What causes cat hyperthyroidism?
Some of the risk factors for hyperthyroidism in cats have been defined above. A specific cause has not been identified. The possible role of dietary iodine continues to be investigated as a dietary influence on development of hyperthyroidism. How is hyperthyroidism in felines diagnosed? In most instances, diagnosis of this disease is relatively straightforward. The first step is to determine the blood level of one of the thyroid hormones, called thyroxine (or T4). Usually, the T4 level is so high that there is no question as to the diagnosis. Occasionally, a cat suspected of having feline hyperthyroidism will have T4 levels within the upper range of normal cats. When this occurs, a second test, called a T3 Suppression Test, is performed. If this is not diagnostic, a thyroid scan can be performed at a veterinary referral center or the T4 can be measured again in a few weeks. What are my options for treatment? Because less than 2% of these cats have cancerous growths of the thyroid gland
