Posted by Danny MacDonald on 2019 Mar 16th
If you're a cat parent, it's smart to educate yourself about common health problems that cats may have. Today, we're talking about the most common endocrine disorder in middle-aged and older cats. If your cat is more than 10 years old, she has a 1 in 10 chance of developing hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism happens when one or both of a cat's thyroid glands become enlarge and produce too much thyroid hormone. According to the University of California's Davis Vet School, more than 80% of cats suffering from hyperthyroidism have both thyroid glands enlarged. Another 15% of hyperthyroid cats have a benign tumour, which causes only one of their thyroid glands to be affected.
For most hyperthyroid cats, the answer is no. Only 2-3% of cats with hyperthyroidism have a cancerous tumour. It may affect one or both thyroid glands. For treatment options, consult your veterinarian.
According to Washington State University's School of Veterinary Medicine, "Thyroid hormone affects the function of most organs in the body, so the signs of hyperthyroidism are quite variable." The most common symptoms include:
Cats suffering from hyperthyroidism may also suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, and vocalization. If your cat suffers from several of these symptoms, take him to the vet for a thorough examination. They may indicate hyperthyroidism or a different health condition altogether.
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Cats with hyperthyroidism may be treated with 4 different options:
According to ICatCare.org, "Fortunately, the vast majority of cats that develop hyperthyroidism can be treated very successfully and most cats will make a complete recovery." An expert from Cornell University explains, "The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis."
Has your cat been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism? Or does she have any symptoms of hyperthyroidism? Share your experience in the comments!
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