Hyperthyroidism in cats — symptoms and treatment

📍 Veterinary Hospital Sacrum — Care for Senior Cats

Has your 12-year-old cat suddenly turned “young and wild”? It eats tremendously, runs around at night and has lost weight to slim. The owner may rejoice at the recreation of the cat, but in reality it is often a serious illness: hyperthyroidism (hyperthyroidism).

It is one of the most common diseases of cats older than 10 years.

Symptoms: “Skinny glutton”

In the disease, the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, which accelerates the cat's metabolism into overdrive.

1. Weight loss: The cat is losing weight, although the appetite is huge. Muscles atrophy, and the spine begins to be felt in the hand.
2. Hyperactivity and restlessness: A cat can be irritable, meow loudly (especially at night), and be in constant motion.
3. Bad coat: The hair is shaggy, greasy and unpolished.
4. Drinking and urinating: Increased thirst is a common symptom.

Untreated dangerous

If the disease is not treated, the body in “overdrive” will get tired. This often leads to heart failure (heart rate is constantly high) and increased blood pressure, which can damage the kidneys and eyes.

Treatment is easy and effective

Fortunately, there are good treatments for thyroid disease. In the veterinary hospital Sacrum, the diagnosis is made by a blood test (T4 value).

Treatment options:

• Medication: Liquid medicine or tablet daily.
• Special diet: Iodine-restricted food (only works on indoor cats that don't eat anything else).
• Radioiodine therapy: Healing therapy (requires referral to a specialized clinic).

If your old cat has lost weight, make time for blood tests. With treatment, the cat regains a restful old age and normal weight.

📞 Appointment: 010 739 9130