What is Feline Hyperthyroidism?
Feline Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive levels of thyroid hormone. The excess of thyroid hormone affects all of the cat’s organ systems. Feline hyperthyroidism occurs in middle aged and senior cats. Both feline sexes and all breeds are equally at risk. The cat’s thyroid gland is normally a very small butterfly-shaped gland and is located in the neck region. Hyperthyroidism is caused by a tumor in this gland. Ninety eight percent of these tumors are benign (adenoma) and two percent are cancerous (carcinoma). The majority of cats have both lobes affected.
