Introduction
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.
Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Medication
By far the most common treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats is a lifelong oral medication that reduces the function of the thyroid. Methimazole is an anti-thyroid medication that is the drug of choice for treating cats with hyperthyroid disease. Most cats will need to take this medication two to three times a day at regular intervals, and they will need periodic blood tests to ensure that they are receiving the right dosage.
Surgery
If the hyperthyroid condition is the result of a tumor on one or both of the thyroid glands, then surgery is used to remove the glands. If only one gland has to be removed, then the cat usually does not require further treatment or medication. If both glands need to be removed, then the cat will require thyroid hormone replacement medication for the rest of its life. Thyroxine is the medication most often used in this case, and it is an oral tablet that will need to be given one to two times a day.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive iodine therapy is considered to be a safe and effective form of hyperthyroid treatment in cats. The only problem is that not very many veterinarian clinics have the resources to offer this treatment. This type of treatment focuses radioactive iodine on the thyroid gland to destroy tissue in the gland that is causing the hyperthyroid condition.