Page 16 - Palm City Spotlight - April '22

Page 16, Palm City Spotlight

tip of tHe taiL

Feline Hyperthyroidism are enlarged, it is usually a benign change. Only a small cat to be hospitalized and cared for in a lead lined space

number of cases, less than 2 percent, involve a malignant for at least 4 to 7 days. Lastly, there is a relatively new
cancer of the thyroid gland. A blood test, T4 (thyroxine), option. A low iodine diet, which claims to restore thyroid
can confirm hyperthyroidism. This test should be part of the health, is currently on the market. Other sources of food
bloodwork recommended by your veterinarian every year can provide iodine, so the diet must be strict. This food is
during your older cat’s annual examination. Occasionally, a balanced diet and helps support kidney health as well.
your cat will require ancillary blood tests to confirm There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but
hyperthyroidism, but this is rarely necessary. diagnosis is relatively easy and treatment is generally very
There are several options after your cat has been successful. Your cat will gain weight, eat normal amounts
diagnosed. Treatment is usually very successful. of food, and his high blood pressure and heart disease
First, your cat can be treated with an oral medication, will improve. Other clinical signs of hyperthyroidism will
methimazole (Tapezole). This drug is given once to resolve. This is only one reason it is important to bring
twice daily and his T4 and kidney values are monitored. your cat to your veterinarian for a yearly examination
Once he is regulated, he can continue with Tapezole for and annual blood tests.
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease seen in older the rest of his life or you can choose another treatment Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
cats. It is caused by the overproduction of hormones by option. The abnormal gland(s) can be removed surgically. Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
one or both thyroid glands. The average age of diagnosis Surgery in older pets has its inherent risks, but if he is for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
is 12 years old and it is exceptionally rare in cats under otherwise healthy, surgery can be an excellent option. surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
10 years old. Radioiodine treatment is the best way to destroy the medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
The most common sign you will see is weight loss abnormal tissue without damaging the normal thyroid Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
which is due to a greatly increased metabolism caused tissue. It will accumulate in the abnormal tissue only, and medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
by the excessive amount of thyroid hormone in your cat’s destroy those cells. This procedure can only be performed owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
system. Even though he is losing weight, your cat is likely at specific facilities, because your cat will literally be www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
to be eating well. In fact, many cats are ravenous and try radioactive for a short period of time. This requires your Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
to eat everything in sight. You may also see an increase
in thirst and urination and your cat may begin to vomit.
Less common findings are restlessness, cranky behavior,
diarrhea, and occasionally breathing problems.
There are two potentially serious complications if
hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These
complications are hypertension (high blood pressure)
and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.
Blood pressure can get high enough to cause retinal
damage resulting in sudden blindness The heart becomes
inefficient because it is enlarged and thickened to
compensate for the increased metabolic demands.
Your veterinarian will be suspicious your cat has
hyperthyroidism if you report the common signs or if he
does a physical examination. The veterinarian will notice
weight loss. On physical exam he should be able to feel
enlarged glands on one or both sides of your cat’s neck.
Usually only one gland is swollen. Even though the gland(s)

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