What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the condition that occurs in
response to the persistent over production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid
gland.
When was hyperthyroidism
recognized as a disease in cats?
Feline hyperthyroidism was first
described as a spontaneous disease of the cat in 1979. Since then it has
become the most common endocrine disorder of the cat.
What causes hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroid is almost always (99%) caused by 1 or more
small, benign tumors called thyroid adenomas. These tumors produce excessive
levels of thyroid hormones. The elevated circulating levels of the thyroid
hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) that
come from these tumors increase the cat's metabolism, resulting in a truly
multi-systemic disease. The accelerated metabolism is responsible for all
of the symptoms that these cats demonstrate.
What are common symptoms
demonstrated by hyperthyroid cats?
Symptoms of
hyperthyroidism include:
- weight loss
- increased appetite
- increased drinking
- increased urination
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- poor coat quality
- nervousness
Is hyperthyroidism life limiting?
This persistently elevated metabolic rate that is
caused by hyperthyroidism leads to persistent stress on the cat's heart.
A frequently undiagnosed complication of hyperthyroidism, that
may ultimately become life limiting, is thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. While
thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy is common and may be life limiting, it is usually
reversible. When hyperthyroidism is permanently resolved the heart muscle
recovers from the changes induced by the persistently elevated thyroid hormone
levels.
What are the treatment options
for hyperthyroidism in cats?
The therapy for hyperthyroidism is directed at
controlling the excessive production of thyroid hormones. Four options for therapy
are available:
- antithyroid drugs
(e.g., methimazole)
- iodine
deficient diets (i.e., Hills prescription diet y/d)
- surgery (thyroid lobectomy)
- radioactive
iodine (131I)
Neither drugs nor diet resolves the underlying thyroid
adenoma causing hyperthyroidism, and there are lifelong risks to your pet’s
health and safety associated with each (not to mention cost). AVMI treats
hyperthyroid cats with radioactive iodine, which is the only treatment
that eliminates the disease without the risks of anesthesia and surgery.
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