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Thyroid
Problems
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland) is
one of the most common endocrine (hormonal)
problem in older cats. It seems to be becoming
more common, but vets are not sure whether this is
because it is genuinely on the increase, whether
it is due to lifestyle and/or longevity or whether
it was previously under-diagnosed or mis-diagnosed.
My first cat exhibited symptoms now associated
with hyperthyroid, but in her lifetime the
diagnosis was "Old cats just get thin and
bony" (she lived to the age of 19 and was not
in any pain).
Hyperthyroid is due to the thyroid glands
producing too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid
may be enlarged or may have a tumor. This speeds
up the metabolism and the rate at which your cat
burns calories; it may damage the heart and
kidneys as they must work harder. Left untreated,
it can lead to heart, kidney or liver failure.
Symptoms include hyperactivity, rapid heartbeat,
scruffy fur, drastic weight loss as weight is
burned off, increased appetite, bulky plentiful
faeces (e.g. lots of soft, putty-colored faeces),
thirst and increased urination. Your vet can
diagnose hyperthyroid with a simple blood test.
He
may perform a biopsy (tissue sample) of the
thyroid gland to check for a tumor. Treatment
includes radioactive iodine treatment (effective
but expensive), chemotherapy (for a tumor),
surgical removal (common with very good success
rate) and oral medication (pills). A cat can have
both thyroid glands removed and still enjoy
excellent health, often without medication as
sufficient thyroid hormone is produced elsewhere
in its body.
Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid gland), is
due to the thyroid gland not producing enough
thyroid hormone. It is rare in cats and can be
corrected with hormone supplements. Symptoms
include hair loss and dry skin, weight gain
despite appetite remaining the same, lethargy and
irritability.
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