7 things you need to know about hyperthyroidism in cats.
Cat overactive thyroid not eating.
These foods can help a cat regain the weight and muscle mass that they have lost due to their overactive thyroid.
These are very serious symptoms but internal changes are even more serious.
Also called thyrotoxicosis hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones known as t3 and t4 from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat s neck.
When there s too much the cat is overactive and very skinny.
Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian.
A feline hyperthyroidism diagnosis can be overwhelming.
It may also exhibit blood in its stools.
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However an overactive thyroid is quite common.
In cats an underactive thyroid is extremely rare.
Heart disease vomiting diarrhea anorexia anesthesia hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats and mostly afflicts cats middle aged and older.
Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid can sometimes develop as a result of surgery to address an overactive thyroid.
This is because the cat s heart must work harder to match the state of its overactive.
Whilst side effects are uncommon after surgery your cat may have symptoms including loss of appetite vomiting and tiredness.
Feline hyperthyroidism untreated can cause serious heart problems.
Various illnesses and conditions can lower your cat s appetite for a while but hyperthyroidism is not a wait and see type of disorder.
Other than unexplained weight loss your cat may also become more restless hyperactive vocal and extremely hungry.
However if your cat has compromised kidney function more moderate levels of protein may be advisable.
If left untreated your cat could essentially starve himself.
When there s not enough the metabolism runs slow meaning a fat lazy cat.
What does the thyroid gland do.
Treatment involves complete removal of the thyroid glands radioactive iodine therapy or anti thyroid medications.
Thyroid hormone thyroxine governs metabolic rate.
A cat with untreated hyperthyroidism may stop eating altogether.