While dogs almost exclusively suffer from an underactive thyroid gland, cats often develop an overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). This is the most common hormonal disorder in older cats and often first manifests itself in weight loss despite a consistent food intake.
In most cases, benign enlargement of the thyroid tissue is the trigger for hormonal imbalances; only in very rare cases are malignant tumors the cause. Cell proliferation leads to excessive secretion of certain thyroid hormones. Since these hormones perform many different tasks in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, as well as in the nervous system, the effects can be very complex.
The exact cause of tumor development is not yet fully understood. Hereditary and environmental factors are suspected. According to scientific studies, feeding your pet exclusively wet food and keeping it indoors are considered risk factors for the development of hyperthyroidism.
Depending on the degree of hyperfunction, very different symptoms can occur, but most of them are due to increased metabolic processes. A very characteristic feature is weight loss despite good food intake. Affected cats often eat more than usual. In half of the cats with the disease, the enlarged thyroid gland, which is otherwise not palpable, can be felt. Other symptoms include hyperactivity, rapid heartbeat, increased drinking and urination, dull coat, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting. Behavioral changes such as anxiety, tension, or increased aggression may also be observed.
In some cases, hyperthyroidism is discovered during a routine blood test. However, if the suspicion is only raised after certain symptoms appear, the veterinarian must proceed very carefully, as many other diseases with similar symptoms must be considered in older cats. In addition to a thorough clinical examination, the final diagnosis can therefore only be made with the help of hormone testing or scintigraphy (see corresponding article). Various tests or direct detection from the blood can be used to determine hormone levels, bearing in mind that hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. In addition to hormone status, blood tests provide valuable information about the overall metabolic state. Your veterinarian will explain the exact procedure in detail in each individual case.
There are basically three different ways to treat hyperthyroidism in cats. Firstly, medication can be used to inhibit thyroid function and thus hormone release. The treatment is easy to administer, but the diseased thyroid tissue remains and approximately a quarter of all cats treated experience undesirable side effects such as vomiting, lethargy, liver damage, or changes in blood count.
Another treatment option is surgical removal of the diseased thyroid tissue. This allows the altered tissue to be completely removed and hormone release to return to normal. However, surgery always carries risks. If large parts or the entire thyroid gland is removed, there is a risk of bleeding and nerve damage. Cats with severe hyperthyroidism have an increased risk of anesthesia due to secondary heart problems, which is why medication is often administered prior to surgery.
Finally, the thyroid tissue can also be treated with radioactive iodine. This iodine accumulates particularly in the thyroid tissue and, through radioactive radiation, leads to a controlled destruction of the surrounding glandular tissue, thereby reducing the overproduction of hormones. This treatment method is very well tolerated and promising, but due to the technical requirements and legal regulations for radiation protection, it is currently only available at two veterinary facilities in Germany and is also very complex and expensive.
The tumorous degeneration of the thyroid tissue is irreversible. The chances of successful treatment depend greatly on the age of the cat, the stage and extent of the hyperthyroidism, and any accompanying illnesses. Cats treated with radioiodine have a significantly better prognosis and longer survival time than cats treated with medication.
Since the exact causes of tumor development in the thyroid gland are still not fully understood, it is not possible to prevent this disease with certainty. However, by eliminating or reducing certain contributing factors, you as the owner can significantly reduce the risk of disease. Since older cats are primarily affected, it is recommended that cats aged eight years and older undergo regular blood tests. This allows any changes to be detected and treated at an early stage.
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