How long can a cat live with overactive thyroid?
Most cats that are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and are treated only with medical management will live an average of 3-5 years before dying of either heart failure or kidney failure. But, those 3-5 years can be good quality years.
How do they test for overactive thyroid in cats?
Diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism can usually be accomplished by measuring T3, T4 , and/or free T4 in a single baseline blood sample. The T3-suppression test is used for diagnosing hyperthyroidism in cats that have normal T3 , T4 , and/or free T4 concentrations but appear clinically hyperthyroid.
Can a cat have an overactive thyroid gland?
However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. Other than unexplained weight loss, your cat may also become more restless, hyperactive, vocal, and extremely hungry!
How can you tell if your cat has hyperthyroidism?
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 your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism,…
What causes anesthesia and hyperthyroidism in cats?
Anesthesia Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats, and mostly afflicts cats middle-aged and older. Also 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.
How long can a cat live with hyperthyroidism?
Symptoms tend to develop slowly but hyperthyroidism is serious and can be fatal if left untreated. Many treatment options are available and well managed hyperthyroid cats can live for many years. What is hyperthyroidism? Your cat has two thyroid glands in their neck that control their metabolism.
However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. Other than unexplained weight loss, your cat may also become more restless, hyperactive, vocal, and extremely hungry!
When to take a cat with hyperthyroidism to the vet?
The veterinarians at the emergency clinic had restarted Hobbs on his feline hyperthyroidism treatment and instructed his owner to take her kitty to a local veterinarian in 2 weeks for a thyroid blood level. As I listened to her story, I had to bite my tongue, freeze an understanding smile on my face, and breathe deeply.
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 your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism,…
Why did Hobbs the cat have hyperthyroidism?
My technician informed me that Hobbs was in to see me because his owner was out of Tapazole, the most common medication a feline hyperthyroid patient is prescribed. The cat needed a current thyroid blood level in order for me to write a prescription for Tapazole.
