What are the side effects of thyroid medication for cats?
The most common side effects of Felimazole reported to FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine are:
- A change in appetite (the cat’s appetite may increase or decrease),
- decreased activity level (sluggishness),
- vomiting,
- diarrhea or loose stool,
- skin lesions,
- itchy skin, especially the face, head, and neck,
How long can a cat live on thyroid medication?
Most cats that are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and are treated only with medical management will live an average of 3-5 years before dying of either heart failure or kidney failure. But, those 3-5 years can be good quality years.
Can Thiafeline tablets crush?
Do not break or crush tablets. As thiamazole is a suspected human teratogen, women of child-bearing age and pregnant women should wear gloves when handling litter of treated cats. Pregnant women should wear gloves when handling this product.
What is the best food for a cat with hyperthyroidism?
It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.
What foods should be avoided with hyperthyroidism?
A person with hyperthyroidism should avoid eating excessive amounts of iodine-rich foods, such as:
- iodized salt.
- fish and shellfish.
- seaweed or kelp.
- dairy products.
- iodine supplements.
- food products containing red dye.
- egg yolks.
- blackstrap molasses.
Are cats with hyperthyroidism in pain?
In addition, hyperthyroidism can cause hypertension or high blood pressure, and result in damage to the eyes, kidneys, and brain. Cats with untreated hyperthyroidism can also endure pain and a lower quality of life due to the symptoms of the disease.
What happens if hypothyroidism is left untreated in cats?
Elevated thyroid hormones stimulate an increased heart rate and a stronger contraction of the heart muscle, and can cause thickening of the left ventricle of the heart over time. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure.
Are cats in pain with hyperthyroidism?
Why do hyperthyroid cats vomit?
It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. Some cats develop side effects to methimazole, which may include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, fever, liver damage, anemia, and a decrease of white blood cells in the blood.