Irp-cdn.multiscreensite.com



HYPERTHYROIDISM – INFORMATION SHEET FOR OWNERSWhat is hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is a very common disorder in older cats caused by the over production of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the neck. The gland is divided into two lobes and one lobe lies on either side of the windpipe (trachea). The thyroid gland is responsible for producing two hormones, thyroxine and triiodthronine. Hyperthyroidism occurs when either one, or both of the thyroid lobes enlarge. As a result the production of thyroid hormones increases and eventually becomes excessive. Most enlargements of the thyroid gland (98% of cases) are due to benign (non-cancerous) changes and therefore treatment is very successful. Less than 2% of cases are caused by malignant (cancerous) growths. The cause of the benign form of the disease is not known but is the subject of much current research. What are the clinical signs? The thyroid hormones regulate the body’s rate of metabolism. Cats with hyperthyroidism have an increased metabolic rate and this most consistently results in weight loss despite the cat having normal or excessive eating habits. It is rare to find this condition in cats less than 10 years old. Other symptoms may include: ? Increased restlessness and irritability ? A rapid heart rate ? A change in coat condition, often described as ‘unkempt’ ? Diarrhoea ? Occasionally vomiting ? Increased urination and drinking How do we diagnose this disorder? The diagnosis is usually straightforward. Often the veterinary surgeon will be able to feel an enlarged thyroid gland in the neck. To confirm diagnosis a blood sample is taken and sent to an external laboratory. The laboratory will measure the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. We also ask the laboratory to run a general health profile on the blood to check for other medical problems that can be masked by the predominant signs of thyroid disease. Results are normally available within 48 hours. A high level of the thyroid hormones will indicate a positive diagnosis for hyperthyroidism. What is the treatment? Treatment for hyperthyroidism is very successful. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the amount of thyroid hormones in the blood so that they are at normal levels. This can usually be achieved by one of four ways: Medical treatment. This involves giving the prescription medication Felimazole (thiamazole) as a tablet or Thyronorm as a liquid form of the medication every day to reduce the amount of thyroid hormones. Initially treatment is twice daily. Once the cat is stable treatment frequency is usually reduced to once daily. Once stable the cat requires check ups every 3 months. The treatment is lifelong. Surgical treatment The surgical procedure involves the removal of the abnormal thyroid tissue. This operation is normally performed once the cat has been stabilized on medication. This usually takes about 3 to 6 weeks. In cases where both thyroids are enlarged at diagnosis, only one is removed in surgery, if necessary the other gland can be removed 6 weeks later. This surgery is routinely performed at Animal Health Centre. Radioactive Iodine Injection This involves referral to a specialist centre licensed to perform the procedure. It involves an injection of radioactive iodine to destroy the abnormal thyroid tissue. The procedure its self is very simple however once injected the cat must remain hospitalized in the unit for up to a month to allow the radioactivity to subside to safe levels. Low Iodine Prescription Diet A diet is available that restricts the amount of iodine eaten by the cat. This prevents the thyroid gland from making too much hormone. While on this food the cat must not eat any other food or drink tap water as even very small quantities of iodine eaten will affect the results of the diet. The veterinary surgeon will be able to discuss the best treatment option for your cat. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have further questions. 0117 9247832 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download