Hyperthyroidism What are the signs?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid glands in the neck develop abnormal tissue and produce too much thyroid hormone, causing bodily functions to speed up. The underlying cause is unknown but in rare cases cancer can cause the condition.

Therefore, most common glandular disorder in cats is the cause of excessive concentration of circulating thyroxine -a thyroid hormone better known as T4 in the bloodstream.??

When the thyroid glands don’t produce enough hormone or known as an underactive thyroid.?As a naturally occurring condition, this is very uncommon in cats.

The signs are Weight loss and increased appetite, excessive thirst, increased urination, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, not using litter trays, hyperactivity, unkempt appearance, panting, diarrhoea, vomiting and increased shedding. About 50% of cats with this condition will be affected with vomiting this is as a result on the effect of increased T4 levels on various organ systems. This is when there is more T4 in the body than T3 that is the active hormone, a thyroid hormone has four iodine units which is used by the thyroid in production of thyroid hormone and is ingested through the foods eaten.

Any breed of cat can be affected usually cats 10 years or older around 12 and 13 years less than 6% will be younger cats.

Since there can be several common diseases in older cats like diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, intestinal cancer, and chronic kidney failure share some of the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism.

So, what does this mean? Hyperthyroidism is when too much hormone is being produced by your cat’s thyroid glands.

Why is it so important to treat hyperthyroidism? Cats with this condition have a reduced quality of life if left untreated the condition can result in heart failure, blindness, or death.

Some suggestions are stinging and dwarf nettle, bugleweed, kelp avoid salmon, seafood, and tinned packed cat food. Provide raw Beef and poultry diet.