Does methimazole cure hyperthyroidism in cats?
Methimazole (oral and transdermal) is a safe and effective medication for the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism.
Is methimazole safe for hyperthyroidism?
Long-term methimazole is an effective treatment for toxic nodular goiters. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive and produces high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood.
How long does it take for hyperthyroid medication to work in cats?
The anti-thyroid pill is methimazole, also known as Tapazole. Methimazole is given one to three times daily and must be continued life long. It takes several weeks for methimazole to reduce blood thyroid hormone levels to normal.
How do you slow down hyperthyroidism?
Treatments include:
- Radioactive iodine. You take a pill or liquid by mouth.
- Anti-thyroid medicine. These drugs tell your thyroid to produce fewer hormones.
- Surgery. A thyroidectomy is when the doctor removes most of your thyroid gland.
- Beta blockers. These drugs slow your heart rate and reduce tremors and anxiety.
How to dose and monitor hyperthyroid cats on methimazole?
How to Dose and Monitor Hyperthyroid Cats on Methimazole Antithyroid drugs, including methimazole and carbimazole, are medications that treat an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) by blocking the thyroid gland’s ability to make thyroid hormone.
Is there an alternative to Carbimazole for hyperthyroid cats?
Carbimazole (sustained release): 10 to 15 mg PO Q 24 H. Transdermal methimazole is suggested as an alternative to oral therapy for hyperthyroid cats that are difficult to pill. See Transdermal Methimazole Treatment, for further information on transdermal administration.
How does methimazole affect the immune system of cats?
Low white blood cell counts impact the cat’s immune system and leave them prone to other diseases. Most cats treated for hyperthyroid disease with methimazole for six months or longer will develop an autoimmune disease. This happens in about 50% of cats.
Are there any side effects to taking methimazole?
As with many medications, vomiting is often a side effect of methimazole when used to treat cat hyperthyroid disease. This is often due to the taste of the pill.
What is the best thyroid medication for cats?
Methimazole is the most commonly prescribed medication for hyperthyroidism in cats. It is an anti-thyroid medication that comes in tablet form. It works to restore normal thyroid levels by interfering with iodine, which is an element that enables the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
Is there special diet for hyperthyroidism in cats?
Herbs for Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Besides changes in the diet, you can also try homeopathic treatments for your cat. Some of the herbs and plants believed to have a great effect on hyperthyroidism include: Astragalus. Bladderwick (kelp) Chamomile. Lycopus. Zingiber.
What are the symptoms of thyroid in cats?
Symptoms of thyroid problems in cats may include: weight loss. changes in behavior – anxiety or nervousness. excessive appetite or decreased appetite. increased water intake. hyperactivity or lethargy. excessive shedding, hair loss (alopecia), poor coat condition. diarrhea or vomiting.
What can a hyperthyroid cat eat?
In his blog, veterinarian Dr. Mark Peterson recommends feeding most hyperthyroid cats “close to what they would be getting in the wild. That would be a diet composed of approximately 50-60% protein, 5-10% carbohydrates, and 30-50% fat.”.