Do you have a Hefty Feline?

Discussing Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatments of Feline      Hypothyroidism

See all 2 photos

Feline Hypothyroidism can create issues with weight and laziness for our 

 cats.

Hypothyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland which is a small gland in the neck. Its primary function is to regulate the body's metabolism. Just as humans may be diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, our furry little pets can also suffer from this thyroid disorder known as Feline Hypothyroidism. A cat’s thyroid is a gland with two butterfly shaped lobes located in the neck. Feline hypothyroidism occurs when this gland produces an insufficient supply of hormones. When cats have Hypothyroidism their under active thyroid gland causes their body's metabolism to decrease. The body's metabolism is very important and when it is thrown off balance many unwanted symptoms can arise. The most common symptoms of Feline Hypothyroidism is excessive weight gain, hence the hefty feline. With all joking aside this is not a funny matter at all. When cats are obese it can effect their health drastically. Many people may think that a fat cat is a happy cat or a cute cat, but in the contrary these over-weight cats may be in pain and not happy at all.

Fat cats are cute...but are they happy?

Symptoms of Feline Hypothyroidism

Feline Hypothyroidism impacts many parts of the body including the heart and kidneys. Along with the weight gain cats with Hypothyroidism may also display mild to severe symptoms of

Loss of appetite

Constipation

Lethargy which is severe tiredness and laziness.

Lack of interest in play.

Decrease in mental sharpness.

Changes in hair becoming poor, damaged and dried out.

Hypothermia which is a below normal body temperature.

Bradycardia which is a slow heartbeat.

Diagnosis

In order to diagnose Feline Hypothyroidism the cat must be taken to the veterinarian.The vet will feel the cats neck to see if their thyroid gland is swollen or their is a mass.Then the vet test the cats urine, blood count, and test the cats levels of their thyroid hormones T3 Triiodothyonine and T4 Levothyroxine to see if they are low.

Treatment

Cats' Feline Hypothyroidism can be helped with a therapy of hormone replacement of Levothyroxine Thyroxine T4 and their are many natural remedies out in the market today that you may speak with your veterinarian about. He or she can help you choose the best treatment for your cat and help them maintain a healthy thyroid. One product that you can research is Thyro-Pet. Good luck and go help your hefty feline!