What is Feline Hyperthyroidism?
Feline Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the feline thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormone. An excess of thyroid hormone affects all of the cat's organ systems.
Feline Hyperthyroidism occurs in middle aged and senior cats. Both feline sexes and all breeds are equally at risk.
The thyroid gland is butterfly-shaped and is located in the neck region of the cat. Hyperthyroidism is caused by a tumor in this gland that produces excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Ninety eight percent of these tumors are benign (adenoma) and two percent are cancerous (carcinoma). Seventy percent of cats have both lobes of the thyroid gland affected.
Symptoms of Feline Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in cats may include:
- weight loss
- changes in behavior - anxiety or nervousness
- excessive appetite or decreased appetite
- increased water intake
- hyperactivity or lethargy
- excessive shedding, hair loss (alopecia), poor coat condition
- diarrhea or vomiting
- increased urination
- cardiac symptoms - rapid heart rate, arrhythmia
Feline Hyperthyroidism is fatal if left untreated!
With Thyro-Cat, treatment for your cat's hyperthyroid condition is just a shot away.
For more information about feline hyperthyroidism, please click here.