Hyperthyroidism in cats, this is what we found out our Princess Lily has. Even though she had her thyroid levels tested in her wellness test last year, there is a “range” of normal. When her test results came back we were told everything was good and within normal ranges. Not being a vet and not familiar with this in cats, I missed the symptoms. Now I know that Hyperthyroidism in cats is very common.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common glandular disorder in cats. It’s caused by high levels of a thyroid hormone known as T4 in their blood.
Just what are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
- Weight loss
- Increases appetite
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Hyperactivity
- Unkempt appearance
- Panting
- Diarrhea
- Increased shedding
- Vomiting
Princess Lily didn’t have most of these symptoms. Here is a list of those that she did have.
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Unkempt appearance
- Vomiting
Of those symptoms that she did have, hyperthyroidism is not something I would have thought of. As a pet parent watching them daily you sometimes have “reasons” for what you’re seeing. Here is a list of what went through my mind with each of them.
- Weight loss, Princess Lily has always been a very slender cat and with all the fur she has it is was very difficult to tell how she really looks, since we can’t handle her at all.
- Increased appetite, Princess Lily~~has always been a food hog, whether it was cats treats, people food or stealing from Booth!
- Unkempt appearance, with our Princess Lily almost 15 years old, we thought it was her age and maybe getting arthritic, though most of the time she didn’t act like she had arthritis.
- Vomiting, she vomited usually when she had gobbled her breakfast and never after her morning meal.
Hyperthyroidism in cats can occur in any cat, male or females, but is most often found in older animals. Less than 6 percent of cases are under 10 years of age, the average age at onset is between 12 and 13 years.
Hyperthyroidism in cats can be treated by the following methods.
- Oral administration of antithyroid medication.
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland.
- Radioactive iodine therapy.
Princess Lily is on the thyroid medication and we are hopeful that it will work and help her to feel better. It takes approximately 2 to 4 weeks for the medication to start working, so we are in the waiting phase and keeping our fingers crossed!!
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