Thyroid conditions in cats
The endocrine system in cats
MetPet.com Staff Writer
The thyroid gland
is located near the trachea although accessory tissue can also be located near
the larynx or diaphragm. It is part of the endocrine system or the system
that involves hormones. The thyroid produces T3 thyroxine and T4
thriiodothyronine, hormones used in regulating oxygen and nutrient usage and,
therefore, having a profound effect on metabolism.
Hypo (low) thyroid
An obese cat that doesn't eat too much but still gains weight, has a heightened
sensitivity to cold and sleeps most of time, could be due for some blood work
from your vet. His metabolism could be abnormally low due to a hypothyroid
condition. The thyroid might not be producing enough hormone or the body
may be destroying the hormone resulting in a deficiency. The result is a
sluggish cat that can't seem to work off the weight.
Treatment involves
supplementation and monitoring a few times a year to ensure adequate hormone
levels.
Hyper (high) thyroid
The opposite condition is when the body produces excess amounts of T3 and T4.
This can occur in older cats and be due to a tumor involving the thyroid glands.
Cats appear hyperactive, have a large appetite but exhibit weight loss, have a
high heart rate, poor coat or, less often, inflammed bowels, diarrhea and
vomiting. Enlarged thyroid glands can be detected upon physical
examination by your vet and a blood test is done to detect hormone levels.
Treatment involves drugs to inhibit the hormone
production, radioactive iodine therapy to destroy selective thyroid cells
through radiation or surgery to remove one or both thyroid glands. If both
thyroid glands are removed, the cat must receive hormone supplementation for
life and monitoring a few times a year to ensure adequate hormone levels.
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