Stratham-Newfields Veterinary Hospital
Providing Seacoast Pets a Higher Standard of Care 
  • Home
  • Happy Visits & Pet Parent Information
    • Pet Health Insurance
    • Pet Parent Education >
      • How to Give Medications
      • Dental Care >
        • Dental Care (with Videos)
        • Painful Tooth Conditions
        • Finding a Hidden Tooth Abscess (at a Regular Cleaning)
      • Ear and Eye Care >
        • Ear Care and Infections FAQs
        • Ear Canal Mass Removal
        • Eye Drops (a How-To Guide)
      • Diabetes Mellitus >
        • Diabetes in Cats
        • Diabetes in Dogs
      • Travel and Recreation >
        • Travel & Pets
        • The Dog Park
      • Bladder Stones
      • Hip Arthritis (+ Check if Your Cat is in Pain)
      • Heart Diseases
      • Anal Gland Issues
      • Thyroid Disease
      • Corn Cob in Dog Stomach
      • Other Resources
  • About Us
    • More about AAHA
    • More about ABVP
  • Contact Us
  • Our Team
    • Doctors >
      • Dr. Dennis
      • Dr. Young
      • Dr. Piché
    • Nurses
    • Client Service Representatives
    • Assistants
    • "Alumni"
    • And, of course, you
    • Join Our Team
  • Our Services
    • Dentistry >
      • Dental X-Rays
    • Surgical Procedures >
      • Pre-Operative Exam & Labs
      • Patient Monitoring
      • Specialty Surgical Services
      • Endotracheal ("Breathing") Tube Safety
    • Anesthesia Safety
    • Pain Management
    • Diagnostic Imaging
    • Patient Care
    • Integrated Pet Care >
      • Acupuncture
      • PRP for Arthritis
    • Emergency and Triage
  • Take a Tour
    • Reception
    • Cat-Friendly Exam Rooms
    • Dog-Friendly Exam Rooms
    • Pharmacy
    • ​Treatment, ICU, and Hospitalized Patients
    • Dental
    • Surgery
    • X-Ray and Ultrasound
    • Why we are different

Feline Hyperthyroidism

Picture
Click the image to download and view the free brochure.

Did You Know? 

  • It is the most common endocrine disorder in cats over 7 years old.
  • It occurs in about 10% of cats over 10 years of age. 
  • It is caused by an overactive thyroid gland that secretes excess thyroid hormone.
Excess thyroid hormone causes and overactive metabolism that stresses the heart, digestive tract, and many other organ systems. 

Untreated Hyperthyroidism Effects 

  • Marked weight loss, usually in spite of a good appetite.
  • Increased thirst and urination.
  • Gastrointestinal upset, like vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Damage to organs, especially the heart and kidneys.

Diagnosis

Generally, simple blood tests are all that is needed. Some cats that also have other health problems will require additional tests before treatment can be started.  Annual screening can detect this disease before serious problems occur. 

Treatment

There are four basic treatments: daily medication, special food, radioiodine, and surgery. Your veterinarian will discuss the best option for your cat. 
​Advantages and Disadvantages of Each Treatment. 

Did you know? 

Dr. Dennis co-authored the most current  Guidelines for Feline Hyperthyroidism. 
Picture
Blindness in a cat due to high blood pressure from hyperthyroid disease. Photo by Dr. Ward.
Picture
Click the image to read the article for free.

 Stratham-Newfields Veterinary Hospital, 8 Main Street, Newfields NH 03856
Phone: 603-778-7687   | Fax: 603-778-2471  |   [email protected]
​Directions and Additional Contact Information
e-mail us
Site powered by Weebly. Managed by IDEXX Laboratories