Cat Thyroid Problems
In cats, as in other animals, the thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces
Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4), the hormones that control the body’s
metabolism.
Thyroid problems can come in a variety of conditions including:
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Cancer
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Thyroid dysfunction
Cat Thyroid Problems Symptoms
Different thyroid problems will result in different symptoms. Symptoms of
thyroid problems include:
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Congestive heart failure
- Urinating outside of litter box
- Rapid heart rate
- Chronic diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Dyspnea (difficulty breathing)
- Anorexia (decreased interest in food)
- Increased (ravenous) appetite
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing)
- Increased weight
- Lethargy
- Constipation
- Changes in activity patterns
- Lack of good grooming habits
- Weakened muscle tone
- Depression
- Disinterest in exercise
- Reduced body temperature
- Delayed eruption of teeth
- Increased interest in food
- Polydipsia (increased consumption of water)
- Polyuria (increased urination)
- High blood pressure
- Heart murmurs
- Heart failure
- Large mass on the cat’s throat
- Dysphoric (hoarseness)
Treatment of Cat Thyroid Problems
Just as different forms of thyroid problems have different symptoms, they
will require different treatments. Some thyroid disorders are transitory and
will likely not require treatment to pass, but others are more serious and
may require life-long medical treatment or surgery to manage. Some treatments
for thyroid disorders include:
- Anti-thyroid drugs like methimazole
- Radioactive iodine treatment
- Chemical ablation
- Synthetic hormone therapy
- Special diet
- Iodine supplements
- Complete or partial thyroid removal
About National Pet Pharmacy
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pet medications to organic
cat food, National Pet Pharmacy knows that pet health is more than just
medicine; it is pet
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beds and pet food. From whiskers to tail, National Pet Pharmacy cares for
your whole pet.
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