What is it?
The cat's thyroid gland secretes too much hormone (thyroxine or T4). This results in a variety of significant issues such as weight loss despite a normal to voracious appetite, increased thirst and urine production, intermittent vomiting, loose stools, hyperactivity (unexplained meowing at night, etc.). In addition, the heart muscle may be affected, which can lead to dramatic complications (irregular rhythm, heart failure).
How is the diagnosis made?
When we suspect this disease based on the clinical signs and the health exam, only a blood test will allow us to make a definitive diagnosis. An evaluation of the other organs (kidneys, liver) will be performed at the same time.
What can be done?
- Medical treatment
- Medication that blocks thyroxine secretion will restore normal blood levels and reverse the disease. Your cat will need it for the rest of his life. Periodic blood monitoring is required to adjust the medication.
- Surgical treatment
- Affected glands are surgically removed, so the patient does not need to continue treatment for life. Since this is a delicate procedure, we refer these patients to a surgeon.
- Radioactive iodine treatment
- An iodine solution is injected subcutaneously. The iodine is concentrated in the diseased gland to destroy it, without any awareness on the part of the cat! No anesthesia is required, and no lifelong medication either. This treatment remains the best alternative, but it is expensive and can only be administered in specially equipped hospitals (Brossard and Montreal).
- Nutritional treatment
- There is a specially formulated diet for thyroid hormone control: Hill's Y/D. This diet can be an alternative when other treatments do not work or when administering medication is impossible or problematic.
Why treat this condition?
A cat with untreated hyperthyroidism will have a shortened life expectancy, especially due to heart complications and chronic weight loss. When the disease is well controlled, affected cats lead a normal life and enjoy a high quality of life!