Therapeutic Strategies for Cat Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid glands are overproducing thyroid hormones, resulting in hyperthyroidism. It is the most common feline hormonal disorder. Although it can be treated, it can cause discomfort for your cat. Weight loss, increased thirst, frequent urination, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity, irritability, and aggressiveness are all symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

The diagnosis is made from the simultaneous discovery of the appropriate clinical signs, the existence of a visible thyroid nodule, as well as the results of blood tests for thyroid function. Treatment options for hyperthyroidism in cats are extensive. The choice of treatment is contingent on the expert knowledge of the veterinarian, the nature of the pet’s illness, the expense, and the possibility of remedy with radioiodine.

Managing Cat Hyperthyroidism

Cat owners will find that finding out that their pet suffers from hyperthyroidism may be pretty upsetting. One of the pet owners first researches the various therapy options for their pet’s condition. This article will give some of the methods of therapy, both traditional and novel, that are available today for cats suffering from hyperthyroidism.

1. Surgery

Treatment for hyperthyroidism sometimes involves the surgical removal of large, independently functioning thyroid glands, particularly when cat owners fear the adverse effects of long-term oral therapy. Before undergoing surgery, cats are carefully screened for pre-existing conditions that could cause cardiac or renal issues. 

Removal of both thyroid glands is often required in cats with hyperthyroidism. Both glands are affected in more than 80% of cases. A variety of thyroidectomy procedures have been developed to lower the possibility of postoperative complications such as calcium depletion and the recurrence of hyperthyroidism.

Prior to undertaking operation, CT scans for cat is necessary to ensure that your pet is receiving the right technique to address the issue.

2. Medical Therapy

Methimazole, carbimazole, and iodine-containing medications are common treatments for hyperthyroidism. Beta-blockers like propranolol hydrochloride and similar medicines are commonly used in conjunction with these treatments. Methimazole is the most frequently used drug to treat hyperthyroidism. 

In addition to being beneficial when administered orally, this drug can be applied as a topically applied treatment. Vomiting, anorexia, liver disease, and hematological problems are potential adverse reactions to this medication.

Several facilities provide digital x-rays for cats that have completed treatment. A competent veterinary radiologist can advise you whether your pet’s condition has progressed since their last assessment.

3. Radioiodine Therapy

The most effective and secure treatment for hyperthyroidism is radioactive iodine therapy. Intravenous, subcutaneous, or even oral administration are all options. Even though oral administration appears to be successful, the dangers of exposure to the person providing the drug and the environmental pollutants can make it a wrong choice. 

The opportunity to avail of feline hyperthyroid treatment has increased dramatically in recent years. As a pet owner, you might initially find the radioiodine treatment excessive; nevertheless, surgical or long-term medical treatments will cost the same amount.

4. Ethanol Ablation

A new, non-medical way to treat cat hyperthyroidism was to destroy thyroid nodules using alcohol. The procedure is carried out with the animal fully sedated and under ultrasound guidance. The thyroid gland is injected using ethanol. The levels of thyroid hormones are monitored. 

The owners stated that their pets’ symptoms of hyperthyroidism disappeared after one month of medication. Hypothyroidism was not a problem in these cats; they didn’t need thyroid medication.

5. Heat Ablation

For cats with hyperthyroidism, a new therapy has been developed. In recent research, the use of ultrasound-guided heat therapy to treat hyperthyroidism was tested in nine cats. Even though the treatment effectively decreased the amount of thyroid hormone in every cat, the benefits last for an average of just four months. The hyperthyroidism was reactivated in all cats within 18 months after finishing treatment.