Hyperthyroidism In Cats Symptoms

Hyperthyroidism causes weight loss increased appetite restlessness and many other symptoms.

Hyperthyroidism in cats symptoms. Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism in Cats Diagnosing hyperthyroidism in felines is generally quite straightforward as there will be high thyroid hormone levels in the bloodstream. They may have increased water consumption and urination. Symptoms tend to develop slowly but hyperthyroidism is serious and can be fatal if left untreated.

If you notice any of these symptoms you should take your cat to the veterinarian for an accurate diagnosis. Hyperfunctioning thyroid nodules where the thyroid nodules produce excess thyroid hormones outside of the control of the pituitary gland cause hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism means that too much hormone is being produced by your cats thyroid glands.

Most cases of hyperthyroidism stem from benign tumors that form in the gland. They eat like crazy yet still lose weight. Between 95 and 98 of cats with hyperthyroidism display weight loss most often due to muscle wasting.

What Causes Cats to Be Hyperthyroid. The sooner your cat is diagnosed and undergoes treatment the better. The most common symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss and increased thyroid hormones cause it.

Increased appetite coupled with weight loss. Some hyperthyroid cats less than 10 will exhibit signs like weakness loss of appetite poor appetite and depression. Many treatment options are available and well managed hyperthyroid cats can live for many years.

On its own hyperthyroidism is simple to treat though it requires surgery or medical treatment. Its most common in older cats. In fact they can often lose weight while still eating more than their normal amount of daily food.