Hyperthyroidism can become an issue for middle-aged and senior cats. In this post, our South Charlotte vets explain the disease, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
What is hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism happens when a cat’s thyroid glands are overactive. It’s a very common disorder caused by an increase in the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands, which are located in the neck.
Thyroid hormones are used to regulate many processes in the body as well as to control the metabolic rate, and when too much of the hormone is produced, clinical symptoms can be quite dramatic and cause cats to become severely ill.
Cats suffering from hyperthyroidism tend to burn energy too quickly, which results in weight loss despite eating more food and experiencing an increase in appetite. We’ll discuss more symptoms below.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats?
Usually seen in cats who are middle-aged and older. Most are older than 10 - between 12 and 13 years old - when the disease becomes an issue. Female and male cats are equally impacted.
Hallmark signs of hyperthyroidism include:
- Increase in thirst
- Increased irritability or restlessness
- Increase in heart rate
- Poor grooming habits
- Typically a healthy or increased appetite
Some cats will also have mild to moderate diarrhea and/or vomiting, while others will seek cooler places to lounge and have a low tolerance for heat.
Some cats may pant when stressed in advanced cases (an unusual behavior for kitties). While most cats have a healthy appetite and are active, some may be weaker, lethargic, or have a lack of appetite. The key is to notice any significant changes in your cat and have them addressed as soon as possible.
These symptoms are usually subtle to start and gradually become more severe as the underlying disease gets worse. Other diseases can also complicate and mask these symptoms, so it’s important to see your vet early.
What causes hyperthyroidism in cats?
For most kitties, benign (non-cancerous) changes in their bodies can trigger the condition. Both thyroid glands are most often involved and become enlarged (the clinical change is nodular hyperplasia, and it resembles a benign tumor).
Though we don't know what causes the change, it is similar to hyperthyroidism in humans (clinically named toxic nodular goiter). This disease is occasionally caused by a cancerous (malignant) tumor called thyroid adenocarcinoma.
What are the long-term complications of hyperthyroidism?
Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can impact the function of the heart, changing the organ’s muscular wall and increasing heart rate. It can eventually lead to heart failure.
High blood pressure is another potential complication (hypertension). Though it occurs less frequently, it can cause damage to several organs, including the brain, kidneys, heart, and even the eyes. If your veterinarian diagnoses your cat with hypertension in addition to hyperthyroidism, blood pressure medication will be required.
Hyperthyroidism and kidney disease often occur at the same time, as they are both commonly seen in older cats. When both these conditions are present, they need to be closely monitored and managed as managing hyperthyroidism may sometimes adversely affect kidney function.
If caught early enough, the life expectancy of cats with hyperthyroidism is generally very good. This is because hyperthyroidism is a very treatable condition.
How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in senior cats can be tricky. Your vet will complete a physical exam and palpate your cat’s neck area to look for an enlarged thyroid gland. At Sharon Lakes Animal Hospital, our Charlotte vets are trained in internal medicine and have access to a variety of diagnostic tools and treatment methods.
A battery of tests will likely be needed to diagnose hyperthyroidism in your cat, as many other common diseases experienced by senior cats (intestinal cancer, chronic kidney failure, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and more) share clinical symptoms with hyperthyroidism.
A complete blood count (CBC) urinalysis and chemistry panel can help rule out kidney failure and diabetes.
A simple blood test demonstrating elevated T4 levels in the bloodstream may be sufficient for a definitive diagnosis, though this is not true for 100% of cats due to concurrent illnesses or mild cases of hyperthyroidism, which can result in fluctuating T4 levels or showing elevated T4 levels if another illness is influencing the result.
If possible, your vet may also check your cat’s blood pressure and perform an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, or ultrasound.
How to Treat Hyperthyroidism in Cats
Your veterinarian may recommend one of several treatment options for your cat's hyperthyroidism, based on your pet's unique circumstances and the benefits and drawbacks of each option. They could include:
- Radioactive iodine therapy (likely the safest and most effective treatment option)
- Antithyroid medication, administered orally, to control the disease for either the short-term or long-term
- Surgery to remove the thyroid gland
- Dietary therapy
What is the prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism?
Your kitty’s prognosis for hyperthyroidism will generally be good with appropriate therapy, administered early. In some cases, complications with other organs can worsen the prognosis.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.