Feline Hyperthyroidism Medical Treatment
One of the primary ways in which feline hyperthyroidism is treated is with regular medication, more specifically: Methimazole(Tapazole). This is an oral antithyroid medication administered to your cat for the rest of his/her life, and treats an overactive feline thyroid (feline hyperthyroidism). Tapazole in cats works to inhibit the thyroid hormone from being produced at the thyroid gland. While it may carry with it some great benefits, the disadvantages far outweigh these.
Drawbacks to Methimazole for Cat Hyperthyroidism
While it's true that using Methimazole or Tapazole to treat cats with hyperthyroidism is effective, here are are drawbacks:
- Required for the life of the cat.
- Will not reduce the tumor on the thyroid.
- Side effects affect 15-20% of cats treated.
- Tapazole side effects include: vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, blood clotting and blood cell abnormalities.
- Medical administration to a cat is often a difficult process for the owner.
Benefits of Radioactive Iodine I-131 Treatment
Thankfully, there is a more effective treatment for feline hyperthyroidism: Radioactive Iodine I-131 treatment. The benefits of this treatment method is as follows:
- No anesthesia is required
- No daily medication
- Does not destroy healthy tissue
- Does not damage other tissue or organs, including the parathyroid glands
- Does not have harmful side effects
- Returns thyroid function to normal usually within one month
- Is cost effective
Learn more about treatment methods for feline hyperthyroidism, and/or print out our method comparison infographic from below.
Click on the graphic below to print a copy.
