What types of thyroid gland disorders occur in cats?
The most common thyroid gland disorder in the cat is an excessive production of thyroid hormone, due to a benign (non-cancerous) increase in the size and function of one or both of the thyroid glands. This condition is termed hyperthyroidism. Less than 2% of the hyperthyroid conditions in cats are due to malignant (cancerous) tumors of the thyroid glands. “Hypothyroidism (a decreased production of thyroid hormones) is very uncommon in cats…” Hypothyroidism (a decreased production of thyroid hormones) is very uncommon in cats and is usually related to previous therapy for a hyperthyroid condition, or due to a congenital condition (originating from birth).