Hyperthyroidism In Cats Diet
Instead of these other therapies your veterinarian may recommend feeding your cat a special cat food that is iodine-free.
Hyperthyroidism in cats diet. Four potential options for managing cats with hyperthyroidism are. To determine the effect of feeding an iodine-restricted diet on TT4 concentrations and clinical signs in cats with spontaneous hyperthyroidism. Although thyroid tumors can be cancerous the chances are less than 5 percent in cats.
Anti-thyroid drugs inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. Studies have shown that an iodine-restricted diet alone can control thyroid hormone levels without the need for medication. Diet control for hyperthyroidism.
Without iodine the thyroid gland cannot make any hormones. Feed your cat a specialized diet. Hills Pet Nutrition produces a prescription diet for cats with strictly controlled iodine levels.
The primary cause of hyperthyroidism in cats or thyrotoxicosis is an increase in the T3 and T4 hormones produced and released from the thyroid glands. Protein is the primary macronutrient responsible for maintenance of muscle mass. Cats suffering from hyperthyroidism can become emaciated if not diagnosed and treated promptly.
Restoring and preserving any remaining muscle tissue in cats treated for hyperthyroidism depends upon the cat. Tell your veterinarian which foods you are feeding and how much you are feeding so that he or she can ensure that the diet should help your cat gain weight and muscle mass while medical treatment is started. In addition to demonstrating the efficacy of yd in restoring euthyroidism three studies have showed reductions in serum creatinine concentrations together with stable or increasing bodyweights in hyperthyroid cats eating the diet.
All cats require a protein-rich diet but protein is particularly important for cats trying to recover from hyperthyroidism. A common diet traditional veterinarians recommend for a hyperthyroid cat is a prescription canned diet by Hills yd. Conveniently the main use of iodine in the body is the production of thyroid hormone so a deficient diet shouldnt cause any other health issues in a hyperthyroid cat.