.
Oral Medication
Prescription medication such as methimazole or thiamazole (antithyroid medication) prevents the thyroid gland from producing extra hormones. It is usually taken daily and is highly effective, although some side effects can occur. Not all cats will be suitable candidates for daily medication.
Surgery
The affected thyroid glands can be surgically removed. Although it is effective in most cases and helps to manage the condition for years, it still isn’t as effective as Radioactive Iodine Therapy. And as with any surgical procedure, there are always risks involved, especially for older cats and those with other health conditions.
Dietary Therapy
Dietary therapy is another treatment option for cats who cannot tolerate daily medication or aren’t suitable candidates for Radioactive Iodine Therapy.
Iodine is removed from a cat’s diet, limiting the amount of hormones the thyroid produces. It is an effective and non-invasive treatment option, although it requires daily commitment: no other cat treats or human food is allowed in the cat’s diet.
Hills Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Food is highly recommended.
Important Factors to Consider
It’s important to remember the following:
- Early detection is best: Early detection and timely action ensure that your cat responds well to treatment and recovers quickly.
- Every cat is different: Not every treatment option will be suitable for every cat. One cat may be able to handle Radioactive Iodine Therapy, while another cat may only be able to handle dietary therapy. It all depends on their age and overall health condition.
- Secondary problems: If your cat is diagnosed with late-stage hyperthyroidism, it can cause other health issues like heart diseases, kidney failure, high blood pressure and sudden blindness. This is why early diagnosis is so important.
Getting a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism for your cat can be scary, but it’s important to note that hyperthyroidism is curable and manageable, and with the right treatment, your cat can continue to live a happy and enriched life.
At Potiki, we understand how precious your pets are. We also know that the unexpected can happen at any time, resulting in extremely high vet fees. These unforeseen circumstances are why it is best to be prepared with pet insurance. Potiki offer our customers flexible covers with excess and extras to give you and your family peace of mind. Visit our website to obtain a quick quote and explore our various coverage options.
FAQs
Yes, hyperthyroidsm is covered under a Comprehensive Illness and Accident policy.
Hyperthyroidism usually occurs in middle-aged to older cats who are around 10 years old.
Your cat’s veterinarian will feel your cat’s thyroid gland, measure their heart rate and blood pressure and test their blood to look for elevated hormone T4 levels.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy is considered the ‘golden standard’ of treatment for cats due to its safe and highly effective treatment capabilities (95% of cats are cured).
While the condition itself is not fatal, if left untreated, it can cause more serious health issues like kidney failure, heart disease and sudden blindness.
It’s important to remember that most cats who are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are older cats, so their comfort is everything.
- Provide warm bedding: Make sure they have a warm and comfortable bed to sleep and rest in.
- Grooming care: Cats with hyperthyroidism often have unkempt fur. Help them groom themselves by gently brushing their fur and using cat care products on their coat.
Vet check-ups: Take your car for regular check-ups to ensure that they are healing well and that no health complications have arisen. Keep your cat’s vet up to date and give them a call if you notice anything out of the ordinary or if your cat’s condition is worsening.