The only person in the world who cares more about your pet than we do .. is You!
Shop Our Pharmacy
(727) 784 -0558
COVID-19 STATEMENT
Home
/
Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Animal & Bird Medical Center of Palm Harbor
Medical Database

Endocrine Disease

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Animals Affected – Cat

General Information
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of older cats, caused by excessive production of thyroid hormones. The usual cause for increased hormone production is a tumor of the thyroid gland. These tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The reason these glands develop tumors is not known.

Signs of excessive thyroid hormone production include weight loss despite a ravenous appetite, frequent bowel movements, increased thirst and urination, restlessness, frequent crying or vocalizing, neglect of normal grooming, and rapid heartbeat. The effects on the heart may be severe and result in congestive heart failure and death.

Treatment with radioactive iodine is  an excellent form of therapy. This treatment, however, requires the availability of nuclear medicine facilities and isolation of the cat during treatment.

Drug therapy is also available. Some cats have problems with hyperthyroid medications, so monitoring with blood tests is necessary.

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is sometimes effective for treatment. If the gland is totally removed, replacement thyroid hormone is given for life.
Other Sites to Visit..

Download Dr. Murphy's New Book

An Important Update From Animal & Bird Medical Center On COVID-19

We are committed to offering a safe and healthy environment for our clients, pets and hospital team here at Animal and Bird Medical Center. The best way to avoid becoming ill is to avoid exposure to the virus. Taking typical preventive actions is key.

In being cautious and mindful of everyone’s safety, we are actively working to minimize your exposure to crowded exam rooms and long waits in the lobby.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have made some changes to our protocols in-hospital for the time-being…

In order to limit exposure while still providing quality care for your pet, we will be implementing special protocols to keep you safe.

We will have our veterinary technicians get a history of the patient’s symptoms and owner’s concerns via phone prior to coming into the clinic.

  • Upon arrival, owners can call us from the curb in front of the clinic and we will have a technician assistant come to your car and bring your pet inside.
  • From here, your pet will be examined and the doctor will develop a treatment plan which he will then communicate via phone with the owner.
  • At the end of the visit, an invoice will be brought out to your car and payment can be taken via phone.

Our goal is for you to be able to bring your pet in for medical care but have no risk for you or our dedicated staff of transmitting the COVID-19 virus.

The Doctors and staff are dedicated to making sure your pet’s medical needs are taken care of during this national crisis.

We can still fill prescriptions for pick up, however, for those who prefer, non-narcotic and non-urgent prescriptions can be mailed to your home.

As always, careful hand-washing and other infection control practices can greatly reduce the chance of spreading any disease.