Cat Thyroid Treatment Side Effects

Methimazole may produce side effects in cats including depression vomiting and lack of appetite.

Cat thyroid treatment side effects.

Lifelong daily medication is required which is a disadvantage to owners whose cats resist pilling. More serious side effects from long term use include liver damage and bone marrow suppression although these are rare. Radioactive iodine therapy when available radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. It is estimated that 10 of cats over ten of cats over the age of ten will develop the disease.

The disease is caused by a benign hormone secreting tumour on the thyroid gland which is located in the cat s neck. A more serious side effect is the development of low blood cell counts which are more likely to develop during the first 3 months of treatment. Cbc and t 4 levels need to be rechecked regularly for the remainder of the cat s life. Side effects occur in some cats including vomiting anorexia fever anemia and lethargy.

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Continual veterinary monitoring is needed. Feeding a diet that restricts iodine is a newer alternative for treatment of feline hyperthyroidism. Regardless of the medication blood tests should be conducted periodically during treatment to evaluate whether the therapy is effective and to monitor kidney function and for potential side effects.

These signs usually resolve without stopping the medication. Radioactive iodine radioiodine or i 131 is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism which is the most common endocrine hormonal disorder to affect cats. Methimazole has rare but significant side effects in some cats so make sure to make and keep regular monitoring appointments with your veterinarian.