The thyroid is a small gland in the front of the neck. Shaped like a butterfly, it is responsible for producing the hormones that regulate the body’s energy use.
These thyroid hormones affect almost every organ in the system. In addition, they control many the main functions of the body: respiration, heart rate, temperature regulation, weight, digestion, mood and many others, explains MedLinePlus.
The thyroid is in the neck
When there are not enough thyroid hormones, these bodily functions slow down. However, there is a treatment for this condition.
Hypothyroidism in Cats
He Hypothyroidism in Cats It is of sparse representation, but for that reason of lesser care. This disease in cats is classified according to the time of its appearance: if yes congenital or acquired and also depends on the change location, which can be defined as primary, secondary or tertiary.
“Is considered primary hypothyroidism when the thyroid is directly affected, which is the most common form and accounts for 95% of cases of feline hypothyroidism,” say researchers José Henry Osorio and Stefania Matheus of Caldas University, Colombia, in a study.
This type of (primary) hypothyroidism can be considered an autoimmune disease: lymphocytic thyroiditis.
The pros describe instead that the secondary hypothyroidism It occurs when the disease is at the level of the anterior pituitary gland, resulting in low levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone.
Tertiary hypothyroidism occurs when the change is localized in the hypothalamus and produces less TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone).
Variations of hypothyroidism in cats
The most common diagnosis is congenital hypothyroidism. This has several causes; One of them is the thyroid dysgenesis (which is due to defects in the development of the gland) and the dishormonogenesis (which also occurs due to thyroid developmental disorders and aplasia of the same).
According to the above Colombian researchers, dyshormonogenesis is associated with goiter, as opposed to dysgenesis in which it does not occur. Unfortunately, cats with dysgenesis usually die around 16 weeks of age.
On the other hand, “Cats with lymphocytic thyroiditis”. They usually die 1 to 2 weeks after the onset of clinical symptoms, around when they are 1 or 2 months old,” claim Osorio and Matheus. This disorder is the leading cause of hypothyroidism in the United States.
Hypothyroidism in cats can be fatal
How do I identify it in my cat?
Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of hypothyroidism in cats is very important in order to start treatment in time and avoid misfortunes.
The most common signs of the disease are: lethargy, obesity, decreased appetite despite weight gain dry or greasy seborrhea, constipation, dry and dull coat, lack of grooming, poor hair growth and alopecia at the entrance of the ears, according to the study.
Alopecia, as a rule, is localized: it occurs mainly in the lateral areas of the neck, thorax and abdomen, but can also be observed at the base of the animal’s tail. It has also been reported Mixedema facial treatment (Swelling in the animal’s face).
Symptoms of hypothyroidism in cats
If you observe any abrupt changes in your kitten’s behavior or any part of the symptoms described in this notice, take your pet to a veterinary center for immediate evaluation.
