December 18, 2024
Cat’s With Thyroid Problems
One benefit of modern veterinary medicine is the prolongation and increase in quality of life for our patients. For example, the average domestic cat can now expect to lead a long and healthy life into their late teens. However, unfortunately with age can also come some challenges, and one such challenge which is becoming more recognised in moggies is the disease hyperthyroidism.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck in both cats and dogs. One of it’s most important jobs is to produce a hormone called thyroxine. Thyroxine has many functions in the body, such as helping to regulate temperature, heart rate and appetite. But sometimes production of thyroxine can go wrong. Cats in particular, can produce too much thyroxine, and this can be a problem. This is called hyperthyroidism.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include weight loss, high heart rate and a ravenous appetite. Indeed, it is the combination of a skinny cat that eats a lot that first alerts an owner that there may be a problem. If left untreated, the cat can become very ill and is prone to heart disease. Luckily, modern veterinary medicine has provided us with several effective treatments. These include dietary modification, daily medicine and occasionally surgery. These treatments can reverse symptoms and allow the cat to lead a normal life again.
Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed via a simple blood test carried out by your vet. If your cat has a persistently high blood thyroid concentration, combined with weight loss and an increased appetite, then hyperthyroidism is likely. A recent study has indicated that hyperthyroidism is more common than we first thought. Indeed, one school of thought is that many older cats should be considered for thyroid testing if they are off-form. But prompt diagnosis and treatment will ensure that your cat will not suffer the worst effects of this disease, but live to a ripe old age.
