Hyperthyroidism in cats – Company stuff

Author: Veterinary Doctor – Somfalvi Rita

The thyroid is an endocrine gland found in the neck, on the trachea, all mammals. This is responsible for the secretion of hormones that play a role in the regulation of the metabolism.

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine diseases of geriatric cats. Most of the time it is a benign and non –cancer growth of the thyroid gland and an exaggerated secretion of thyroid hormones at this level. Unlike cats, Dogs are prone to hypothyroidism (Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones). Information about this pathology that you can find Here.

Hormones secreted at this level influence the whole body, the most important changes with the occurrence of this disease are an increase in the metabolic rate, including an increase in the contractility of the heart, which can lead to the growth of the organ, which compromises its correct functioning.

Clinical signs

The classic hyperthyroidism signs include:

• Increase food appetite with weight loss
• Increase in water supply and urination
• Increase in activity, restlessness and irritability
• Qualitative changes in the level of fur

In some cases, ATPIC clinical signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, oral breath, weakness, heat intolerance can occur. These are not specific for this disease, but it is important to mention the veterinarian.

If the disease remains not treated for a longer period of time, it can lead to a series of complications, the most important that takes place at the cardiovascular level.

• Toreotoxic cardiomyopathy represents the changes that occur in the heart due to a greater concentration of thyroid hormones in the body. This manifests itself thickening the heart muscle in order to compensate for the increase in metabolic needs. Not treated, the heart can reach their decompes and death.
• Systemic hypertension is another side effect of hyperthyroidism. Studies show that about 25% of cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism suffers from systemic hypertension. Untered, hypertension can cause bleeding (nasal, eye, cerebral, etc.), the detachment of the retina manifested by sudden blindness and a series of other pathologies depending on the organ concerned.

Since, on the one hand, hyperthyroidism affects cats with advanced age, it is very important to evaluate and identify any pathologies that the patient is currently facing to manage them in accordance with the clinical conditions and the results of the analyzes. To the same measure, the fact that this disease influences practically on the entire body must evaluate the complete body in order to keep under control all the effects of the disease.

Diagnostic

For a diagnosis of certainty, the veterinarian will perform a complete clinical examination and recommend performing blood tests, including the dosage of the thyroid hormone (T4). In a relatively small number of cases, the result of the evaluation of the thyroid hormone can fall within the physiological limits, but if after the clinical examination hyperthyroidism is one of the possible diagnoses, the doctor can resort to a thyroid hormone suppression test.
In addition, the ultrasound of the thyroid gland is essential to evaluate the appearance, size and identification of any formations at this level. This investigation is minimally invasive, it does not cause serious stress or discomfort and provides important information to the doctor.

Treatment

There are several options when it comes to the treatment of cats with hyperthyroidism. Includes: pharmacological treatment, with radioactive iodine, surgical treatment and diet. Depending on the patient’s clinical condition and the blood test results, the veterinarian will decide the best approach to your cat.

Since less than 2% of cases is hyperthyroidism in cats is caused by evil formations in the thyroid, the established treatments are success. What is important to remember is that the paraklinic analyzes are mandatory before establishing a treatment in order to prevent any complications of this disease.

In conclusion, hyperthyroidism is a common disease in older cats and is a pathology with an excellent prognosis if the patient is correctly evaluated by a veterinarian and a treatment is established.
Since there is no prevention method for this disease, annual or white routine consultations and cat monitoring in everyday life are essential to discover the pathology in the early stages.
If your cat presents the clinical signs mentioned above or any changes in behavior that derive from aging, a clinical routine examination is recommended.