In most cases it is important to treat the high thyroid hormone directly, this is commonly in the form of a tablet. Alternatively, if tablets are difcult to dose, a transdermal gel can be rubbed into your cat's ears. These drugs do not cure the disease as they do not change the thyroid gland; instead, they interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it must be given daily for the rest of your cat's life. This treatment is relatively inexpensive and does not require. Most cats do very well with the daily treatment, but there are occasional side effects such as lethargy, vomiting and facial itching. Caution needs to be taken when handling these medications, and your cat's excrement, to avoid human absorption like There are a variety of different treatment options that can help to manage this condition in your cat. From a holistic perspective, we want to ensure that all the body systems are well supported for optimal health and we aim to address diet and lifestyle inuences that can help with management of hyperthyroidism. We recommend a natural, well-balanced diet for optimal nutrition, free from preservatives and additives. Using the natural anti-inammatory properties of omega 3 fatty acids in addition to various anti-oxidants, we can maximise support for the whole body. In addition, homeopathic and herbal remedies can be used to target hormonal balance and NIS (Neurological Integration System) therapy can help the body facilitate its inherent healing mechanisms. Hyperthyroidism is the most common glandular disorder of cats older than 8 years. It is usually caused by a benign tumor in one or both of the thyroid glands, which are located in the neck. These tumors cause the thyroid glands to overproduce thyroid hormones, but are rarely malignant. Thyroid hormones are important for regulating metabolism. When a cat's thyroid hormone levels are too high, its metabolic rate increases, causing many body systems to work harder than normal. Problems associated with hyperthyroidism include damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and eyes. If left untreated this can result in heart failure, kidney disease and sudden onset blindness from high blood pressure. The signs of hyperthyroidism include: weight loss despite an increased appetite, hyperactivity or altered behaviour, matted coat, vomiting and diarrhoea and increased drinking and urination. Blood tests are used to conrm the presence of excess thyroid hormone for diagnosis. wearing gloves and ensuring good hygiene practices), this is especially important if you are expecting a baby. A more permanent treatment option involves the use of radioactive iodine. This treatment destroys the thyroid tumours. While the procedure is relatively safe, the cat must remain at a special facility for 7-10 days to prevent human contact with the radiation. This option is available in specialist clinics in Hamilton or Auckland. There is an alternate treatment option in the form of a specialist prescription diet which contains very low iodine levels. If this is fed as the sole food to a cat with hyperthyroidism, the lack of iodine prevents the production of the thyroid hormones and hence the metabolism is normalised. However, if you have multiple cats in the home or your cat is a regular hunter this food is not such an effective treatment. Generally, hyperthyroidism is very treatable, and most cats do well with long term drug therapy, radioactive therapy, or surgery in addition to complementary therapy support. We work with you to determine which treatment option best suits your situation and your cat's health. Periodic blood testing is an important part of monitoring progress to help determine if dosage adjustments in medications are needed. Initially this is 3 - 5 weeks after starting medication and then the frequency is reduced to 3 – 6 monthly depending on progress to ensure that the thyroid hormone is maintained at a safe level. One of the effects of hyperthyroidism is altered blood ow to the kidneys and in some cats with concurrent kidney disease, this effect makes it seem as if their kidneys are working normally. When the treatment for hyperthyroidism is started, their metabolism slows enabling the kidney disease to be diagnosed with blood tests. Another treatment option is surgical removal of the enlarged thyroid glands. This is very delicate surgery and with older cats the risk of anaesthetic complications is greater. With removal of the affected glands there may well be no further treatment needed in the future, however there are risks that too much of the normal thyroid tissue is removed and hormone supplements may need to be taken instead, or that the second healthy gland becomes diseased in the future producing a reoccurrence of hyperthyroidism. HYPERTHYROIDISM