dogs&cats&more

The most likely problem (aka most common disease) seen in cats as they get older is hyperthyroidism, which often first presents as a great appetite along with weight loss. This is because hyperthyroidism is caused by a (usually) benign mass located on the thyroid gland, which causes an overactive metabolism. Over time without treatment, the cat starts to “waste away”, and other signs are noted as well: hair loss, more vocalizing, weakness, vomiting, etc.

Hyperthyroidism has 3 main options for treatment:

1. Lifetime management with daily medication. The medication isn’t overly expensive but after years it does add up, if your cat happens to be diagnosed when a ‘younger’ geriatric patient. Also, in rare cases (which is no consolation if your cat happens to be one of them, as one of my own cats was) daily medication like this can negatively affect the liver and liver failure can ensue.

2. Radioactive iodine treatment. This is a one time subcutaneous injection (under the skin) easily given, but does need to be done at a specialized facility, which may be far from you, the cat needs to boarded for a few days afterwards to clear any iodine safely through the urine so you aren’t exposed yourself, and treatment can be expensive.

3. Surgery to remove the mass; expensive, but a cure nonetheless.

Hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed easily with a blood test from your vet., which is often referred to by your vet as the “T4″. In any aging cat showing signs of weight loss, a full geriatric profile is recommended; even though hyperthyroidism is the most common illness they come down with, this weight loss is a standard symptom of many illnesses which can be detected often with a general profile like this.

Christine

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