This week, Veterinary Surgeon Jo Whitaker looks at the treatment and management of hyperthryoidism in cats.

Medical management (anti-thyroid drug therapy):

Drug therapy is often used initially to monitor the effect of successful treatment on kidney function.

This medication is available in tablet, liquid and topical forms and reduces both the production and release of thyroid gland.

Whilst not a cure, this medication allows either short or long-term control of hyperthyroidism.

Poor appetite, vomiting and lethargy are common but often resolve after the first few weeks of treatment.

Surgical thyroidectomy:

Surgical removal of the affected tissues (thyroidectomy) is a common treatment and can produce a long-term or permanent cure in most cats.

Signs of hyperthyroidism may develop later if previously unaffected thyroid tissue becomes diseased.

Some cats require hospitalisation for a few days following surgery and once recovered, occasional blood tests ate recommended to ensure normal thyroid hormone levels are maintained.

Radioactive iodine therapy:

Radioactive iodine is a very safe and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism.

It has the advantage of being curative in most cases, with no ongoing treatment.

The treatment is administered as a single injection.

It destroys the affected abnormal thyroid tissue, but does not damage surrounding tissues or glands.

There are no significant side-effects but cats have to be kept hospitalised for a short period after treatment.

This treatment is only available at certain veterinary centres.

Following treatment, occasional blood tests are recommended to ensure normal thyroid hormone levels are being maintained.

Dietary treatment:

The newest treatment option is to feed cats on a special diet that has strictly controlled levels of iodine.

As iodine is used by the thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones, if there is only sufficient iodine in the diet to make normal levels of these hormones, this can help to control the disease.

This requires feeding a special therapeutic diet that is only available from your vet, and cats need to consume this diet exclusively to ensure effective control.

Many cats can have their disease controlled in this way and it is and alternative to other forms of therapy for a number of cats.

Outcome:

Once the thyroid gland has been stabilised with any of the options above most cats live a full and active life.

Send questions to bracken@activecare.co.uk or visit activevetcare.co.uk/ourpractices/Bracknell for more information.