Just like in humans, there are two types of thyroid diseases that attack cats.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland enlarges, and starts producing excess amounts of thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis). This is usually caused by a benign tumor on one or both of the thyroid gland's lobes. Although thyroid tumors can be cancerous, the chances are only 2% to 5% of malignancy. Some of hyperthyroidism symptoms are increased appetite, unexplained weight loss, irritability or nervousness, frequent vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst, weakness, lethargy.
More rare is hypothyroidism, which is an endocrine gland disorder. Although it isn’t normally fatal, it can affect the cat’s quality of life. It is sometimes the result of the treatment for hyperthyroidism and the symptoms include weight gain with an increase in water consumption, a dull, dry coat with hair loss from excessive grooming.
Treatment for Hypothyroid Disease
Hypothyroid disease can be treated with Thyroxine supplement, which is available in pills or flavored pastes and gels.
Treatment for Hyperthyroid Disease
Hyperthyroidism can be treated in several different ways including medication, surgery and radioiodine treatment. Your veteran is the best source to describe the differences and discuss the best treatment options for your pet. When medication is the choice, the preference is methimazole (brand name Tapazole), which blocks the production of T3 and T4 hormones.
Several Choices Available for Giving Methimazole
Methimazole has long been available as a pill, a flavored liquid and transdermal cream rubbed into the skin of the ear. Now it is also available as a chicken or seafood flavored soft treat from pet specialty pharmacies. One of these is Veterinary Pharmacies of America Inc. but other pharmacies may also be able to formulate these types of treats . Your vet can help you find them. The cat must take the medicine for the rest of its life and have blood tests at regular intervals to make sure the dosage remains correct.
Precautions with Methimazole
Methimazole is a dangerous medication not to be handled by children. In the cream version, it is recommended that gloves are worn while rubbing it into the skin and that excess be removed with a tissue. Methimazole does not cure thyroid disease but has become an effective medical management of it and should be considered if surgery or radioiodine treatment are unavailable or put a financial strain on the pet’s family.
Surgical Options
Surgery (also called thyroidectomy) cures the condition completely unless all the abnormal tissues isn’t removed. It will cost approximately the same as several years of methimazole treatments. There is no need for daily medication, which can be a strain for both the cat and their families if methimazole pills or liquid is used. There is also a short hospital stay involved. Surgery is not recommended for all cats and there is a risk of hypothyroidism causing from it. It may also have to be repeated and can’t be performed if thyroid tissue is located in the chest.
Radioactive Iodine Treatment
The most expensive option (over $1,000 according to Peteducation.com) with Radioactive Iodine Treatment no anesthesia, sedation or surgery is required and all abnormal tissue is treated. It does not destroy healthy tissue or other organs. It is preferred if there is a malignancy present or if the tissue is located in the chest.
Other than the expense and the fact that a specialized facility is needed and not available in all areas, hospitalization and quarantine are required. In rare cases, it may need to be repeated.
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