Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment and Nutrition
Overactive thyroid (feline hyperthyroidism) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in cats. It is estimated that more than 10 percent of all animals over eight years of age are affected.
What initially manifests itself for owners in the form of supposedly harmless behavioural problems and an increased appetite causes severe damage if left untreated. It is therefore important that you react promptly to the first symptoms.
The cat's thyroid gland
The thyroid gland is a hormone gland. The organ is located in the neck of the cat and is responsible for the production of the iodine containing hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) as well as the peptide hormone calcitonin.
T3 and T4 have many important functions in the organism. They increase the metabolic rate and also increase blood pressure, heartbeat, sweat production as well as body temperature, intestinal activity and the excitability of the cat's nerve cells.
Calcitonin on the other hand regulates the calcium balance. It is released when the calcium level in the blood exceeds a certain level and inhibits the release of calcium from the bones.
Possible causes of hyperthyroidism in cats
Mostly benign growths are responsible for hyperthyroidism in cats. In some cases, however, a malignant tumour can also be the trigger. Such a thyroid carcinoma is rather the exception.
Usually older cats from the age of about eight years are affected by hyperthyroidism, while feline hyperthyroidism is rare in young cats.
The exact causes that lead to hyperthyroidism in cats are as unclear as the reason why the hormonal disease has become so widespread in recent decades.
One possible cause that has recently come increasingly into focus as a trigger for hyperthyroidism in cats is so-called polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE). These are organic chemicals that are used as flame retardants in many textiles and plastics.
Other potential causes of feline hyperthyroidism include certain cat litter ingredients, coatings in food cans, immune disorders and infections.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats
If a cat suffers from hyperthyroidism, this is associated with a significant increase in the production of thyroid hormones. This increases the metabolism of the quadruped and leads to behavioural problems such as hyperactivity, restlessness or even aggressiveness. In addition, cats with feline hyperthyroidism often suffer from conspicuous attacks of ravenous hunger.
Furthermore, feline hyperthyroidism can manifest itself through the following symptoms, among others:
- The cat drinks a lot and urinates accordingly often.
- The quadruped regularly appears lethargic.
- The cat vomits frequently.
- The quadruped suffers from loss of appetite and emaciates.
- The cat has diarrhoea.
- The coat care is neglected or also excessively pursued.
- The cat has hair loss up to bald spots in the coat.
To counteract digestive problems such as diarrhoea and vomiting, a dietary supplement with Shiimun Gastro can be useful. This natural product helps your cat's digestion to calm down with ingredients such as shiitake, sage and turmeric.
In case of skin and coat problems or hair loss, we recommend supplementing your cat's diet with Shiimun Skin. Shiimun Skin is also a natural food supplement. The special composition of the powder provides the skin and coat of your quadruped with valuable nutrients.
Cats with hyperthyroidism must go to the vet
If you notice the above symptoms in your cat, a timely visit to the vet is essential. This also applies even if your aging cat suddenly appears much more lively again.
Without treatment, feline hyperthyroidism causes secondary damage to other organs.
Diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism
If your cat already has obvious signs of hyperthyroidism, you should be aware that the disease is already quite advanced. It is therefore even more important that you do not waste any time and go to a veterinarian.
In most cases, a blood test makes the diagnosis quite easy for the vet. This is because cats with hyperthyroidism usually have significantly elevated T4 levels in their blood.
The thyroid gland is usually enlarged, which can be easily felt and checked with an ultrasound scan.
Treat cats with hyperthyroidism
For the treatment of your cat's hyperthyroidism, there are basically different therapeutic approaches available. Your vet will probably recommend a suitable treatment method depending on the cause and severity of the hyperthyroidism.
Medications for cats with hyperthyroidism
First of all the cat can be given thyroid tablets. These so-called thyrostatic drugs inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.
However, they are only effective as long as the quadruped actually takes them. In addition, the permanent administration is connected with side effects of vomiting and diarrhoea up to liver damage in many cats.
Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
Another possibility for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism is the surgical removal of the thyroid gland. However, this procedure, or the loss of the organ, often leads to complications. In addition, cats without a thyroid gland must take thyroid hormone tablets for the rest of their lives.
If your cat's hyperthyroidism is caused by a tumour, removal of the thyroid gland may be beneficial despite the risks.
Radioiodine Therapy
The third way to treat cats with hyperthyroidism is to administer radioactive iodine to the quadruped. This accumulates in the thyroid gland, destroying part of the gland cells and thus reducing the overproduction of hormones.
Radioiodine therapy is considered to be a particularly effective form of treatment with few side effects. However, it is associated with quite high costs and a one- to two-week stay in hospital. In addition, very few veterinary clinics offer this form of treatment, which means that cat owners sometimes have to put up with very long transport routes.
Nutrition for cats with hyperthyroidism
Proper nutrition is especially important for cats with hyperthyroidism. In particular, the food should have the lowest possible iodine content. This means that the thyroid gland has too little iodine available for hormone production and feline hyperthyroidism can thus be kept under control.
Prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism
Feline hyperthyroidism is a complex hormonal disease, the exact origin of which has not yet been clarified. With timely treatment, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in your cat can be brought under control quite well, if you are lucky.
If the cat doesn’t get treated, there will be serious consequences such as thickening of the heart muscle, kidney problems and water retention in the lungs.
In addition, high blood pressure can lead to blindness in cats with hyperthyroidism. Do not take any symptoms lightly and consult your vet as soon as possible at the first sign of symptoms.
Healthy cat food from I Love My Cat
With I Love My Cat, you can provide your cat friend with all the nutrients they need. Our grain free products contain only natural ingredients and are characterised by their particularly high meat and fish content.
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