Hyperthyroidism
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism in cats – what is it?
Hyperthyroidism in cats – what is it?
Just as in humans, cats can also suffer from problems with their thyroid glands – with hyperthyroidism being common in older cats. The thyroid glands are located in the neck and produce thyroid hormones which help control many important body functions including growth, metabolism and weight.
Hyperthyroidism is a disease where an excessive amount of thyroid hormones are produced, resulting in an increased metabolic rate, and often weight loss and increased appetite despite a good appetite.
The good thing is, with proper treatment, hyperthyroidism in cats is a manageable and even curable disease, and most affected cats that receive treatment can lead a healthy, happy life.
Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats: about 10 per cent of cats over 10 years will develop the condition.
Cats with hyperthyroidism are likely to have associated high blood pressure or heart conditions.
High blood pressure is a secondary condition that is commonly diagnosed in cats with hyperthyroidism and can lead to worsening symptoms if left untreated.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism disease in cats?
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism disease in cats?
Thyroid hormones influence a range of vital body processes and metabolism, meaning hyperthyroidism can affect virtually every organ and function in a cat’s body.
Signs of hyperthyroidism in cats include:
- Losing weight, though their appetite is usually good or might even be increased
- Drinking more and peeing more often
- Increased activity and restlessness (or, more rarely, lethargy)
- Increased agitation and sometimes aggressive behaviour
- Poor coat and hair loss
- Vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
Also, as hyperthyroidism typically affects cats over 7, it’s important to keep in mind that there may be other health problems happening at the same time, such as chronic kidney disease, which can cause other signs as well. Hyperthyroidism is also a common cause of increased blood pressure. Approxmiately ¼ cats with hyperthyroidism will have hypertension concurrently.
Clinical signs may be subtle at first, but over time the disease progresses and signs become much more obvious.
Diagnosing and treating hyperthyroidism
Diagnosing and treating hyperthyroidism
Ideally, hyperthyroidism should be diagnosed as early as possible to avoid any associated complications.
Early diagnosis can be achieved before signs of hyperthyroidism show up by screening senior cats at check-up appointments, which is why regular check-ups are so important in older cats.
If you recognise any of the typical signs of hyperthyroidism, we recommend that you book an appointment with your vet – in some cases, your vet may be able to feel the enlarged thyroid on physical examination.
However, a confirmed diagnosis is made based on elevated thyroid hormone concentrations, which are assessed with a blood test.
If hyperthyroidism is left untreated, there can be serious consequences. High levels of thyroid hormone can:
- cause changes to the heart, leading to heart failure
- cause high blood pressure, leading to organ damage
- be associated with chronic kidney disease
Treatment is aimed at controlling thyroid hormone concentrations and avoiding or managing any complications, such as high blood pressure. In successfully treated cats, signs of hyperthyroidism can be completely reversed, with no remaining evidence of disease.
Find out more on Hyperthyroidism by visiting our friends at Cat Professionals
All cats over 7 years old should have regular blood pressure checks.
If your cat is over 7 or has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease, speak to your vet to arrange a blood pressure test at the practice.
Don’t write it off as old age – old age isn’t a disease!
All cats over 7 years old should have regular blood pressure checks.
If your cat is over 7 or has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or chronic kidney disease, speak to your vet to arrange a blood pressure test at the practice.
Don’t write it off as old age – old age isn’t a disease!