Tag Archives: thyroid

Hyperthyroidism in teenage cats.

 

   Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in teenage cats, sadly sometimes, their symptoms are missed and referred to as just ‘old age’. Overactive thyroid gland – another name for the condition) is something we see quite regularly in older cats, the good news is diagnosis is fairly simple and there are different treatment options available to suit the individual patient.

hyperthyroid cat signs

  The thyroid glands are found in your cats neck, either side of the wind pipe. The glands produce a hormone which controls the body’s metabolism, which is why owners commonly report weight loss as one of the first symptom’s they notice.


Thyroid-Gland-in-Cats

If your cat is showing some or all of the above signs – Don’t Panic. The first thing to do is book an appointment with your local vets. The vet will be able to give your cat an all over health and weight check. To diagnose an over active thyroid gland we recommend a blood test, results are prompt and usually back from the lab the next working day.

Results day. Once the diagnosis has been confirmed there are 2 types of treatment that we offer here at Young Vets :

  • A daily dose of medication given at home, (usually tablets) to stop the overproduction of the hormone. If choosing the medication from home option, the owner will need to ensure the cat is receiving the specified dose at regular intervals (the same time each day).

 

  • An operation to remove either one or both thyroid glands. We would often recommend at least 14 days of medication prior to surgery to help stabilize the hormones but following on from the surgery medication would cease. A speedy recovery is usually followed and the patient can go home either the same or following day.

 

hyperthyroid cat

 

  • If left untreated it can lead to blindness, heart conditions and in extreme cases even death.

 

Following either treatment option, your cats progress will need to be monitored regularly by yourself and your vet but there is no reason your cat should not continue to live a happy, healthy life.

If you have concerns about your teenage cat, don’t hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss your cats case with one of our experienced veterinary surgeons.

Our 2018 Spring Newsletter has arrived!

Our 2018 Spring newsletter has arrived!

It’s packed with information on how to keep your pets happy and healthy in 2018. Read it here.

 

 

Included in our newsletter :

 

Thyroid problems – Is your pet affected?

 

Most people have heard of the thyroid gland, but did you know that thyroid problems are surprising in pets? Understand the difference between Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism and the signs to watch out for in your pets.

 

Thyroid-Gland-in-Cats

 

Lumps and bumps on your pet.

 

If your pet develops a lump or bump, it is important to visit us so we can check it for you and your pet. Lumps and bumps come in all shapes and sizes, understand more about the causes of these here. Regular grooming is a great way of bonding with your pet and keeping an eye out for anything unusual.

 

Learn the facts about Kennel Cough!

 

Kennel cough is highly contagious and can be picked up from virtually anywhere your dog can go – out on walks, training classes, shows and of course boarding kennels. Understand more about this contagious disease and the signs to watch out for in your dog. All four of our surgeries offer the Kennel Cough vaccine, please contact us for further information.

 

Microchips matter!

 

Is your pet microchipped? Did you know it is a legal requirement for all dogs over the age of 8 weeks old to be microchipped. In the event that your dog is not, you could be liable for a £500 fine. Sadly it’s all too easy for pets to go missing and if this happens it could mean weeks of worry. However microchips are a reliable record of identifying your pet and its address, read our newsletter to find out more about microchips.

 

microchipping

 

As the weather warms up, we’ve put together some top tips to help you keep your pets happy and health, read our newsletter here.