Causes, Symptoms & Treatment For Feline Thyroid Disease

Your cat’s thyroid gland - a small organ in the neck - plays a vital role in regulating your cat's metabolism. The thyroid is responsible for producing hormones such as triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which influence everything from energy expenditure to heart rate, however, with age, your cat’s body can become unbalanced by developing hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis. A common condition in older cats, it can affect your cat's metabolism, causing several symptoms. 

We’ll be exploring what feline thyroid disease is, its causes, symptoms of the condition, treatment options, and how it can be managed.

Understanding Thyroid Disease In Cats

Hyperthyroidism is the most common form of thyroid disease in cats that all cat owners should be aware of. From understanding the symptoms to causes, treatment and management, here’s what you should know about the condition.

Causes Of Thyroid Disease In Cats

The cause of hyperthyroidism in cats is not entirely understood, but from what we understand, there are several contributing factors. Benign (non-cancerous) tumours in the thyroid are one of the primary causes of the condition, which results in the gland becoming overactive and producing an excessive amount of hormones. Whilst they are believed to play a smaller role, iodine-rich diets - a mineral essential for thyroid hormone production - might play a role, as well as exposure to environmental toxins that can disrupt hormone function.

Symptoms Of Thyroid Disease In Cats

Many of the signs of hyperthyroidism can be difficult to detect, and they are often mistaken for signs of aging, resulting in the condition going undetected. One of the most visible symptoms is weight loss, and this can often be in conjunction with increased appetite, which can make it a little easier to spot. Due to increased metabolism, your cat might be eating more than usual - in addition to both increased thirst and urination - and they may also become hyperactive, and appear to have more energy than usual. 
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Digestive issues may arise in the form of vomiting and diarrhoea, and your cat’s fur could become dull, greasy, matted, or even fall out. Additionally, the changes in metabolism could result in a rapid heart rate and difficulty breathing. Whilst you are not expected to be able to diagnose the condition, if you notice anything different or unusual with your cat, it’s always a good idea to visit your veterinarian. Tests and a physical examination can determine if your cat has high levels of triiodothyronine and thyroxine - an indicator of the condition - as well as any other issues your cat might be facing.

Cat Thyroid Disease Treatment & Management

Cat thyroid disease treatment can be used to treat hyperthyroidism through the implementation of one or more interventions. Medications like methimazole are one of the first lines of attack, as they suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Through regular blood tests, the medication's effectiveness and dosage can be monitored and adjusted as needed. A more intensive approach is radioactive iodine therapy, a one-off capsule of radioactive iodine that targets overactive thyroid tissue, however, whilst it’s highly effective, specialised facilities are needed for this treatment. 

With proper cat thyroid disease treatment, your cat can continue to live a happy and healthy life. Consistent medication administration, as well as regular visits to the veterinarian to monitor progress and adjust treatment, dietary adjustments - as well as a loving environment at home - can help maximise your cat’s improvement. A hyperthyroidism diagnosis can be difficult, however it doesn’t need to significantly affect your cat’s health. At Ripponlea, we understand your love for your cat, which is why we offer the best cat thyroid disease treatment for hyperthyroidism.

Schedule an appointment with us now to ensure the best quality of life for your pet!