You noticed that your senior cat’s fur has been looking scruffy lately. He’s been eating like crazy, but he’s still losing weight. He’s suddenly acting hyper and crying in the night, and when you go to clean the litter box, it’s flooded with urine.  A visit to the vet and a blood test reveals that he has feline hyperthyroidism. So, what do you do about hyperthyroidism in cats?

While having only been identified in the past 30 years or so, hyperthyroidism has become the most common endocrine disease diagnosed in cats.

The disease is a result of a benign growth on the thyroid glands that produces an excessive amount of thyroid hormone (or T4).  In a small percentage of cats, this growth is cancerous.

We do not realise that some of the simplest things in our everyday world can be such a hazard to our pets. Lilies are plants which are commonly included in many ornamental arrangements and are a popular choice particularly at this time of year in our homes, but they can cause disastrous problems if ingested by our cats. 

Diabetes mellitus is a serious medical condition causing a persistently high blood glucose level. Blood glucose levels are modulated my several factor such as stress, diet, exercise and the hormones insulin and glucagons. Insulin allows the glucose to be taken up into the cells of the body. In cats, diabetes is commonly due to a reduction in the production of insulin and/or a reduced sensitivity of the cells of the body to the insulin.

Hyperthyroidism is a disease of the Thyroid gland, where it is over-producing thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is found at the front of the neck. Thyroid hormone is used by the body to control metabolic rate.

Dental disease involves a range of oral problems from mild plaque (mild bacterial byproducts build up) to tartar and calculus (mineralized bacterial products that form a thick hard layer, allowing the proliferation of bacteria) to gingivitis (reversible inflammation of the gums) to severe periodontal disease (irreversible, extremely painful damage to the ligaments and bone that hold teeth in place).

Cats can develop serious urinary problems, so it’s important to learn how to recognise signs of trouble early to help treat and relieve your cat from unnecessary pain.

Arthritis is a complex disease involving the painful inflammation and degeneration of joints. As the joint cartilage (the spongy cushion layer in the joint) begins to thin, this causes pain and the release of inflammatory cells. These cells produce molecules that cause further damage to the joint and start a vicious cycle of damage =>inflammation => further damage.

Neoplasia is another word for cancer. While tumours can be found at any age, older cats have an increased risk of developing malignant (aggressive) tumours. Veterinary therapy is constantly advancing and some cancers can be treated effectively with surgery or chemotherapy. If you are concerned about any lumps, bumps, sores or scabs, abnormalities with eating, drinking, urinating or defecating, then please contact the clinic. Two of the most common tumours in cats are nasal squamous cell carcinomas and lymphoma/lymphosarcoma.

Chronic kidney disease ( also known as renal insufficiency) is one of the most common diseases seen in older cats.  Just like people, cats have 2 kidneys.  The kidneys are responsible for filtering the  blood and removing some of the toxins, as well as assisting in maintining hydration and producing urine.