Hyperthyroidism In Cats

What is feline hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism, otherwise known as an overactive thyroid, is where the thyroid glands in the neck develop abnormal tissues which increase the production of thyroid hormones. These hormones are responsible for regulating many processes in the body, including your cat’s metabolism, and when too much is produced, your cat can become seriously ill.

Feline hyperthyroidism is very common in older cats, the average age of a cat that develops the condition is between 12 and 13 years. If left untreated, the issue can cause serious problems for your cat's heart and kidneys.

Causes of hyperthyroidism

In most cases, hyperthyroidism is caused by benign growths called an adenoma. While the underlying cause of this growth is still unknown, it could be a result of the cat’s diet or their environment.

In very rare cases (less than one to two per cent), a malignant tumour can be the underlying cause of the condition.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are usually subtle to begin with, becoming more severe as the condition worsens.

These symptoms include:

• Weight loss
• Increased appetite and/or thirst
• Increased activity, restlessness or irritability
• Increased heart rate
• Poor condition of fur or skin

Other symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats may include moderate diarrhoea and vomiting, and some may be noticeably intolerant of heat. In advanced cases of hyperthyroidism, your cat may even pant when they’re stressed.

Effects of hyperthyroidism in cats

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause an increased heart rate and changes to the wall of the heart; this can subsequently lead to heart failure.

Although less common, an overactive thyroid can also cause high blood pressure which can cause damage to the eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.

While kidney disease is not a direct result of hyperthyroidism, it’s common as cats get older, so the two conditions are often present at the same time. If so, extra care is needed as an overactive thyroid can affect kidney function.

Treating hyperthyroidism

Thankfully, feline hyperthyroidism can be treated successfully through various methods to suit the individual case: medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery or diet.

Medicine

A daily dose of anti-thyroid medication (available as tablets or liquid) blocks the excessive production of the thyroid hormone, therefore keeping the condition under control. It’s important to remember that these medications don’t cure the condition and they need to be taken for the rest of your cat’s life, along with regular monitoring tests with a vet. However, many cats live long and happy lives on this treatment.

Surgery

Removing the affected tissues in an operation called a thyroidectomy is a common long-term or permanent solution. All animals have two thyroid glands, and either one or both can be removed depending on their condition. After the surgery, your vet may recommend regular blood tests to check the hormone levels are normal. Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can sometimes develop from this surgery and while side effects are rare, your cat may experience loss of appetite, vomiting and tiredness.

Radioactive iodine therapy

Radioactive iodine therapy involves a simple injection under the skin which is absorbed by the abnormal thyroid tissue. The radioactive iodine destroys the affected tissues without harming the surrounding glands or tissues. This safe and effective treatment has a high success rate but is only available at specialist centres (including Medivet 24 Hour Enfield) - it can be expensive and requires hospitalisation for three to six weeks.

Diet

Following a special diet with controlled iodine levels (which the thyroid needs to make hormones) can help manage hyperthyroidism. It’s imperative that cats on this form of treatment stick to the diet exclusively to ensure its success – this can be difficult if your cat goes out.

Can cats have underactive thyroids?

While an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, is common in dogs, the condition is incredibly rare in cats. When hypothyroidism is seen in cats, it’s usually as a result of surgery to treat an overactive thyroid.

If you have any concerns about your cat, you should always speak to your vet.