Can hyperthyroidism in cats be cured?

What is hyperthyroidism in older cats?

Hyperthyroidism is characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. This disease is common in older cats. Although the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism, it is usually a benign or non- malignant change.

Is it possible for a hyperthyroid cat to have surgery?

Some hyperthyroid cats have thyroid cells in abnormal locations called ectopic thyroid tissue (thyroid tissue located under the tongue, further down the neck, or all the way to the base of the heart)- and they may remain hyperthyroid after surgery. It is best to perform a nuclear scan before surgery to rule out ectopic thyroid tissue.

How long does it take for hyperthyroidism in cats to go away?

If a hyperthyroid cat is fed a special diet (e.g. Hills y/d) that has deliberately low levels of iodine (a key component of thyroid hormones) then their thyroid hormone level will return to normal within 4 weeks.

What does a cat’s thyroid do?

The thyroid plays a vital role in regulating the cat’s metabolic rate. The thyroid secretes a hormone called thyroxine. This hormone controls how the body is run. Think of thyroxine like caffeinated coffee.

Can a cat still have hyperthyroidism after radioiodine treatment?

Under 1% of cats treated with radio-iodine will still be hyperthyroid 6 months later. If this is the case with your cat, we’ll schedule a second treatment (within your initial fee) which will almost provide the cure. However, a very small proportion still won’t respond, and we wouldn’t normally offer a third treatment.

What are the treatment options for hyperthyroidism in cats?

There are three treatment options for hyperthyroidism: medication, surgery, and radioactive iodine therapy. In surgery, the thyroid gland is removed and therefore (at least in theory) the hyperthyroidism is, too. But the risk of anesthesia in a geriatric cat with impaired kidney function, among other issues, led me to rule out surgery.

What happens if a cat has its thyroid gland removed?

Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is an option, but it may not solve the problem. There may be tumor cells in other parts of your cat’s body that continue to overproduce thyroid hormone, or removal of the gland could mean he’ll no longer produce enough thyroid hormone and will have to be on medicine for the rest of his life.

How old do cats have to be to have hypothyroidism?

It is generally a disease of older cats with an average age around 9-10+ years, but can be seen in cats as young as 5 years of age. In most cases, the disease is caused by a growth of abnormal, non-cancerous cells which secrete thyroid hormones in excess of the normal levels.

What does it mean when a cat has a thyroid problem?

The most common thyroid gland disorder in the cat is an excessive production of thyroid hormone, due to a benign (non-cancerous) increase in the size and function of one or both of the thyroid glands. This condition is termed hyperthyroidism.

What does hyperthyroidism look like in cats?

Cats with hyperthyroidism tend to look pretty scruffy. Photography by Suphaksorn Thongwongboot / Shutterstock. The thyroid glands are two tiny bits located on either side of your cat’s trachea (windpipe).

What to do if your cat has hyperthyroidism?

Weigh the pros and cons of various treatments and discuss options with your vet. Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels.

How many cats have been euthanized for hyperthyroidism after thyroidectomy?

Twelve cats underwent thyroidectomy for management of persistent hyperthyroidism after RAI treatment, but this only resulted in euthyroidism in 4 of the cats. This treatment might have been chosen because it could be performed at lower cost than RAI therapy.

Can hyperthyroidism medication be split in cats?

With hyperthyroidism in cats, medication will have to be given for the rest of the cat’s life, although it is not unusual for the dose to change over time. You should make sure to not split or crush the medication, and pregnant women should wear gloves when handling and when cleaning litter trays.

What are the disadvantages of a thyroidectomy for a cat?

Disadvantages. There’s also a risk that the surgery could damage the cat’s parathyroid glands, located near the thyroid glands. These glands maintain the cat’s blood calcium levels. If any abnormal thyroid tissue isn’t removed, your cat should start showing hyperthyroid symptoms within six months or longer.

What happens when a cat has too much thyroid?

When a cat’s thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone, the result is hyperthyroidism. It usually occurs in conjunction with a benign tumor on the glands. Since the thyroid affects the cat’s metabolism in so many ways, symptoms vary widely.

What happens if a cat has its parathyroid gland removed?

If they are removed accidentally, along with a large thyroid mass, or if they are damaged during surgery, then three or even all four parathyroid glands might be removed. As a consequence, the cat may have a complication called hypocalcemia, which means that the calcium levels in the blood stream are dangerously low.

What does it mean when a cat has low thyroid?

That’s because extra thyroid tissue [called “accessory”] in the neck and chest cavity can make up for the low thyroid levels and actually produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone to compensate.) Diagnosis of hypothyroidism in cats is typically based on measurement of thyroid hormones: low T4 levels can be suggestive of hypothyroidism.

What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in cats?

It is a glandular disorder and the most common symptoms are weight loss and increased appetite. The average age of cats diagnosed with the hypothyroidism is 12 to 13 years old. Many cats with overactive thyroids will also experience vomiting, increased drinking and urination can also be symptoms of this disorder.

What kind of thyroid problems do cats have?

In cats, hyperthyroidism is the most common thyroid issue. When a cat suffers from hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland overproduces these hormones, causing their body to use energy too quickly. Hypothyroidism—reduced levels of thyroid hormone production—can occur in cats, but it is rare.

How do I know if my cat has a thyroid problem?

The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1). A veterinarian who suspects a cat has a thyroid problem will conduct a physical examination and palpate the cat’s neck area to check for an enlarged thyroid gland (see Figure 2). The cat’s heart rate and blood pressure may also be checked.

How many cats with thyroid carcinoma have failed treatment?

Of the 52 cats that failed treatment, 14 were subsequently managed medically, 12 underwent thyroidectomy (4 with carcinoma), 14 had repeat RAI treatment which was successful in 12/14 (86%) cats, and 13 had no further treatment. Cats with TT4 >150 nmol/L at discharge after RAI might be candidates for immediate repeat treatment.

What is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats?

Thyroidectomy in cats is most commonly indicated to treat hyperthyroidism because of adenomatous hyperplasia of the thyroid glands. Preoperative stabilization of the hyperthyroid cat with antithyroid drugs is preferred to minimize anesthetic and surgical complications.