My hyperthyroid cat is shedding. What are treatment options?

If Rockie's thyroid level is controlled, then his weight should remain stable. There is a special diet for treating hyperthyroidism, but it is used instead of medication NOT in addition to treatment. I am attaching more information about it below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3348 If Rockie is still eating more than normal and losing weight, then his thyroid level may not be controlled yet, so it would be worth rechecking that blood value. You can certainly discuss a diet change with your veterinarian. If Rockie is on an adult food, he may do better on a senior food. And if he is on a dry food, he may do better on a canned food. Both of those changes may help him maintain his muscle mass. But I suspect that making sure his thyroid level is controlled should be your first step. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using PetCoach.

Hello! Hyperthyroidism can cause obsessive behaviors (ie. overgrooming), as well as vomiting. You should see a decrease in her vomiting over the next few months as the medication levels stabilize. I would recommend adding a hairball supplement to her diet in the mean time though. It usually comes in a stinky paste form that they love and helps lubricate the hair to move it along. If she lets you, brushing her regularly can reduce the amount of hair she's able to ingest. The Furminator brand brush is a lifesaver for serious shedders. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! :)

Older cats like your kitty often get an overactive thyroid which will show weight loss, a really fast heart rate, sometimes vomiting, and more vocalisation than usual. Some cats get skittish as well. Hyperthyroidism can actually cause heart problems and mask kidney disease. Hyperthyroidism is easily diagnosed with a clinical exam and a little blood test and there are various treatments available, varying from Methimazole transdermal ointment or tablets to slow down thyroid hormone production, surgery to remove the overactive thyroid gland or radiotherapy. If your kitty is suffering from hyperthyroidism your vet will discuss the various options. I suggest you make an appointment tomorrow.

Luv Bug is so very fortunate to have you as an owner. I am sure that you are one of the main reasons that she is going strong at 17 years of age. Kudos to you for your consideration and compassion for your pet. In terms of hyperthyroidism in cats, there are only three real treatments on the market today. These are methimazole treatment, thyroidectomy surgery, and radioactive iodine treatment. It is believed in the veterinary community that radioactive iodine is the gold standard treatment today. With the information you have provided, I can offer you a few possibilities for future treatment: 1. Perhaps you can get the math him is all in a tablet form to crush it into a fine powder and then mix it with any palatable substance that she likes and then squirt it in her mouth with a syringe. This, however, may cause some behavior problems because she may not like this either. 2. If you are willing to accept the costs and all of the different parts that go with the radioactive iodine treatment, I say go for it because the success rate for that specific treatment is excellent. Thank you very much for your question and I know you will make the right decision on her behalf. Have a great day.

Hair loss can suggest an underlying metabolic disease such as hyperthyroidism. Have your veterinarian run full Bloodwork and a thyroid panel to see if these factors are affecting Sushi’s hair coat as well as making her predisposed to UTIs.

Unregulated thyroid disease varies by patient but can have many adverse effects including severe weight loss, distress and heart/circulation complications. There are treatment options which avoid regular/at home medications for which he may be a suitable candidate and I strongly recommend you discuss your issues with your vet to determine if these are an option or if referral to an endocrinology/internal medicine specialist maybe of help. Dietary control can also be of assistance in managing overactive thyroid cases and should be considered, especially in hard to manage cases. Offering the medications in a small (teaspoon) of warm strongly smelling soft food or treats/pill pockets just before feeding when hungry (remove all other food options for 4-6hrs before this) can help also

Oh my. Poor girl. The most pressing issue here is the fluid on the lungs. You need to find out the underling cause for the fluid and hopefully it is something that is treatable. You will have to start with chest radiographs to find out possible causes and treatment options. The hyperthyroidism can be managed with medications until then. Hyperthyroidism in cats is typically treated with either the prescription diet Hill's Y/D or with Felimazole. I hope that your pet Lucy is able to stabilize her condition soon! Best wishes and take care.