Feline Hyperthyroid Conditions & Hair Loss

Feline hyperthyroidism is a condition in cats caused by excess production of thyroid hormones. This overproduction may be the result of benign or malignant thyroid tumors, a disorder of the pituitary or hypothalamic glands, or another autonomous thyroid problem. This disease is most common in older cats, and may eventually be fatal. One of the most obvious symptoms of feline hyperthyroidism is hair loss or changes in the coat.

  1. Symptoms

    • Hyperthyroidism in cats isn't always obvious. Many older cats go for some time without being diagnosed, with owners simply believing their pet is very active. The thyroid glands control metabolic rate, and affected cats may eat and drink more than normal, lose weight, seem overactive, and have a very high heart rate. Hair may become patchy and thin, or the coat may remain the same thickness, but change texture and lose its shine.

    Frequency

    • Not all cats with overactive thyroid glands have problems with their coats. According to the University of Georgia, about 93 percent of cats lose weight and around 56 percent begin eating very large amounts of food. Less than half of cats with this problem suffer from an unkempt or unhealthy-looking coat or loss of fur. If a cat begins to exhibit unusual behavior or eating habits, you should take it to the vet immediately.

    Warning

    • Owners who allow their hyperthyroid cats to go untreated risk serious health problems for their pets. Serious consequences of this disease include thickening of the heart wall and eventual heart disease. Untreated cats lose significant amounts of weight, may lose much of their fur,and eventually may die of heart failure. Once a diagnosis has been made, however, treatment is often very successful.

    Treatment

    • Treatment for feline hyperthyroidism is highly successful, though each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. Daily medications are low cost, non-invasive, and do not risk cats with anesthesia, but do not restrict tumor growth and may cause vomiting. Daily pills may also be inconvenient. Injection of irradiated iodine to destroy excess thyroid tissue is also non-invasive and highly effective, but it can be very expensive and requires hospitalization. Surgical removal of the thyroid provides an immediate response, including renewed hair growth, reduced appetite and lower activity levels, but requires anesthesia and carries some risk.

    Considerations

    • The best way to prevent hyperthyroidism is to have cats checked regularly. Adult cats should receive yearly physical checkups, including thyroid gland palpitation, and elderly cats should receive checkups twice a year. Owners who notice changes in behavior or appetite should call their vet immediately to rule out possible problems.