🐾 Hyperthyroidism in Cats
❓ What Is Hyperthyroidism?
🐾 Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in older cats where the thyroid glands produce too much thyroid hormone.
🐾 The thyroid hormone regulates metabolism—so hyperthyroid cats have an excessively fast metabolism.
🐾 These cats often eat more than usual but still lose weight.
🐾 Every organ in the body runs faster, and if left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to kidney, liver, or heart failure.
🐾 Overactive thyroid function can also mask early kidney disease, which may become apparent only after treatment begins.
💊 Treatment Options
🐾 Hyperthyroidism can be managed or treated in several ways:
• Daily oral or transdermal medication
• Radioactive iodine treatment (I-131)
🐾 Your veterinarian will help determine the best course of action based on your cat’s overall health and lifestyle.
🩺 Recheck Schedule for Cats on Medication
🐾 Newly diagnosed cats on thyroid medication:
- Recheck one month after starting treatment:
– Thyroid level: to adjust dosage
– Complete blood count: to detect rare but serious side effects like bone marrow suppression (a life-threatening condition)
– Kidney values: to detect any hidden kidney disease now unmasked by treatment
– Blood pressure: if your cat allows—we check because high blood pressure can cause heart attacks, strokes, or even blindness
🐾 Three months after starting treatment:
- Repeat the same tests to evaluate long-term response and detect any changes
📋 Monitoring Long-Term Stability
🐾 For stable cats on medication:
- Recheck exam, thyroid level, mini-chemistry panel, and blood pressure every 6 months
• Full senior bloodwork panel once per year
📌 Ongoing Care and Communication
🐾 Monitoring your cat’s thyroid level, organ function, and blood pressure can help extend their life—and most treated cats live a normal lifespan.
🐾 If you cannot follow the standard recheck schedule, please speak with your veterinarian about possible alternatives.
🐾 We are required by law to examine your cat at least once a year in order to dispense prescription medications.
Have questions about your cat’s thyroid health?
We’re here to help—contact our feline-focused team:
📞 610-398-3556