What is Feline Hyperthyroidism? How is it treated?

As a cat ages, its thyroid gland may go into overdrive and produce too much hormone. This condition, called feline hyperthyroidism, can cause symptoms ranging from weight loss to hyperactivity. There are several ways to treat the disease, but each option has its pros and cons. For example, daily medication can help control the thyroid, but won’t cure the disease. Surgically removing the thyroid, on the other hand, may solve the problem, but can be stressful for an older cat.

A third option is to inject the cat with radioactive iodine. This is an effective but expensive treatment, which requires that a cat be isolated for some time. So talk to your veterinarian to decide which option is best for you.

– Dr. Larry McDaniel, DVM for the “Purina® Animal Instincts” Podcast Series

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