Hyperthyroidism is a thyroid disorder that causes an over production of hormones. The thyroid gland helps regulate metabolism of the body; when the thyroid produces more hormones than are needed, the body’s metabolism speeds up. Hyperthyroidism is the most diagnosed hormone disorder in mature cats.
- Placing the cat on a therapeutic diet. Prescribed by the veterinarian, the goal of the diet is to
- The use of oral medication. This medication is called Methimazole, and it controls hyperthyroidism by stopping the production thyroid hormones . The medication does not decrease the size of the gland nor is not a cure; the cat will have to take the medication for the rest of its life. To ensure proper dosing to manage symptoms, the veterinarian will conduct blood work every 6 months.
- The use of radioactive iodine therapy. This treatment is considered curative because a low dose of radioactive iodine is given orally to the cat in order to destroy the tumor cells. Since iodine is stored only in the thyroid, it is a very localized treatment and the side effects are closely monitored and minimal. The treatment is offered at specialized hospitals, and the cat will be placed in isolation at the hospital after treatment to eliminate the iodine from the body.