What are the options for treating cats with hyperthyroidism?
A.) Medical – Cats with hyperthyroidism can be given pills called methimazole (brand name = Tapazole®). Tapazole® works by suppressing the thyroid gland’s production of thyroid hormone. It does not eliminate the thyroid tumor that causes hyperthyroidism nor does to slow the continued growth of the tumor. B.) Surgical – Cats with hyperthyroidism can be treated by surgical removal of the thyroid tumor responsible for the disease. Unfortunately this generally requires the removal of the entire thyroid gland, necessitating the chronic administration of thyroid supplements for the remainder of the cat’s life. Surgery also has other negatives including the risk of anesthesia, and probable damage to small glands attached to the thyroid gland called the parathyroid glands. These parathyroid glands are responsible for calcium balance in the body and damage to them can lead to low calcium levels, seizures and even death. C.) Radioiodine – A single SQ (under the skin) injection of radioiodine can
