What triggers hyperthyroidism in cats?

Is hyperthyroidism the most common feline endocrine disorder?

Since first reported in the late 1970s, there has been a steady but dramatic increase in the worldwide prevalence of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is now regarded as the most common feline endocrine disorder, with diabetes mellitus coming a close second.

What are the clinical findings of hyperthyroidism in animals?

1 Clinical Findings of Hyperthyroidism in Animals. Courtesy of Ontario Veterinary College. … 2 Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism in Animals. High basal serum total thyroid hormone concentration is the hallmark of hyperthyroidism and confirms the diagnosis. 3 Treatment of Hyperthyroidism in Animals. … 4 Key Points.

Is hyperthyroidism common in senior cats?

Hyperthyroidism is a common affliction of senior cats and the most common endocrine disorder in the feline. Over the past several decades the incidence of hyperthyroidism in felines has been on the rise, though no one is certain why this is the case.

What is the prognosis of hyperthyroidism in cats?

Prognosis The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis. More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here.

Can a cat with hyperthyroidism have its thyroid removed?

Surgery to remove the thyroid gland. Surgery may cure hyperthyroidism, as long as all of the affected gland can be removed. The anesthesia administered during surgery can be challenging for older cats, however, as the hyperthyroidism may have affected their hearts and other organs.

What is the T3 test for hyperthyroidism in cats?

The T3suppression test is helpful in distinguishing mildly hyperthyroid cats from euthyroid cats; however, it requires multiple days of treatment for suppression to occur and owner compliance is critical.

What causes hyperthyroidism in senior cats?

Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal imbalance in senior cats. This occurs when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged and produces more thyroid hormone. The excessive amount of thyroid hormone causes weight loss, increased liver enzymes, vomiting, heart disease, and excitability/anxiety.

What are the signs and symptoms of 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.

Do flavonoids contribute to hyperthyroidism in cats?

Researchers learned that flavonoids—plant proteins found in commercially available cat food—activate cultured feline thyroid cells as effectively as a cat’s normal thyroid-stimulating hormone. This suggests that flavonoids may interfere with normal thyroid function and be a contributing factor in the development of feline hyperthyroidism.

What is the prognosis for feline hyperthyroidism?

The good news is that the prognosis for feline hyperthyroidism is not all bad. In fact, when treated early and effectively, many cats can fully recover and have normal thyroid activity restored. What is Feline Hyperthyroidism?

Can a cat with hyperthyroidism lose weight?

Most cats that test positive for hyperthyroidism generally have lost weight quickly and no matter how much the cat eats, they just can’t gain any weight. Keep an eye on your cat’s weight and if they just seem too skinny, call your veterinarian.

Should I take my Cat to the vet for hyperthyroidism?

These symptoms may be warning signs of a condition called hyperthyroidism. Keep reading to learn more about this disease and why a visit to the vet could be life-saving for your cat. Are you concerned about your pet? Book a video consultation with an experienced veterinarian within minutes. What is Hyperthyroid Disease?

What is a T3 suppression test for cats?

The T3 suppression test is based upon the normal negative feedback system. A baseline blood sample for T4 is taken and then the cat is given a short course of oral thyroid hormone (T3), usually in tablet form.

How is thyroid hormone (T3) administered to cats?

A baseline blood sample for T4 is taken and then the cat is given a short course of oral thyroid hormone (T3), usually in tablet form. A second blood sample is taken approximately 2 ½ days after the first sample.

Is T3 high in cats with hyperthyroidism?

T3 levels are usually elevated or high-normal in hyperthyroid cats. Free T4 (FT4) is the non-protein bound thyroxine present in the blood. Measuring FT4 can help determine if cats with high-normal or borderline total T4 levels are normal or hyperthyroid.

Is hyperthyroidism in cats treatable?

This disease in cats results from a typically benign tumor in the thyroid gland. According to VCA Hospitals, fewer than 2% of hyperthyroid cases in cats involve malignant thyroid gland tumors. Hyperthyroidism in cats is a treatable condition and usually not a death sentence. Who is at risk and what signs do I need to watch for?

What are the signs of hyperthyroidism in cats?

Signs of cat hyperthyroidism can include: weight loss. increased appetite. increased activity and restlessness. a matted, greasy or poor hair coat. a fast heart rate.

What happens if a cat has an overactive thyroid?

An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) is a common condition of older cats, typically causing obvious weight loss and behavioural changes. A range of treatments are available, including surgery to remove the affected part of the thyroid gland.

What should I Feed my hyperthyroid cat?

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. As such it’s effects are opposite to those of insulin.

Is Hill’s Prescription Diet thyroid care best for hyperthyroid cats?

That food is Hill’s Prescription Diet Thyroid Care. Though it can’t prevent disease progress, its low iodine content helps to limit the amount of thyroid hormones that flood your cat’s body. Beyond opting for this prescription food, we can only speculate about which foods are best for hyperthyroid cats.

Can a cat become hyperthyroid again after thyroid treatment?

For the very small number of cats who become hyperthyroid again in the future (perhaps 1% on average, 3 years after treatment) they would be assessed as if a new patient because there general health is also likely to have changed in this time. Some cats are over-sensitive to radio-iodine, and can go the other way – becoming hypo thyroid.

Can a cat recover from feline hyperthyroidism?

Many pet owners are unaware of the condition and may not know what to expect. The good news is that the prognosis for feline hyperthyroidism is not all bad. In fact, when treated early and effectively, many cats can fully recover and have normal thyroid activity restored. What is Feline Hyperthyroidism?

When to take a cat to the vet for a thyroid problem?

(4) The owner should have taken Hobbs back to the vet for at least a yearly check-up regardless of the cat thyroid problem. If the kitty had his annual physical, more weight loss would have been apparent and new blood levels would have been analyzed showing even higher levels of thyroid hormone.