What causes a cat to have too much thyroid?
Usually caused by non-cancerous tumors, this condition typically responds well to treatment when recognized early, allowing your cat to return to a somewhat normal life of leisure. Thyroid hormones regulate your cat’s metabolic rate and activity level, and too much can have your puss bouncing off the walls from excess energy.
Can a cat with hyperthyroidism starve himself?
Various illnesses and conditions can lower your cat’s appetite for a while, but hyperthyroidism is not a wait-and-see type of disorder. If left untreated, your cat could essentially starve himself.
How old do cats have to be to develop hyperthyroidism?
While hyperthyroidism can develop in cats as young as 4, it is more common in older cats, especially those around 12 or 13. Feline thyroid problems are believed to stem from environmental, nutritional and immunological factors, all of which play a role in developing tumors.
Can a cat with hyperthyroidism have kidney problems?
Strangely, hyperthyroidism can actually improve kidney function, so some cats with kidney disease may show a worsening kidney function after treatment for overactive thyroid glands. Discuss any kidney problems your cat may have with your veterinarian, as she may recommend monitoring the cat’s kidney functions.
What does it mean when a cat has hyperthyroidism?
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.
Various illnesses and conditions can lower your cat’s appetite for a while, but hyperthyroidism is not a wait-and-see type of disorder. If left untreated, your cat could essentially starve himself.
Can a cat have his thyroid gland removed?
Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is an option, but it may not solve the problem. There may be tumor cells in other parts of your cat’s body that continue to overproduce thyroid hormone, or removal of the gland could mean he’ll no longer produce enough thyroid hormone and will have to be on medicine for the rest of his life.
What happens if an old cat doesn’t eat?
As your cat grows older, he may have particular difficulties with the way he functions, namely his eating habits. If you noticed your old cat not eating, then it may be a huge problem in the long run. If your cat continues not to eat, then it will end up being fatal!
