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.

Useful links
Anxiety - reduce it
FULL Maine Coon guide - lots of pages
Children and cats - important

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.

Michael Avatar

Two useful tags. Click either to see the articles: Toxic to cats | Dangers to cats

From Feline Hyperthyroidism to Cat Health Problems

Click here to post comments.

Simply click here to return to Cat Health Problems Submissions.


Note: sources for news articles are carefully selected but the news is often not independently verified.

Michael Broad

Hi, I'm a 74-year-old retired solicitor (attorney in the US). Before qualifying I worked in many jobs including professional photography. I love nature, cats and all animals. I am concerned about their welfare. If you want to read more click here.

You may also like...

1 Response

  1. November 28, 2013

    […] blood pressure (hypertension) in cats is associated with hyperthyroidism. There are many other possible causes including kidney disease. However, your cat does to appear to […]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *