Download True cat lovers take great pride and pleasure in growing old with

True cat lovers take great pride in growing old with their feline family
members. Cat fanciers, more affectionately known as “cat people”, have great
insight about their cats’ behaviors and habits. Therefore, when a previously
sedentary, aging cat suddenly becomes more active and energetic, the initial
reaction of a cat owner might be pleasant surprise followed by suspicion. The
culprit in such a change in mature cat behavior is likely to be a disease called
Feline Hyperthyroidism.
Like their human counterparts, cats have thyroid glands on both sides
of their neck. These glands secrete hormones that are responsible for
regulating the body’s rate of metabolism. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder
characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent
increase in the metabolic rate. One or both of the thyroid glands may enlarge,
although this enlargement is usually a non-malignant change.
Hyperthyroid cats typically are middle aged or older with an average
age of 12 years. Due to the increased rate of metabolism, these cats tend to
have significant weight loss. To attempt to compensate for the weight loss,
the cat’s appetite will increase. Even in the face of increased food intake,
most hyperthyroid cats will lose weight.
Other symptoms of feline hyperthyroidism include hyperactivity,
increased thirst and urinations, vomiting, voluminous stools or diarrhea. The
cat’s hair coat will usually become quite unkempt, often feeling greasy and
matted. As the disease progresses, anorexia may develop. Some cats will
develop high blood pressure and heart disease secondary to this disorder.
Diagnosis of Feline Hyperthyroidism is relatively easy and is achieved
by measuring the thyroxine (or T4) hormone level in the blood. Veterinarians
also are very adept at feeling for enlarged thyroid glands on all cats, especially
mature cats.
Three treatment options exist for Feline Hyperthyroidism. Any one of
them may be appropriate in certain situations. The first option is
administration of an oral anti-thyroid medication that can control the effects of
the over-active thyroid gland. Some cats do very well on this drug, while
others may develop side effects such as vomiting, anorexia, fever and anemia.
Periodic blood tests should be done to keep the dosage regulated.
A second treatment option is to surgically remove the abnormal gland
after lowering the thyroid hormone levels in the blood with anti-thyroid
medication. Since hyperthyroid cats are usually over 8 years old, there is a
degree of anesthetic risk involved, especially if the cat has blood pressure or
heart disease concerns secondary to the hyperthyroidism.
The final treatment option is to destroy the abnormal thyroid tissue via
injections of radioactive iodine. Because of governmental regulations, this
treatment is limited to veterinary teaching hospitals and referral centers, but is
very effective in controlling the disease.
While many owners of hyperthyroid cats may be reluctant to treat the
disorder due to the cat’s advanced age, the outcomes of medical, surgical or
radiation therapy for this disease are usually very good. If your senior cat
suddenly has the energy of a kitten and is losing weight, ask your veterinarian
to test the cat’s thyroid level.