Caring for a cat with hyperthyroidism

Overview

Hyperthyroidism is a medical condition usually caused by non-cancerous overgrowth of the thyroid gland and is especially common in older cats. Globally, around one in ten cats over the age of 10 years suffer from this condition. Typical clinical signs of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, often in spite of a normal or even increased appetite. Vomiting, diarrhoea and behavioural changes such as restlessness/anxiety and increased vocalisation are also common. Most cases of hyperthyroidism are straightforward to diagnose with a simple blood test. There are several treatment options including medication that blocks the production of thyroid hormones, surgical removal of the thyroid, radiotherapy(radioiodine), and feeding an iodine-restricted food. Many cats with hyperthyroidism respond well to treatment and go on to live a good quality of life for several years following diagnosis.

Presenters

Sarah M. A. Caney

BVSc PhD DSAM(Feline) MRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Feline Medicine

CEO
Vet Professionals

Sarah Caney is an internationally recognised specialist in feline medicine who has worked as a feline-only vet for more than twenty years. She trained as a specialist at the University of Bristol and is one of twelve recognised specialists in feline medicine working within the UK. Sarah has written or co-written four books published by her business Vet Professionals (www.vetprofessionals.com) including ‘Caring for an elderly cat’ and ‘Caring for a cat with chronic kidney disease’. Sarah conducts online owner surveys and has published much of her research results in the Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery.