Brett the Vet

brettthevet

Hyperthyroidism In Cats

Are you concerned that your older cat is getting thin, despite an increased appetite and being very active – or possibly too active? These can be the signs of hyperthyroidism – easily confused with “simply getting older” or kidney issues.

A simple blood test can tell us whether your friend has this very common and very treatable condition. At the same time, tests can also rule out other problems such as kidney or liver disease.

The thyroid can be described as the thermostat of the body and, if it is producing too much, the body is overactive and “burns off” all the food it consumes. Associated with this, the heart rate is incredibly elevated.

Cats that have this condition are generally over eight years old and a lot have a mass (an enlarged thyroid gland) in the neck; although this is not always the case. The cause is generally a tumour of the thyroid gland, resulting in an excess of thyroid hormone.

The good news is that this is a very treatable condition.

There are several options depending on the circumstances.

The most basic is daily dosing with tablets or a topical ear gel that stop the excessive thyroid production. In some cases, surgery or radioactive iodine is the most appropriate method of treatment.

So, if you are concerned that your old cat is excessively hungry yet still losing weight and at the same time is overactive, a blood test is always the first step to getting your SPECIAL FRIEND back to a normal healthy cat.

Brett the Vet

MILLWATER VET HOSPITAL

Cnr Bankside Rd & Stables Lane, Millwater Central

OPENING SOON!

In the meantime Full Vet Services & Cat Boarding are available at our Orewa Clinic

OREWA VET HOSPITAL

19 Moenui Ave, Orewa (09)426 5407 www.orewavethospital.co.nz

24hrs / 7 days

Present voucher to receive

15% OFF ALL VET SERVICES