{"id":8415,"date":"2023-02-14T16:42:50","date_gmt":"2023-02-14T16:42:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aercmn.com\/?p=8415"},"modified":"2023-02-14T16:42:50","modified_gmt":"2023-02-14T16:42:50","slug":"hyperthyroidism-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/hyperthyroidism-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Hyperthyroidism in Cats"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8455 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-2.png\" alt=\"hyperthyroidism, cats, cat health, veterinary, Internal Medicine, Twin Cities veterinary internist, Minnesota veterinary internist, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, hyperthyroidism in cats, hyperthyroidism treatment options, I-131\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-2.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/1-2-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ed1b2f;\">If your pet is experiencing respiratory distress, this is considered a \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergency \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #f99d1c;\">\u00a0If your pet is experiencing persistent\/severe vomiting, appetite loss for more than 24 hours, or diarrhea paired with vomiting or loss of appetite, these are considered \u201cORANGE\u201d \u2013 or urgent cases \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet see your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within the next 12 hours. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #ffcb05;\"> If your pet is experiencing vomiting (two episodes or fewer) or acute diarrhea without vomiting these are considered \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent cases \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet\u2019s condition worsens, call the team back to inform them of the status change. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #8dc63f;\"> If your pet has a chronic illness\/disease with no recent change in condition, this is considered a \u201cGREEN\u201d case on our Fast Track Triage system. This means emergency care isn\u2019t needed, but your pet should be evaluated by your family veterinarian within the next few days. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr style=\"width: 100%;\" size=\"3\" \/>\n<p align=\"center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Faercmn%2Fvideos%2F2072087669853878%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=560&amp;t=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"314\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>In September of 2023, Michelle, one of our Internal Medicine veterinary technicians, joined us on Facebook Live to discuss hyperthyroidism in cats and our I-131 treatment. You can watch the video to learn more, and read on for more information from Dr. Fitschen, one of our board-certified veterinary internists.<\/p>\n<hr style=\"width: 100%;\" size=\"3\" \/>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW217078069 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217078069 BCX8\">Elevated thyroid hormone production, also known as hyperthyroidism, is the most common hormonal disease we see in cats, occurring in 10% of cats ages 10 and older.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217078069 BCX8\">Most often it\u2019s secondary to a benign (no<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217078069 BCX8\">n-<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217078069 BCX8\">cancerous) tumor of the thyroid gland in the neck. Rarely, it can be secondary to a cystic (fluid-filled) mass or cancer (carcinoma). In dogs however, hyperthyroidism is quite rare and typically <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217078069 BCX8\">obtained <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW217078069 BCX8\">from eating raw foods that contain excess animal thyroid gland or cancers of the thyroid gland (carcinoma).\u00a0<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW217078069 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8456 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-2.png\" alt=\"hyperthyroidism, cats, cat health, veterinary, Internal Medicine, Twin Cities veterinary internist, Minnesota veterinary internist, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, hyperthyroidism in cats, hyperthyroidism treatment options, I-131\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-2.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/2-2-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW201387922 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW201387922 BCX8\">Clinical Signs<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW201387922 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Symptoms originate from the effects of excess thyroid hormone on the body. These hormones regulate metabolism, heart rate and rhythm, and numerous other functions in the body.\u00a0 Please note, however, these signs are not specific to hyperthyroidism and can indicate other diseases.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Swelling or growth on the neck<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Weight or muscle loss despite a normal to ravenous appetite<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Increased activity and vocalization<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Increases in thirst and urination<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Vomiting and\/or diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Coarse or irregular hair coat<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Less commonly, cats can present with poor appetite and low energy<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Difficulties breathing secondary to heart failure<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Acute blindness or weakness (stroke) secondary to elevated blood pressure\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4><span class=\"TextRun SCXW228798418 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228798418 BCX8\">Diagnosi<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW228798418 BCX8\">ng Hyperthyroidism<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW228798418 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">Blood testing of the thyroid hormones (total thyroid hormone or TT4<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\"> test<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">) often can confirm hyperthyroidism in a cat with compatible clinical signs.\u00a0 If testing is inconclusive, more comprehensive lab work (TT3<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\"> test and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level count)<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">, and nuclear imaging <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">of the thyroid gland <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">known as <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">nuclear scintigraphy<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\" lang=\"EN-US\" xml:lang=\"EN-US\" data-contrast=\"auto\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\"> can be performed <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">through<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\"> a <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">veterinary <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">referral center.\u00a0 <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">Supportive lab work including a physical examination, blood work, urine sampling, and blood pressure <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW168355411 BCX8\">is also recommended.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW168355411 BCX8\" data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_8452\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8452\" class=\"wp-image-8452 size-full\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-2.png\" alt=\"hyperthyroidism, cats, cat health, veterinary, Internal Medicine, Twin Cities veterinary internist, Minnesota veterinary internist, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, hyperthyroidism in cats, hyperthyroidism treatment options, I-131\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-2.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/3-2-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8452\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong><em>Cats receiving I-131 treatment at Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota.<\/em> <\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<h4><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Treatment Options<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The goal of treatment of hyperthyroidism is to improve clinical signs, as well as decrease the most catastrophic risks of heart disease or stroke.\u00a0 Each treatment varies in risks and costs, and some treatments are irreversible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h5><span data-contrast=\"none\">1. Radioactive Iodine or I-131 Treatment<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This involves a single injection of radioactive iodine, which is picked up exclusively by overactive thyroid tissue, sparing the normal thyroid tissue. This therapy destroys the diseased tissue, and in most cats can \u201ccure\u201d hyperthyroidism.\u00a0 This means their thyroid levels are normal and they do not require further treatment.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">This treatment is irreversible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Approximately 10% of cats become hypothyroid (low thyroid hormone) following treatment and require oral thyroid supplementation for life.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Approximately 5-10% of cats require repeated therapy as they remain hyperthyroid after treatment.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Concerns with radioactive iodine include expense and isolation during treatment for about a week.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Cats are intensively screened for diseases that could make them unstable for isolation and I-131, but this is not a guarantee of safe\/successful treatment. For this reason, we will always want to ensure that your cat is as healthy as possible (apart from the hyperthyroidism) before treatment with radioactive iodine.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">This treatment is not recommended for cats that have other serious disease (i.e. diabetes mellitus, moderate to severe kidney disease, heart failure, cancer) due to the required isolation and our inability to medicate in isolation.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Any iodine restricted diets or methimazole therapy (see below) must be discontinued prior to I-131 therapy.<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Learn more about Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota\u2019s premiere I-131 treatment facility <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/veterinary-services\/internal-medicine\/treatment-for-cats-with-hyperthyroid-disease\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">here<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"none\">.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span data-contrast=\"none\">2. Oral or Topical Methimazole<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This drug works by decreasing the thyroid gland from producing thyroid hormone. The drug is readily available and any effects are reversible. It doesn\u2019t affect the thyroid gland directly so the tumor can grow and rarely transform to cancer over time.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">The major disadvantage of this drug is it must be administered for life, usually twice daily.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">It may cause side effects (e.g. vomiting, loss of appetite), as well as scratching at the face.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Less common but more concerning side effects can include liver damage and bone marrow damage, resulting in decreases in red and white blood cells, and platelets (cells that help blood clot).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Most cats tolerate treatment with methimazole well with successful control of their thyroid levels in ~95%.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8454 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-2.png\" alt=\"hyperthyroidism, cats, cat health, veterinary, Internal Medicine, Twin Cities veterinary internist, Minnesota veterinary internist, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, hyperthyroidism in cats, hyperthyroidism treatment options, I-131\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-2.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/5-2-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<h5><span data-contrast=\"none\">3. Surgical Removal of the Abnormal Thyroid Tissue. <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">Because the thyroid gland is located near major blood vessels and other hormonal structures, this surgery carries risk of bleeding, nerve damage, and low calcium levels due to removal of the parathyroid gland.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Methimazole and I-131 therapy is often recommended before surgery due to risks, but surgery can be considered if these treatments are unsuccessful.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">This treatment is irreversible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h5><span data-contrast=\"none\">4. Iodine Restriction with a Prescription Veterinary Diet (Hill\u2019s y\/d).\u00a0 <\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h5>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">This diet is formulated in both dry and canned formulations. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. By limiting the amount of iodine in the diet, we decrease the amount of thyroid hormone produced. To be effective, this diet needs to be the sole food that the patient receives (no other treats).\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559685&quot;:720}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">This diet can be difficult in multi-cat households or in cats with concurrent medical conditions that also warrant specific prescription diets.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">This treatment is reversible, but like methimazole therapy, it doesn\u2019t affect the size of the thyroid gland.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"8\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:1440,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Studies report 82% of cats respond favorably to this diet, but it takes several weeks to months to work.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8453 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-2.png\" alt=\"hyperthyroidism, cats, cat health, veterinary, Internal Medicine, Twin Cities veterinary internist, Minnesota veterinary internist, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, hyperthyroidism in cats, hyperthyroidism treatment options, I-131\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-2.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/4-2-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Without treatment of hyperthyroidism, cats can decline or pass away from this disease.\u00a0 Monitoring of kidney values before and after treatment is recommended, as many hyperthyroid cats have underlying chronic kidney disease that is \u201cunmasked\u201d with treatment and resolution of hyperthyroidism.\u00a0 However, with treatment, these cats will often live for an extended period (years) in a properly managed case.\u00a0 Hyperthyroidism secondary to thyroid cancers carries a more guarded prognosis.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you have questions or concerns about your pet\u2019s health or hyperthyroid treatment questions, talk to your family veterinarian or ask about a referral to our Internal Medicine Service to consult with one of our board-certified veterinary internists.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Source: JFMS 2016 AAFP Guidelines for the Management of Feline Hyperthyroidism<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-8450 alignleft\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/BLOG-Author-Block-15.png\" alt=\"Corie Fitschen, DVM, DACVIM, Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, veterinary internist, board-certified veterinarian, Twin Cities specialty vet, Internal Medicine\" width=\"800\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/BLOG-Author-Block-15.png 800w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/BLOG-Author-Block-15-768x384.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-7548 aligncenter\" src=\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-7.png\" alt=\"Animal Emergency &amp; Referral Center of Minnesota, Fast Track Triage, color-coded triage system, pet emergency, Twin Cities emergency vet, Minnesota emergency vet, Saint Paul emergency vet, Oakdale emergency vet\" width=\"940\" height=\"788\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-7.png 940w, https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/Fast-Track-Triage-for-Clients-Facebook-Post-7-768x644.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><script async defer src=\"\/\/assets.pinterest.com\/js\/pinit.js\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your pet is experiencing respiratory distress, this is considered a \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or true emergency \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! \u00a0If your pet is experiencing persistent\/severe vomiting, appetite loss for [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8451,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[17,261,265,1847,1848,1849,1850,680,1851,1852,114],"class_list":["post-8415","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-animal-emergency-referral-center-of-minnesota","tag-cat-health","tag-cats","tag-hyperthyroidism","tag-hyperthyroidism-in-cats","tag-hyperthyroidism-treatment-options","tag-i-131","tag-internal-medicine","tag-minnesota-veterinary-internist","tag-twin-cities-veterinary-internist","tag-veterinary"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Hyperthyroidism in Cats<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dr. Fitschen, a board-certified veterinary Internist, discusses hyperthyroidism in cats including treatment options.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/hyperthyroidism-in-cats\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Hyperthyroidism in Cats\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dr. Fitschen, a board-certified veterinary Internist, discusses hyperthyroidism in cats including treatment options.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.aercmn.com\/blog\/hyperthyroidism-in-cats\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Animal Emergency &amp; 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