Feline Hyperthyroidism

by Michael
(London, UK)

Feline hyperthyroidism is a disease caused by the excessive production of the hormone, thyroid (thyroxin) by the thyroid gland. This gland is in the neck³.

The term “hyper” in medical parlance means: high, beyond, excessive, above normal ².

The term “ism” means: condition of, practice of, theory of¹.

Feline hyperthyroidism is the most common feline hormone disorder.

The thyroid gland enlarges causing a swelling in the neck.

The symptoms:

• Restlessness
• Irritable
• Pace up and down
• Excessive hunger
• Excessive food consumption
• Weight loss
• Vomiting
• Increased volume of faeces
• Hair loss and hair pulls out easily

The heart works harder. It can lead to a “form of cardiomyopathy”, which in turn leads to congestive heart failure.

Other illnesses associated with old cats can mask hyperthyroidism in cats.

Diagnosis

Please see a good vet. Blood test are required.

Treatment

Objective: return thyroid production to normal. Methods:

• Drugs
• Removal of the thyroid gland
• Administering radioactive iodine at a specialist clinic

Associated Page:

The opposite is feline Hypothyroidism.

Notes:

1. 2. medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com

2. http://www.medterms.com/

3. Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook page 385 – 386, by Drs Carlson and Giffin.

From Feline Hyperthyroidism to Cat Health Problems