| Hyperthyroidism | |
|---|---|
| Specialty | Endocrinology |
| Symptoms | Weight loss, polyphagia, polydipsia, tachycardia, polyuria, restlessness |
| Complications | Cardiac problems, cachexia, hypertension |
| Usual onset | Average 13 years |
| Duration | Lifelong if not properly treated |
| Causes | Tumour, with multifactorial cause behind it. |
| Risk factors | Age, diet, chemicals, non-Siamese breeds, indoor cats. |
| Diagnostic method | Measurement of serum thyroxine levels |
| Differential diagnosis | Diabetes mellitus |
| Prevention | Limiting iodine intake |
| Treatment | Thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid drugs |
| Medication | Methimazole, carbimazole |
| Prognosis | Average life expectancy of 15 years if treated |
| Frequency | Most common endocrinopathy in cats |
Feline hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy of cats. The complete pathogenesis is not fully understood.