Oriental Cats and Hyperthyroidism-Symptoms and Treatment Options

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders affecting older cats. It occurs when the thyroid glands produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. Oriental breeds of cats, including Siamese, Balinese, Colorpoint Shorthair, Javanese, and Oriental Longhairs, seem to be genetically predisposed to developing hyperthyroidism. In this article we talk about Oriental Cats and Hyperthyroidism-Symptoms and Treatment Options.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Hyperthyroidism develops gradually over time. Many owners first notice their cat is losing weight despite a ravenous appetite. Other common signs include:

• Increased vocalization or restlessness
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Increased thirst and urination
• Poor and unkempt coat
• Panting or rapid breathing
• Fast heart rate or palpitations
• High blood pressure

If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to secondary heart disease, kidney dysfunction, and even death. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment are so important, especially in predisposed breeds like Orientals.

Causes and Risk Factors

In the vast majority of cats, hyperthyroidism is caused by a benign tumor of the thyroid gland. Oriental breeds have a genetic mutation that makes them more prone to developing these tumors. Exactly why this mutation exists is unclear, but likely relates to their uniquely slender body shape and high metabolism compared to other cats.

Additional factors that may trigger tumor growth in predisposed cats include:

• Exposure to flame retardants and herbicides
• Eating canned cat food (specifically the lining of the cans)
• Stress
• Exposure to high iodine levels

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

Veterinarians diagnose feline hyperthyroidism through blood tests and physical exams. Initial blood work typically shows elevated thyroid hormone levels coupled with low cholesterol. Kidney values and liver enzymes may also be abnormal.

If the diagnosis is uncertain, vets can run a T3 suppression test or T4 by equilibrium dialysis to confirm it. They’ll also check blood pressure and perform cardiac ultrasounds to assess for secondary complications. As hyperthyroidism progresses, additional symptoms become apparent and lab work changes over time.

Treatment Options

Several effective treatment options exist for hyperthyroidism. Many factors influence the best approach for an individual cat, including cost, severity of disease, other health conditions, and owner preference. Treatments fall into three main categories:

1. Medications – This involves taking oral methimazole or carbimazole daily to control thyroid hormone production. Side effects are usually minor but require regular veterinary monitoring to ensure correct dosing.
2. Radioactive Iodine Therapy – This is the gold standard for treating hyperthyroidism. It involves one intravenous dose of radioactive iodine to destroy overactive thyroid cells while preserving normal function. There is no need for daily medication. Most cats are cured with a single treatment.
3. Dietary Therapy – This consists of feeding a prescription low iodine diet for the cat’s lifetime. It helps reduce iodine levels in the body necessary for making thyroid hormones. Unfortunately, the diet alone does not cure the condition and works best alongside antithyroid drugs.
4. Surgery – Surgically removing the affected thyroid glands was once common but has become less popular due to risk of complications. However, it remains an option for some patients. Cats usually require lifelong thyroid hormone supplementation afterwards.

Prognosis for Treated Hyperthyroid Cats

The prognosis for hyperthyroidism is excellent when caught and managed early. Radioactive iodine therapy or methimazole provide good to excellent control for most cats. Oriental breeds often have underlying kidney disease that can worsen over time despite treatment though.

Regular veterinary checkups are imperative, even after symptoms resolve, to monitor bloodwork changes and medication dosing. Well-regulated cats have a normal lifespan and quality of life. Left neglected, however, hyperthyroidism can seriously impact health.

In summary, Oriental breeds are genetically prone to developing thyroid tumors leading to hyperthyroidism. Key signs include weight loss, increased vocalization, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. While concerning, hyperthyroidism is one of the most easily and successfully managed feline endocrinopathies today. Through early diagnosis, dietary changes, antithyroid medications, or radioactive iodine therapy, quality of life can be preserved for many happy years ahead. Consult your veterinarian if your Oriental cat is showing any suspicious clinical signs. I sincerely hope you find this “Oriental Cats and Hyperthyroidism-Symptoms and Treatment Options” article helpful.