Hyperthyroidism in Cats

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If your adult cat suddenly begins to lose weight despite a voracious appetite, he may have a hormone problem, specifically the hormone produced by the thyroid gland. You should probably get your pet to a veterinarian to be checked for feline hyperthyroidism.

Feline hyperthyroidism has become a widely recognized disorder in cats. It is caused by an unregulated overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid glands, which is usually related to a benign enlargement (growth or tumor) of one or both thyroid lobes. This enlargement of the thyroid gland(s) is referred to as thyroid adenoma or thyroid adenomatous goiter. It is unknown what causes the thyroid to become enlarged.

The thyroid gland consists of two flat lobes shaped like a butterfly and located on either side of the trachea, or windpipe, just below the voice box. These lobes are flattened and cannot be easily palpated.

Medical therapy with Tapazole® (methimazole) and beta-adrenergic blockers (such as atenolol) to reduce some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism

Home Care and Prevention

At home, be sure to administer any medications prescribed by your veterinarian. If your cat is taking Tapazole®, a potential adverse effect is loss of appetite, which may be related to liver complications.

There is no prevention because the cause is not known. However, examination of the thyroid area should be a regular part of any veterinary examination in older cats. If weight loss occurs in your older cat, your veterinarian may recommend a thyroid blood test to screen for this condition.

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