Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Overview and Facts

What is

• Hyperthyroidism in Cats: An Overview
Hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis) is a condition where the thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone, usually due to a benign thyroid gland tumor, and generally affects middle-to-older-aged cats.

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Causes

• Causes of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism occurs in cats when the thyroid gland begins to produce too much thyroid hormones. The increase in the production of these thyroid hormones is due either to an increase in the size of the thyroid or a type of thyroid cancer.

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Symptoms and Types

Symptoms

• Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism in cats causes a number of classic ‘hyperthyroid’ symptoms to develop. These symptoms are usually very mild in the beginning, and they increase in severity over time.

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Diagnosis and Tests

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism in cats is diagnosed based upon the cat’s symptoms, physical examination, and blood tests. In some cases, a technique called thyroid scintigraphy, or thyroid imaging, is used to detect how much of the thyroid has been affected by the disease.

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Treatment and Care

Treatment

• Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Hyperthyroidism in cats is treated by reducing the amount of hormones that the thyroid glands release. Depending on the cause of the disease, treatments may consist of medication, surgery, or radioactive iodine therapies.

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