Underactive Thyroid In Cats Uk

The cause of the condition is too much of the thyroid hormone thyroxine being produced by the thyroid gland.

Underactive thyroid in cats uk. These hormones play a very important part in the cats body functions by helping maintain their. The most common of the thyroid problems in cats is caused by an overactive thyroid and is called hyperthyroidism. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the endocrine system caused by an under active thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism is a rare condition in cats with its occurrence being based on measurably lower than normal levels of thyroid hormones being produced and released throughout the body and resulting slower metabolism along with other complications. In cats an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. Hair loss on the ears.

Diagnosis of hypothyroidism in cats is typically based on measurement of thyroid hormones. Other than unexplained weight loss your cat may also become more restless hyperactive vocal and extremely hungry. These factors can include their diet environment and even their immune system. This will result in a sluggish animal eating more than normal and therefore tending to put on weight.

When the thyroid glands dont produce enough hormone its known as hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid. Hyperthyroidism is over activity in these thyroid glands. The thyroid gland is a large endocrine gland endocrine glands secrete hormones directly into the blood located in the neck of the cat just below the larynx figure 1. Hyperthyroidism causes a high metabolism which has many negative effects on the body.

Your cat has two thyroid glands in their neck that control their metabolism. Thyroid problem in cats hyperthyroidism is an excess of secretion of thyroid hormone which generates a general imbalance throughout the body of the cat. Matting of the fur. Low t4 levels can be suggestive of hypothyroidism.

Adjacent to the thyroid are also small parathyroid glands. The vast majority of cases are caused by harmless swellings but some rare cases are caused by cancer 1 3 of cases. The gland is divided into two lobes and is located in the neck on either side of the windpipe. A cat with hypothyroidism has an underactive or inflamed thyroid gland producing the hormone t4 easily measured by a blood test at the vet and so its metabolism will be slower than usual.

However an overactive thyroid is quite common. As a naturally occurring condition this is very uncommon in cats although it may be seen as a consequence of some treatments and responds well to thyroid supplements.