Discuss these issues with your veterinarian when considering dietary iodine restriction as a treatment forhyperthyroidismincats. Secondary Problems Because of the important role the thyroid gland plays in the body, somecatswithhyperthyroidismdevelop secondary problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure.
If your veterinarian diagnoses yourcatwithhyperthyroidism, yourcatshould receive some form of treatment tocontrolthe clinical signs. Manycatsthat are diagnosed early can be treated successfully. Whenhyperthyroidismgoes untreated, clinical signs will progress leading to marked weight loss and serious complications due to damage to thecat'sheart, kidneys, and other organ systems.
Hyperthyroidismis recognized as the most common endocrinopathy of oldercats. Traditional therapeutic measures include thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine therapy, and antithyroid medications. A new therapeutic option—a limited-iodine diet that helps normalize thyroid hormone concentrations and alleviate clinical signs—is now available.
Learn abouthyperthyroidismincats. VCA Animal Hospital offers professional guidance to help you ensure the health and happiness of your pet.
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Monitor allcatswithhyperthyroidism, both tocontrolthe disease effectively and to avoid iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Close monitoring of hyperthyroidcatsas they become regulated will allow for recognition of comorbidities and exacerbation or improvement of already identified concurrent disease.
Hyperthyroidismcan be diagnosed in mostcatsbased on clinical signs consistent with the disease, physical examination findings including a palpable thyroid nodule and an increased serum total T4 concentration.
