suspect the increase might be linked to certain vaccines, substandard pet foods, artificial preservatives, as well as environmental chemicals. In cats, hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland is common. However, dogs rarely suffer from hyperthyroidism, but may develop hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. Cats with hyperthyroidism are usually older, and suffer from weight loss and increased appetite (every woman’s dream). Some cats may become nervous and crankier than usual. (With cats that are normally cranky and nervous, it will be hard to detect.) Vomiting, panting, excessive thirst and gastrointestinal problems may be seen and heard (yuk). Large amounts of fatty poop and excessive urination may be present. (Litter boxes can be valuable sources of information.) Skin lesions and a dry or greasy matted coat might also be a symptom. An elevated heart rate and high blood pressure might be detected in your veterinarian’s office; not because your pet is nervous or excited but because too much thyroid increases metabolism. Since these symptoms are also associated with common older cat diseases, diagnostic blood testing is important. Hyperthyroidism in cats is usually because of benign changes or enlargement of the thyroid gland. Cats with hyperthyroidism can be treated surgically, with medicine, or radioactive iodine. Surgery consists of removing all or part of the thyroid gland. Older cats may not be good candidates for surgery. The medication option is not without its downside. Methimazole, brand name Tapazole, inhibits the synthesis of two thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It must be taken every day for life. The side-effects of this drug are intolerable for about 20% of cats (more vomiting and diarrhea).The third option—radioactive iodine—might be the best choice for many cats. Some people have even reported their cats having superpowers after this treatment. Radioactive iodine treatment or I131 therapy is more than a treatment; it is actually a cure. One shot is given without anesthesia; and after three days of quarantine in a licensed facility while the radioactivity leaves the cat’s body, super kitty goes home. The only problem for your furry super hero is that the treatment is not widely available. A few cats do suffer from hypothyroidism; symptoms include lethargy, weight gain, constipation, hair loss, over grooming, dull coat and aggressiveness. These kitties can be treated with thyroid medication that is administered twice daily. Your vet will want to do follow up blood tests to make sure your cat is receiving the right dosage. Dogs, which are rarely nervous and cranky, are most commonly diagnosed with hypothyroidism between the ages of three and eight years. Dogs maybe become overweight if they suffer from hypothyroidism, even if they are eating a normal amount of food. Dry skin, hair loss, lethargy and intolerance to cold temperatures might be noticed. Sleeping under the covers, just because the air-conditioning is on, could be a sign (unless you are one of those people who turns the thermostat way down just to annoy everyone). Because so many systems of the body are dependent on thyroid hormones, your pet may also have any number of muscular, eye, heart or reproductive problems. Your veterinarian will need to do blood work to look at your dog’s hormone levels. Unfortunately, temporary and chronic illness, obesity, medications, and reproductive hormones can affect thyroid tests. Sometimes your veterinarian will prescribe a thyroid medication and wait to see if the dog’s condition improves to substantiate a diagnosis. Due to the complex nature of thyroid disorders, the blood testing will include levels of the two forms of the thyroid hormone; for dogs an antibody test for the genetic form of hypothyroidism will also be performed. Interpretation of the two different levels of thyroids for different breeds, adds to the difficulty of diagnosis. If your dog is prescribed thyroid medication, the vet will want to check on the animal’s blood levels one or two months after you start the medication. The best time to schedule these blood draws is four to six hours after the morning dose. Few dogs suffer from hyperthyroidism. In these animals, the condition can sometimes be caused by a thyroid carcinoma. Dogs with hyperthyroid disease are also treated with Tapazole. Surgery or radioactive iodine (I130) treatments may also be an alternative. Just be prepared for super powers.
Natural and holistic treatments offer a gentler alternative to conventional medications without being addictive. Herbs are safe and effective to use and addresses the major symptoms of thyroid disorders in pets. Carefully selected herbal ingredients such as Huang Qi, Kelp, Siberian Ginseng and Urtica urens helps to improve thyroid functioning and symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
*Make sure your pet is getting all the vitamins, minerals and nutrients necessary for optimal health *Regular exercise is vital to thyroid health and should be implemented *Boost your dog or cat’s immune system with immune-boosting supplements *Take your pet to the vet for annual check-ups and monitor any abnormal physical and behavioral changes *If your pet suffers from a thyroid problem, become as knowledgeable as possible about this health problem
researcher, pet owner, and pet lover Sheli Ellsworth Helpful Natural Remedies for Thyroid Disorders in Pets
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