Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces an excess of hormones. When this happens, the body’s metabolism is accelerated and a range of dangerous symptoms can develop. The condition is especially common in middle-aged and senior cats, while dogs are very rarely affected.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism
The underlying cause of hyperthyroidism is excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. In cats, this is most often caused by a benign tumor (adenoma) of the thyroid gland. Rare cases of hyperthyroidism in dogs are usually caused by a cancerous tumor (carcinoma) of the thyroid.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary widely since accelerated metabolism can affect many processes within the body. Please visit your veterinarian if you are worried about your pet’s health or they display any of the following signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Polydipsia (increased thirst)
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- Hyperactivity or other behavioral changes
Diagnosis of Hyperthyroidism
Your veterinarian will look at your pet’s medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to check for clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. Diagnostic tests such as a urinalysis and bloodwork will also be used to assess your pet’s overall health and rule out other causes of their symptoms.
In addition, your veterinarian may recommend imaging techniques including X-rays, ultrasounds, or an electrocardiogram to check for other health issues. To confirm a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism, blood tests will be performed to check for excess levels of thyroid hormones in the blood.
Treatment of Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is commonly managed by drugs which reduce the production of thyroid hormones. This method of treatment will require your pet to receive life long medication to control their condition. Prescription diets can also be very useful for treating hyperthyroidism in some pets.
In more severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend a thyroidectomy. This procedure involves removing all or part of the thyroid gland as a curative solution.
Other aggressive treatment methods include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and radioactive iodine therapy. Your veterinarian will explain all treatment options in detail to help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each.
Prevention of Hyperthyroidism
Unfortunately, there is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism in pets. The best way to protect your pet is by scheduling regular medical screenings so their health can be closely monitored
