![]() Since hyperthyroidism can predispose a cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate general health, with particular focus on the heart and kidneys. If your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism, additional tests may be recommended. ![]() Most cats with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, but a small percentage of cats with hyperthyroidism have T4 levels within the normal range. If thyroid disease is a possibility, your veterinarian will likely order a blood chemistry panel and an analysis of thyroid hormone levels. ![]() The cat’s heart rate and blood pressure may also be checked. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1).Ī veterinarian who suspects a cat has a thyroid problem will conduct a physical examination and palpate the cat’s neck area to check for an enlarged thyroid gland (see Figure 2). Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems.Ĭats afflicted with hyperthyroidism usually develop a variety of signs that may be subtle at first but that become more severe as the disease progresses. Although the cause of feline hyperthyroidism is not known, possible contributing factors include deficiencies or excesses of certain compounds in the diet and chronic exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals in food or the environment. Some rare cases of hyperthyroid disease are caused by malignant tumors known as thyroid adenocarcinomas. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma. You feel intensely cold, drowsy and lethargic you could be experiencing the symptoms of the beginning stages of a myxedema coma, a sudden and dangerous complication of hypothyroidism that can cause unconsciousness and possibly death.Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats, and mostly afflicts cats middle-aged and older.Īlso called thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones (known as T3 and T4) from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat’s neck.You are feverish, agitated, or delirious, and have a rapid pulse you could be having a thyrotoxic crisis, a sudden and dangerous complication of hyperthyroidism.You have any of the symptoms listed above.Ĭall 911 or seek emergency medical care if:.Appearance of these symptoms shortly after a viral infection, such as the flu, mumps, or measlesĬall Your Doctor About Thyroid Problems If:.Pain or discomfort when swallowing or turning your head.Mild to severe pain in the thyroid gland.Constipation, heavy menstrual periods, or dry skin and hair.Lethargy, slower mental processes or depression.The symptoms of hypothyroidism, in which the body doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones, may include: Development of a goiter (an enlargement in your neck).More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea.Increased heart rate, heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, nervousness, and excessive perspiration.Weight loss, despite increased appetite.What Are the Symptoms of Thyroid Problems?
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