The Dangers of Feline Hyperthyroidism
Feline hyperthyroidism is what most veterinarians call a silent disease. While most cat owners are left assured about the way they handle their cats, diseases such as feline hyperthyroidism can grab the life of your healthy pet cat and cause riskier organ complications. That is why pet owners should be wary of symptoms and signs of feline hyperthyroidism so that they recognize the onset of this disease on their feline friends.
Hyperthyroidism is a clinical condition that results from excess thyroid hormone. This imbalance causes different consequence to a cat’s body. Feline hyperthyroidism usually happens in middle-aged and older domestic cats. Cats over ten years old have increased risk of developing feline hyperthyroidism. However, most studies suggest that feline hyperthyroidism can develop because of excessive exposure to different environmental agents.
Feline hyperthyroidism is not considered a silent killer for nothing. Usually, only a noticeable and sudden drop in the cat’s weight will make pet owners bring their cat to the veterinarian. Most of the symptoms that most cats feel at the onset of feline hyperthyroidism include tachycardia, muscle weakness, goiter, irregular heart rhythm, heat intolerance, increased bowel movement, increased thirst, vomiting, increased urination, and unkempt hair coat. Therefore, it is critical that your pet cat is routinely examined to detect these “silent-killer” diseases. Sometimes, the disease is asymptomatic to certain cats especially during the early stages. Feline hyperthyroidism does much to damage the cardiovascular system of domestic cats. Once the feline hyperthyroidism has extensively affected the heart, the cat’s death is imminent.
Feline hyperthyroidism develops because of benign tumors created in the thyroid gland. While the tumor itself is not harmful, it excretes excess thyroid hormone to create the condition of hyperthyroidism. At normal quantities, thyroid hormone is important to regulate the metabolism and organ functions in cats. However, excess amount thyroid hormone will provide metabolic imbalance in your cat’s body functions.
Feline hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by a series of veterinary tests. Usually, the veterinarian determines the medical history of the cat including its behavior and diet. A series of diagnostic tests are required to confirm the diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism. After the diagnosis has read positive, treatment options include medication to suppress the production of thyroid gland, surgery to remove the tumor, and radioactive iodine injection.
Most cat owners choose radioactive iodine injection as their primary approach to treating their cats’ feline hyperthyroidism. Radioactive injection has a success rate of 97% making feline hyperthyroidism a very treatable disease. However, this treatment is the most expensive option averaging $1,000 and can reach up to $1,600. The effect of radioactive iodine injection takes about 48 hours before the cat can be cleared to take home. Surgery will cost pet owners around $600 dollars and is a great method to remove the benign tumor. However, surgery may be applied again in serious conditions since these tumors can grow back,
Alternative treatment for
feline hyperthyroidism includes traditional Chinese medicine which includes acupuncture and herbal medicines such as bugleweed, lycopus, and lemon balm.