Nobody wishes their cat to get sick, but with the proper medication and animal hospital Virginia Beach consultation, the vets may easily treat certain ailments. One such condition is hyperthyroidism, which is relatively common in elderly cats. Knowing the signs and consequences of this condition can help you get your cat the care they need to cure and control it before it progresses to more severe issues.
What Is Hyperthyroidism and How Does It Affect You?
Hyperthyroidism is also termed thyrotoxicosis and develops when the thyroid node enlarges and generates excess hormones. Thyroid hormones, T3 and T4, are produced by the thyroid gland in the throat and have a part in a range of human activities, including metabolic and internal control of temperature. When a cat has hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too much T3 and T4, leading the cat to get worse over time.
Clinical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats
Excessive hunger and weight loss are two primary indicators of hyperthyroidism. Some cat parents claim that their cat eats anything but doesn’t acquire weight as a result. On the other hand, hyperthyroid cats lose weight and may start to drink and pee more often. Other indications are vomiting, matted, untidy fur, and behavioral changes such as hostility and hyperactivity.
Hyperthyroidism Causes
Two types of tumors cause hyperthyroidism in cats. The most common reason for hyperthyroidism is a benign tumor known as an adenoma, although in rare situations, a dangerous tumor known as an adenocarcinoma can cause discomfort. Although both tumors induce the thyroid to expand, no one understands what causes them to grow in the first place.
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Diagnosis
A consultation with your pet hospital Virginia Beach veterinarian is recommended if your cat is exhibiting hyperthyroidism signs. Before proposing blood testing, the veterinarian will undertake a physical checkup and establish your cat’s medical history. During a physical examination, swollen thyroid glands can sometimes be discovered. The blood test will determine how effectively your cat’s kidneys are working and the amount of thyroid hormone generated by his thyroid glands. If these hormonal changes are abnormally high, your cat will be confirmed with hyperthyroidism. The vet may perform other tests to screen for hyperthyroidism-related problems such as high blood pressure.
Hyperthyroidism in Cats: Treatment
Dietary intervention, operation, medicine, and radioiodine treatment are the four options for treating a cat with hyperthyroidism. Although each method has advantages and disadvantages and may not be appropriate for every cat, many cat owners choose to treat the condition with either food or medication. The quantity of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid glands is reduced by prescription, and a specific diet limits the amount of iodine cat intakes. Thyroid hormone synthesis is dependent on iodine; hence lowering iodine consumption reduces thyroid hormone generation.
How to Prevent Cat Hyperthyroidism?
There is no method to avoid hyperthyroidism in cats since no one understands what produces the tumors that cause it. As a cat owner, the best thing you can do is address any hyperthyroidism symptoms as soon as you notice them. Furthermore, treating the sickness as soon as it is diagnosed will assist in preventing the emergence of further issues. Routine examinations and blood tests for your older cat can help detect a problem before it gets critical, so your veterinarian is crucial to your cat’s long-term health.…
