What Are the Treatments for Cats for Parathyroid Disease?

Parathyroid disease affects the small glands near the thyroid. When the glands are injured, it affects the PTH hormone, which regulates blood calcium. There are four types of thyroid disorders that affect cats, including hypoparathyroidism, primary hypoparathyroidism, renal secondary hypoparathyroidism and nutritional secondary hypothyroidism. Each type of parathyroid condition has its own set of symptoms and treatments.

  1. Calcium Supplements

    • Parathyroid conditions disable the PTH hormone, so the calcium levels are not regulated within the cat's bloodstream. To treat the lack of calcium, calcium supplements are given to cats orally or intravenously.

    Surgery

    • A more risky procedure for parathyroid disease is surgery. Veterinarians surgically remove the gland that is affected by the disease.

    Kidney Disease Treatment

    • Kidney disease is often the reason why cats get renal secondary hyperparathyroid disease. Because their kidneys are diseased, the affected cat begins retaining phosphorus, which leads the parathyroid glands to release excessive PTH. In these cases, veterinarians will choose to treat the parathyroid disease by treating the kidney disease. Once the kidney disease is taken care of, the parathyroid glands will begin to work normally again.

    Reducing Movement

    • Since parathyroid disease affects the hormone that regulates blood calcium, it is possible that the cat's bones will also be affected. Caretakers are sometimes advised to restrict the cat's movement so there is less of a chance of a bone fracture. During the period of restricted movement, the cat's food should be changed out for something that is higher in calcium and vitamin D.