As your cat matures past age 10, they become more susceptible to a number of different health risks. Owners of aging cats need to stay vigilant to detect subtle changes to their daily routine. A common condition for cats is hyperthyroidism, which is the growth of a tumor on the thyroid gland causing the body to produce too much thyroid hormone. This hormone will cause the cat’s body to burn energy too quickly. Signs of hyperthyroidism include:

• Weakness

• Occasional shortness of breath

• Increased appetite

• A coat that looks scruffy or matted

• Weight loss

• Increased water drinking and urination

• Hyperactivity

• An increased heart rate

If your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism there are three possible treatments including medication, surgical removal, or radioiodine therapy. Of the three, radioiodine therapy is the treatment of choice for the following reasons:

• No anesthesia required

• Destroys the entire thyroid tumor

• No harmful side effects

• Full recovery of thyroid will usually occur within one month

• More cost-effective than other available treatments

For more information on radioiodine therapy please contact us or call us at (402) 423-9100.