Cat Hospital
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Hyperthyroidism is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders, affecting middle-aged to older cats. However, the age range does include cats as young as 4 years old, and there is no breed or sex predilection. Hyperthyroid disease is caused by excess production of the hormone, thyroxine (T4), which causes a sustained increase in metabolic rate. A very large percentage of cats (98-99%) that have hyperthyroid disease have an adenoma (a benign tumor) and 1-2% of cats have an adenocarcinoma (a malignant tumor) present. Hyperthyroid disease is suspected when the following clinical signs are present: weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, increase in water intake and urination, vomiting, hyperactivity, and diarrhea. There are cases when cats present with a history of lethargy, depression, decreased appetite and weakness. Other signs found during physical examination include an increased heart rate, abnormal rhythm of the heart beat (a galloped sound), heart murmurs, an unkempt coat appearance, long nails, and on palpation of the neck region, enlarged thyroid lobe(s). Based on physical exam findings, your veterinarian will perform blood work, which includes blood chemistries, complete blood count and a T4 test. On chemistry, 80-90% of cats will have an elevation in one or more of their liver enzymes. Kidney function may also be affected. Typically, unless there is evidence of other underlying disease (ex. kidney disease), the complete blood count should be normal. The T4 test will reveal an elevation in at least 90% of cats affected with hyperthyroid disease. For that percentage of cats that the T4 is high normal but exhibiting clinical signs, secondary tests are often performed. Treatment of hyperthyroidism includes medical management, radioactive treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid gland(s). Methimazole is the drug of choice for treatment of hyperthyroid disease. It works by inhibiting the production of the thyroid hormone. There are many routes of administration (tablets, liquid, transdermal, chewable tablets), please consult your veterinarian to determine what’s best for your cat. Radiation is considered the gold standard therapy. It is considered a “definitive” or one time treatment. Radioactive Iodine131 is used to destroy all the abnormal hyperacting thyroid tissue without affecting normal tissue. Surgical removal of one or both thyroid lobes is the most invasive, difficult, and expensive treatment option available. For more information on, or if you suspect your kitty has hyperthyroid disease, please contact your veterinarian here at VCA Beacon Hill Cat Hospital. 
It is a reality. In the metropolitan Washington, DC area 15% of cats are positive for heartworms and one half of those cats are indoor only! Cats contract heartworm disease from an infected mosquito. It only takes one bite to infect your cat! The heartworm goes through several life stages in the cat’s lungs to reach adulthood. All stages are hazardous to the cat because they cause inflammation in the lungs, which damages the lungs and can lead to asthma and other lung disease. This inflammation can be so severe as to cause an acute allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and possibly death. Heartworm Disease is difficult to treat, but easy to prevent with monthly heartworm preventatives. For more information about Feline Heartworm Disease, please visit www.knowheartworms.org and www.heartwormsociety.org (click on Feline Guidelines). ------------------------------------------------------------ Uncertain how to brush your cats teeth, trim nails or give medication? The Cornell Feline Health Center has some very helpful videos at www.felinevideos.vet.cornell.edu/index.shtml ------------------------------------------------------------ Cats are masters at hiding major health problems. Do you know the Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats? They are: 1. Inappropriate Elimination Behavior or Litter Box Use 2. Changes in Interaction 3. Changes in Activity 4. Changes in Sleeping Habits 5. Changes in Food and Water Consumption 6. Unexplained Weight Loss or Gain 7. Changes in Grooming 8. Signs of Stress 9. Changes in Vocalization 10. Bad Breath For more information, please visit www.catwellness.org |
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