Hyperthyroidism In Cats Symptoms
They may have increased water consumption and urination.
Hyperthyroidism in cats symptoms. When the problem becomes alarming you may observe the following symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats. It is rare in cats less than 10 years of age though can not be ruled out. Less than 10 of cats suffering from hyperthyroidism exhibit atypical signs such as poor appetite loss of appetite depression and weakness.
Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism in Cats Diagnosing hyperthyroidism in felines is generally quite straightforward as there will be high thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream. They eat like crazy yet still lose weight. Your veterinarian will also ask about your cats appetite and note if theres been weight loss and how rapidly it occurred.
Hyperthyroidism means that too much hormone is being produced by your cats thyroid glands. It is a syndrome caused by the increased secretion of thyroid hormone. Cats with hyperthyroidism often display one or more of the following symptoms.
Feline hyperthyroidism is a very common disease of middle-aged and older cats. On its own hyperthyroidism is simple to treat though it requires surgery or medical treatment. In 2 of cases it may be a malignant tumour that can spread to other organs.
However hyperthyroidism in cats is linked to the development of other conditions as well such as heart disease hypertension and kidney or brain damage. Behavior changes like restlessness not sleeping at night or acting aggressively. These tumors do not spread but pump out high levels of thyroid hormone.
When a cat is suffering from hyperthyroidism their thyroid gland overproduces levothyroxine causing the metabolism to function on overdrive. Hyperthyroidism is common in cats especially middle-aged and senior cats. Affected cats are often restless and may become cranky or aggressive.