Although thyroid tumors in cats are relatively rare, it's nonetheless important that you look out for them, particularly as your pet begins to grow older. These tumors can cause a variety of different problems for your pet, and may ultimately prove to be fatal if left untreated. Fortunately, prompt treatment and recognition of a thyroid tumor will mean that you're able to eliminate it from your pet's system before it can cause major health problems and harm. Read on for a brief overview of thyroid tumors in cats, including their symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.
Symptoms of a Feline Thyroid Tumor
The symptoms of a feline thyroid tumor are generally the same regardless of whether or not the tumor is malignant. In reality, most tumors of this type are not malignant and will not spread to other parts of your pet's body; only about 5 percent of thyroid tumors pose the threat of metastasizing. Still, because thyroid tumors can cause your pet great discomfort and other problems, it's important to watch out for the following symptoms:
- Increase in appetite
- Loss of weight or muscle
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Increase in thirst
- Lethargy and sedation
- Change in behavior toward more irritability or skittishness
- Loss of coat sheen or color
While these are the most common warning signs of a thyroid tumor, it's possible that they could indicate another health issue as well. Therefore, take note of any of them as soon as you recognize them, and bring your pet in to the vet quickly in order to have him properly diagnosed.
Diagnosing and Treating Thyroid Tumors in Cats
Thyroid problems will be diagnosed in a number of different ways. Your vet will begin by looking at your pet's medical history and health profile for signs that he may be predisposed to this condition. He will then conduct a full physical examination in which he attempts to determine if there are any other causes of the issue. If he suspects a tumor, he will likely order a complete blood chemistry panel exam to be done. This can determine if your pet's thyroid hormone levels are skewed from normal, which is a major indicator of a tumor. In some cases, he may order a biopsy to be done of the tumor tissue in order to determine if it's malignant.
There are a number of ways that thyroid tumors can be treated. If the tumor is not malignant and is determined to be manageable in size, your vet may recommend a treatment based on hormone supplements. This will return your pet's thyroid hormones to a normal level and will ensure that he's able to go about his daily life as usual. In other cases, the tumor will need to be removed through surgery. Generally, because this surgery requires invasive tactics and can cause other health concerns, most vets will recommend avoiding it unless it is absolutely necessary. Consult with your vet about the best option for your pet based on his case.