Hyperthyroidism of cats

Hyperthyroidism, or pathologically elevated thyroid function, is the second most common endocrinopathy in cats. The cause is usually a functional benign tumor (adenoma) of one or both lobes of the gland. Because thyroid hormones affect the intensity of metabolism, and thus indirectly all other organs, we encounter a colorful presentation of the disease. Affected cats lose weight despite increased appetite, drink and urinate excessively, have spiky and untreated coat and nervous to irritable behaviour. Arrhythmias, heart failure or anorexia and digestive disorders can occur in the advanced stages of the disease.

Treatment options

Treatment of hyperthyroidism consists either of surgical removal of the affected thyroid lobe, radiotherapy, administration of a special iodine-free diet or daily administration of Felimazole. Radioactive iodine therapy is a relatively demanding treatment, either economically or from the point of view of the actual care of such a treated patient; moreover, its availability is still low in our country. Only a small percentage of affected cats are willing to follow a monodiet for a long time. Perhaps because the disease mostly affects older individuals, the most common choice is to administer tablets.

“Annovet reduces pressure, both mentally (It acts as an antidepressant we are so-called “under pressure”) and physically – systemic hypertension, e.g. in myocardial hypertrophy, endocrinopathy or renal failure.”
MVDr. Milena Martincová, veterinary doctor

Korovet for anaemia

The second side effect of treatment with Felimazole is a decrease in bone marrow haematopoiesis followed by a decrease in the red blood cell and white blood cell count in the peripheral blood. If we detect this phenomenon, Korovet can be used. We can also add Nutrivet as a source of natural B vitamins and other nutrients.
Korovet will help with anaemia, add a sparkle, improve appetite and also warm weakened kidneys. It will also be beneficial if liver function tests are elevated due to medication.
However, be aware of the duration of Korovet administration and its dose, especially taking into account the season and the condition of the cat’s heart.

Cardiac hypertrophy and increased blood pressure

In cats with hyperthyroidism, we often detect heart muscle hypertrophy and the development of hypertension due to the longterm effect of the hormone thyroxine on the cardiovascular system. In this case, blood pressure should also be monitored, especially if hyperthyroidism remains untreated or must be treated inadequately (exactly because of competitive kidney disease). Annovet worked very well for me, not only improving the mental state of cats (antidepressant-like effect), but compared to conventional antihypertensive drugs, there was no fluctuation in the blood pressure during the day, thus achieving greater comfort for patients and their owners. Also kidneys of such sick cats benefit from an adequate reduction in blood pressure.

Psychosomatic context

From the perspective of psychosomatics, hyperthyroidism is a complicated disease and almost always related to the owner of the animal. It represents an image of an individual rushing at full throttle, but with dried oil, into one action after another (compensation), literally chasing his/her death, without rest, trying to escape his/her fears. There is a history of missing or inadequate maternal principle. Therefore, Annovet, Etovet, Relaxin and regression therapy or psychotherapy seem to be suitable treatment options, and Natrium muriaticum from homeopathic medicines.
Treatment with Gynevet is disputable in affected cats; from my experience I can say that patients often vomit after it. In addition, Gynevet contains bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) extract, a seaweed that is contraindicated in hyperthyroidism due to its high iodine content (except for homeopathic preparations).