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Hyperthyroidism is common in cats but there are many treatment options available.
Treatment of hyperthyroidism cats – The goal in treatment is to control the amount of thyroid hormone the thyroid gland excretes. There are three methods, the method chosen typically depends on the age and physical status of the cat, as well as the facilities available. Talk to your veterinarian about which method is best for your cat. 1. Drug Therapy – This is probably the most common treatment choice because it tends to be more economical. Medication (methimazole) can control the amount of thyroid hormone released by the thyroid gland. The drug is available in tablet form or transdermal. Transdermal medications are applied to the skin, in this case usually to the ears, where it is absorbed into the blood stream.The form of medication you choose generally depends on what your cat will tolerate. Some cats do not take pills easily and this is a daily medication, so you may not want to fight your cat everyday in order to give it a pill. If your cat is difficult to medicate the transdermal form may be the right chose for you but it tends to be more expensive.
2. Surgery – Surgical removal of the affected thyroid tissue generally provides a cure for hyperthyroidism. The enlarged glands are removed surgically, there are usually enough cells left behind to prevent the cat from becoming hypothyroid. Prior to surgery the cat will take hyperthyroid medication for a couple of months that way the thyroid levels in the body are normal at the time of surgery and the cat is more stable. Any kidney or heart problems that may surface should also be addressed before surgery. Surgical complications include:
3. Radioactive Iodine Therapy – This is usually the treatment of choice. The diseased thyroid tissue will absorb more radioactive iodine then the healthy thyroid tissue, this will ultimately destroy the diseased tissue, stabilizing the thyroid hormone levels. This treatment will also destroy the ectopic thyroid tissue. The good news is cats rarely become hypothyroid as a result of this treatment. This treatment is performed by an IV infection and is only offered at specialty hospitals. The cat has to be hospitalized until their wastes (especially urine) is below hazardous radiation levels, this can take up to 3 weeks. Additional Information:
Symptoms and Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism in Cats
The copyright of the article Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats in Pet Diseases is owned by Charla Dawson. Permission to republish Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
Comments
Mar 25, 2007 8:09 PM
Naomi Rockler-Gladen :
Mar 27, 2007 3:35 PM
Charla Dawson :
2 Comments
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