Most cats that are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and are treated only with medical management will live an average
of 3-5 years
before dying of either heart failure or kidney failure. But, those 3-5 years can be good quality years. o Surgery.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),
2 and 48 months
(iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).
Does hyperthyroidism in cats shorten lifespan?
Hyperthyroidism is a serious condition—and, without proper treatment, the disorder can adversely affect your cat's lifespan. “
Left untreated, hyperthyroid cats will have a shortened lifespan
,” says Dr. Downing.
Is hyperthyroidism in cats painful?
In addition, hyperthyroidism can cause hypertension or high blood pressure, and result in damage to the eyes, kidneys, and brain.
Cats with untreated hyperthyroidism can also endure pain
and a lower quality of life due to the symptoms of the disease.
Can cats live with hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism occurs most often in middle-aged to geriatric-aged cats. Without any serious irreversible medical problems, a hyperthyroid cat despite its age can, with appropriate therapy,
live out a normal life
.
How is hyperthyroidism treated in older cats?
There are four treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism:
medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary therapy
. Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages.
How long can a cat stay on methimazole?
It is generally recommended that methimazole therapy be withdrawn for
at least five to seven days
in hyperthyroid cats prior to radioiodine therapy. Owners often ask how long they can expect their cat to live if radioiodine therapy is performed.
Why do hyperthyroid cats yowl?
Signs of anxiety in a cat – including pacing, yowling for no apparent reason, and restlessness – are a common symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. This is due to
increased stimulation in the nervous system
which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism.
How can I fatten up my cat with hyperthyroidism?
Canned foods
are generally the best choice when seeking to provide a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Dry foods tend to be energy (read calorie) dense. Also, because starch is necessary to make the kibble, dry foods tend to have greater carbohydrate concentrations (carbohydrate > 25% on a dry-matter basis).
How can I treat my cats hyperthyroidism naturally?
Feline hyperthyroidism natural treatment options are often considered by pet owners. Some of these treatments include
switching your cat to a raw food diet
, giving them special vitamins and supplements, and/or switching to special natural pet foods.
What is the best food for a cat with hyperthyroidism?
It is best to feed:
Canned or raw diets
, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.
What does hyperthyroidism do to cats?
The most common sign of hyperthyroidism in cats is
weight loss despite an increased appetite
. Other common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, drinking and urinating more than normal, and an unkempt hair coat. Because the disease develops gradually, signs are often easy to miss at first.
Why do old cats cry at night?
Aging cats. Cats, just like people, can suffer from a form of mental confusion, or cognitive dysfunction, as they age.
They become disoriented and often cry plaintively for no apparent reason
, especially at night.
How do I know if my cat is suffering?
- Agitation (unsettled, trembling)
- Cat crying, growling, hissing.
- Limping or difficulty jumping.
- Avoids being petted or handled.
- Playing less.
- Licking a particular body region.
- More aggressive.
- Change in posture or gait.
How much does it cost to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The cost of any treatment for feline hyperthyroidism is significant. The cost for radio iodine therapy is generally a total fee of
$1500- $1550
, depending on the I131 dosage required for your cat's treatment. This includes the radio iodine itself, the cost of hospitalization, food, litter, and monitoring.
