My cat's thyroid level is 2.5. Is this a safe level for my senior cat?

This will depend on the lab that the thyroid level is run through. It can differ sligthly from lab to lab and units can vary in different countries. If the thyroid level was checked, there is usually a reference range near the result. For example: If Filfil's thyroid level was 2.2, the reference range would usually be in parentheses, (3.4-4.6), and he may be diagnosed as hypothyroid. In this case, I may submit additional bloodwork to confirm the hypothyroidism, such as FreeT4, TSH, etc.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! A T4 of 1.8 is normal and doesn’t indicate hyperthyroidism and it means the dose Tony is on a good dose. I wound investigate other causes of increased thirst: diabetes, liver disease, high calcium cancer, etc if his thyroid is regulated and his kidney values are normal. I hope this helps and I wish Tony the best!

Hi and thanks for your post. 1.5ug/dL is not too low. After starting treatment with methimazole, thyroid hormone will generally fall within the lower 1/3 of the reference range anywhere from 0.8 to 2.3ug/dL is normal. Lower than 0.8ug/dL would be a concern, however. The picky eating may be due to a dental problem Tony has to from changing the food too frequently- that may make him a very picky eater very quickly! Try sticking to one food without changing it- he won't starve! I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi. Yes, 3.9 is a Grey zone number for a kitty that age. Your veterinarian could do what's called a FreeT4 test. The free T4 test is significantly more sensitive in detecting hyperthyroidism in mildly hyperthyroid cats than either total T4 or T3 measurements. You can also just follow up with recheck as well, but both tests are best to diagnose actual hyperthyroidism. Unfortunately no, there are no safe over the counter medications or supplements that would help this. Keep following up with your veterinarian and monitor California for any abnormal signs.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) in cats are: weight LOSS not gain, increased thirst and urination, increased hunger and vocalizing especially at night. They can have heart murmurs and arrhythmia. The side effects on not treating is heart disease and weight loss. I recommend treating if her T4 is above the high end of the reference range. Please feel free to post her blood work results. I hope this helps and I wish Sofi the best!

Hi there! Sounds like you are an excellent owner! Tony is lucky! Yes, he can still be thirsty. The medications may be causing this and not necessarily the hyperthyroidism. If all the lab values are normal then I would not be too worried about it. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Tony!

Hello, sorry to hear about Tony. A low potassium may be secondary to a decrease dietary intake. However, if Tony is on amlodipine, then this can cause a low potassium as well. If his kidney values are normal, then it is less likely that he has kidney disease. I would recommend continuing to monitor him and if he is otherwise eating, drinking, and acting normally then you may not need to pursue an abdominal ultrasound at this point. Hope this helps and best of luck.