New Study: A Certain Type Of Cat Food Is Causing Hyperthyroidism In Cats

There are many reasons behind the rise of cases of hyperthyroidism among cats in the U.S. One of the reasons is due to a certain type of cat food, according to a new study.

The Pet Site reports that fish-flavored cat food can cause feline hyperthyroidism. Led by Hazuki Mizukawa and Kei Nomiyama of the Environmental Science and Technology ACS, a recent study has been launched to inform the public, especially pet lovers, about its findings.

Pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers can harm humans and cause hyperthyroidism in cats. The study also concluded that these byproducts come from fish-flavored cat food. "Hyperthyroidism is the most common glandular disorder in cats," WebMD reports. "It is most frequently caused by an excessive concentration of circulating thyroxine-a thyroid hormone better known as T4-in the bloodstream."

The symptoms of cat hyperthyroidism include weight loss, increased appetite and thirst, excessive urine, hyperactivity, messy appearance, breathing difficulties, digestive problems and excessive shedding of fur. Any breed of cat can develop feline hyperthyroidism whether male or female, but in most cases, cats older than 10 are the most susceptible to the condition.

It also shared how cat hyperthyroidism is diagnosed. "In the vast majority of cases, a definitive diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is based on a simple blood test that shows elevated T4 levels in the bloodstream." The article also points out that it can be difficult to properly diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats because the T4 levels in the cat's bloodstream can fluctuate from time to time.

Fortunately, there are available treatments for hyperthyroidism in cats. Antithyroid medication which can correct hyperthyroidism in cats within three weeks is the most common treatment option. Surgery is also an available treatment which involves surgically removing the benign tumor in the cat's thyroid gland. The safest method of treating cat hyperthyroidism is the effective but pricey Radioactive Iodine Therapy, which involves injecting chemicals into the cat in order to destroy the hyperactive tissues.