Why your skinny cat may have a thyroid issue
IF YOUR PET IS EATING WELL BUT SHEDDING WEIGHT, THIS COULD BE THE ANSWER
and disadvantages, but have a generally good outlook. Q My three-year-old West Highland white female neutered dog developed an itch last year. It affected the eyes and feet, especially from February until May and my vet treated her for an allergic condition. Is it likely to happen again this year and what can be done to prevent it? A Overeating, yet losing weight, are West Highland whites are prone certainly signs of an overactive to an allergic condition called thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism). It is atopic dermatitis (atopy). This has common, affecting about 10 % of cats many similarities to hay fever in peoover the age of 10 years, and the sympple, with allergy to pollens and house toms you mention are the two most dust common causes. In dogs the skin common ones. is predominantly involved, rather than
Hyperthyroid cats may also drink hay fever signs involving the eyes and more, have a racing pulse and can nose that usually affect us. become uncharacteristically irritable. Atopic dogs usually rub the skin If they allow handling, it is possible in around the eyes, scratch the ventral around 80% of cats to feel the enlarged abdomen, lick their paws, and have thyroid glands in the neck. recurrent ear problems, although not
Hyperthyroidism is not an emernecessarily all four signs in all cases. gency while the cat continues to eat Your dog has shown seasonal signs and is otherwise well. However, it is that suggest allergy to tree pollens could definitely worthwhile calling the vet to be the problem. Tree pollens are prevaarrange a physical examination and lent from the middle of February and blood tests. have largely disappeared by the middle
Hyperthyroidism will not go away of May. Unfortunately for hay fever sufon its own and if there is a delay in ferers, and some dogs, grass pollens take seeking some help there are several over then until the end of July. complications that will occur, such as If your dog is atopic, which seems heart and kidney problems. Early likely, you can expect the problem to diagnosis has the best prognosis. resurface about the same time as last
Treatments either aim to cure, such year. Anti-inflammatory drugs may be as radioactive iodine and thyroid all that are required. removal, or control, including anti-thyIf further allergies develop there are roid drugs and iodine-restricted diets. various long-term options, including
These treatments have advantages desensitising injections.
PAMPERED PETS
QMY 12-year-old male neutered domestic shorthaired cat has lost weight, despite still eating well, in fact more than usual. I have checked on the internet and it is suggesting an overactive thyroid gland. Is this a common problem and is it urgent?
Awas a vet at the RSPCA Harmsworth hospital for animals. Email questions to him at pamperedpets@reachplc.com