The Overactive Thyroid: Managing Hyperthyroidism in Your Cat

-

Introduction

Hyperthyroidism is a medical disorder characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 & T4). The disorder occurs due to a benign (noncancerous) enlargement, termed adenomatous hyperplasia, in the thyroid glands which are located in the neck area of a cat. Because the thyroid hormones influence many organs in a cat's body, hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary cardiovascular problems such as cardiomyopathy.

Symptoms: "Fat Cat" That Is Underweight

One of the typical signs of hyperthyroidism is a cat that eats very much but still loses weight. Symptoms include:

Weight loss: 

In spite of polyphagia (increased hunger).

Polydipsia and Polyuria: 

Increased thirst and urine output.

Bad condition of coat: 

Fur becomes untidy, greasy, or matted.

Increased activity: 

Hyperactivity, irritability, vocalization, especially at night.

GI Problems: 

Sometimes accompanied with vomiting or diarrhea.

Heart problems: 

Rapid heart rate (in severe cases, tachycardia).

Feline hyperthyroidism symptoms and thyroid gland enlargement in senior cats - Dr. Muhammad Muneeb
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats


Diagnosis of the Disease

In case if you suspect that your pet is suffering from the disease, visit a veterinary hospital for doing blood tests:

T4 Total Test: 

This test is considered to be the main diagnostic procedure. Elevated levels of T4 confirm the presence of the disease.

Physical Palpation: 

The veterinarian will find that the cat has an enlarged thyroid gland (thyroid slip) through a physical examination.

Chemistry Profile: 

For the effect on the activity of liver enzymes and kidneys.

Treatment options for Hyperthyroidism

There are four methods used to treat feline hyperthyroidism, including the following:

Medication (Methimazole): 

An oral dose of daily medication that helps to stop the production of hormones. Although it is the common form of treatment, it needs life-long commitment from the cat's owners.

Radioactive Iodine (I-131): 

The Gold Standard therapy that includes one-time administration of radioactive iodine which destroys the abnormal cells. It is a very effective form of treatment.

Prescription diet: 

Feeding the cat with special food (Hill's y/d) with the limited amount of iodine.

Surgery (Thyroidectomy): 

Surgical operation that aims at removing the affected lobes.

Conclusion

Feline hyperthyroidism is a curable disease, and once it is diagnosed properly, it is possible for cats to enjoy their remaining lives fully. Thus, it is important to monitor changes in the weight and appetites of senior cats as a means of discovering this "metabolic engine" problem.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Canine Circovirus: The Mysterious New Threat to Our Furry Friends

-
Image
 What is Canine Circovirus (CanineCV)? Imagine a small and indirect virus that has been silently spreading among dogs. This is what Canine Circovirus ( CanineCV ) is! The virus was first identified in 2012 and a researchers are making efforts to determine its influence on canine health since it is relatively new and still being examined by scientists [1].CanineCV is a member of the virus family Circoviridae , as are Powassu circovirus and Cb-sav circovirus . These viruses have relatively small circular DNAs . The fact that CanineCV can do this and is therefore a permanent threat to veterinarians and pet owners is what makes that virus far more interesting and a bit worrying[2]. Canine Circovirus What consequences are there for dogs of CanineCV? CanineCV is a virus that is associated with a number of diseases in dogs, including those that are predominantly found in the digestive system . Some of the symptoms that dogs might have after being infected with the CanineCV parasite are ....
Read more

Canine Kobuvirus (CaKoV): An Emerging Enteric Pathogen and the Challenge of Viral Co-Infections

-
Image
1. Introduction The canine viral gastroenteritis is undergoing dynamic changes with the detection of new viral pathogens. Among these, Canine Kobuvirus ( CaKoV ) has been recognized as an important, though poorly studied, agent in canine viral gastroenteritis. Though Canine Parvovirus (CPV) and Canine Coronavirus (CCoV) are recognized as major viral pathogens in canine viral gastroenteritis, the detection rate of CaKoV in infected dogs indicates that it is probably playing an active role in canine enteric viral disease. 2. Viral Taxonomy and Genetic Diversity CaKoV is classified as a member of the Kobuvirus genus in the family Picornaviridae . The viral genome is 8.2 kb in length and consists of a single open reading frame (ORF) that codes for a polyprotein that is subsequently cleaved into structural and non-structural proteins.  • Genetic Characterization:  The viral genome has been found to possess considerable genetic diversity . The detection of unique viral lineages in...
Read more

Aflatoxicosis in Poultry: A Comprehensive Guide to Liver Damage and Feed Management

-
Image
1. Introduction: The Invisible Threat ​ Aflatoxicosis is considered one of the most important non-infectious diseases in the world poultry industry. It is caused by the ingestion of toxic metabolites called Aflatoxins produced by the fungi * Aspergillus flavus * and *Aspergillus parasiticus*. Unlike other infectious diseases like viral and bacterial diseases, Aflatoxicosis is a silent threat because it does not cause a sudden outbreak of death among the birds but gradually destroys the internal organs of the birds, specifically the liver, causing a huge loss to the farmers of Pakistan. ​2. The Chemistry of Aflatoxins ​There are various types of Aflatoxins: B1, B2, G1, and G2. Among these, the most toxic and dangerous to poultry is Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). This toxin is highly hepatotoxic and carcinogenic in nature. After the ingestion of contaminated corn, cottonseed meal, or soybean meal, the toxin metabolizes into highly reactive epoxide in the liver of the bird. ​3. Why is it a Prob...
Read more