Why do hyperthyroid cats lose weight?
These cats lose weight because their hyperthyroidism accelerates their metabolic rate and body’s energy expenditure; they are burning up their food calories faster than they can consume their daily meals. It’s important to realize that hyperthyroidism is a catabolic state.
Do cats with hyperthyroidism lose weight?
The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1).
Does methimazole cause weight loss?
After methimazole treatment, body weight was initially increased (0–8 weeks), subsequently plateaued (8–24 weeks), and gradually decreased in the later period (24–52 weeks) despite the decreased food intake. The measured REE was 40% higher than the predicted REE at baseline, and it gradually decreased after treatment.
How can I help my hyperthyroid cat gain weight?
Canned foods are generally the best choice when seeking to provide a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Dry foods tend to be energy (read calorie) dense. Also, because starch is necessary to make the kibble, dry foods tend to have greater carbohydrate concentrations (carbohydrate > 25% on a dry-matter basis).
Are cats in pain with hyperthyroidism?
In addition, hyperthyroidism can cause hypertension or high blood pressure, and result in damage to the eyes, kidneys, and brain. Cats with untreated hyperthyroidism can also endure pain and a lower quality of life due to the symptoms of the disease.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),2 and 48 months (iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).
Can cats recover from hyperthyroidism?
The good news is that the prognosis for feline hyperthyroidism is not all bad. In fact, when treated early and effectively, many cats can fully recover and have normal thyroid activity restored.
Why do hyperthyroid cats meow so much?
Signs of anxiety in a cat – including pacing, yowling for no apparent reason, and restlessness – are a common symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism.
Are there any side effects to taking methimazole for cats?
Side effects from methimazole use in cats are minimal. Most cats respond well to methimazole treatment. There is the possibility that treating the hyperthyroid disease will reveal other issues such as kidney failure or other disorders.
How long is the hospital hold time for methimazole?
Great to hear the hospital hold time is down to 3 days. I do know they do a trial first with the methimazole to make sure that getting the thyroid low doesn’t cause side effects related to lower blood pressure etc. My friend had to do that with his cat.
Is there a cure for CKD on methimazole?
I-131 is a cure and methimazole just masks the symptoms. Simone is at least 13 and could be older. She also has moderate CKD. The diarrhea/vomiting is unusual to me. Amber never had that on methimazole nor at any time when the main problem was hyperthyroid.
How long has Simone been on methimazole transdermal?
So Simone has been on the methamizole transdermal for exactly a month now, and has been getting her doses regularly, she has adapted to me messing with her ears and doesn’t hide around that time anymore. However, 2 days ago after talking with her vet, we decided she needs to decrease her dosage to 0.2 ml twice a day rather than at 0.5 mls.