We are aware of issues with using internet explorer to checkout.
We recommend using chrome or firefox version 6 and newer.



Thyroid Dysfunction in Cats

Share this  

The thyroid gland is part of a cat's endocrine or hormonal system. The hormones that the gland produces are essential for normal metabolism and growth. When a cat's body produces higher than normal amounts of thyroid hormone, the disease hyperthyroidism is the result. Hypothyroidism or the underproduction of thyroid hormone is very rare in cats.

"The disease often results in high blood pressure and a form of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, both of which can be fatal."

Hyperthyroidism is most commonly diagnosed in middle-aged to older cats. The disease usually develops when a benign tumor that secretes large amounts of thyroid hormone forms within the thyroid gland.

The Signs of Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Cats that develop hyperthyroidism typically have one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Weight loss
  • A good or even ravenous appetite
  • An increased activity level
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Increased thirst and urination

Veterinary and Home Care for Hyperthyroidism


If you suspect that your cat has hyperthyroidism, take her to the veterinarian. The disease often results in high blood pressure and a form of heart disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, both of which can be fatal. During a physical examination, your vet may be able to detect:

  • A heart murmur
  • A rapid heart rate
  • An abnormal heart rhythm
  • A palpably enlarged thyroid gland

To definitively diagnose hyperthyroidism, your veterinarian will take a sample of blood to measure the amount of circulating thyroid hormone. He or she will also look at the results of routine blood work, a urinalysis, blood pressure measurements and chest x-rays to rule out other diseases that cause similar symptoms and to get an idea of your cat's overall health. Additional diagnostic tests may be necessary depending on your cat's condition.

Owners of hyperthyroid cats have several different options for treatment. Your veterinarian can help you pick the one that is most appropriate for you and your cat. The oral medication methimazole can be given twice a day to reduce the production of thyroid hormone. The drug itself is not very expensive, but it does need to be given for the rest of the cat's life. Regular rechecks with your veterinarian are also necessary to make sure that a cat's dose doesn't need to be changed and that other health problems are not developing.


If a more permanent solution is desired, an injection of a mildly radioactive form of iodine can be given. This is generally very safe and effective, although it does require hospitalization at a specialty practice until the cat is no longer giving off potentially dangerous levels of radioactivity, and it costs more, at least initially, than treatment with methimazole.

Finally, surgically removing the thyroid gland is also possible, although this treatment is not as popular as it once was due to its potential side effects and the increasing availability of radioactive iodine therapy.


Customer ServiceFree Shipping

The VetDepot Difference