Meet Sheldon, a 17-year-old domestic shorthair cat who proves that age is just a number! In July 2021, Sheldon's family noticed he had been losing weight despite having a completely normal appetite. Bloodwork revealed that Sheldon had hyperthyroidism, or overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland.
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in cats over the age of seven. Typical signs include weight loss despite a normal or increased appetite, excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, and a poor coat condition. If left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as heart disease and kidney damage due to high blood pressure. To diagnose hyperthyroidism, a veterinarian will palpate along the neck to check for an enlarged thyroid gland and perform blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels.
To manage his condition, Sheldon was started on Methimazole, a medication that helps regulate thyroid function. This treatment comes in tablet, liquid, and transdermal (topical) forms, making it more manageable for cats that are difficult to medicate. Other treatment options include prescription diets, such as Hill's y/d, or radioactive iodine therapy.
Sheldon's treatment plan also includes routine bloodwork, which is essential to monitor his T4 (thyroxine) levels - the main hormone produced by the thyroid - and to check for any side effects from the medication. These can include liver changes, anemia, or a drop in white blood cell production, a rare but serious complication. Once thyroid levels are under control, the veterinary team will continue monitoring to screen for any underlying kidney disease, which can sometimes be masked by hyperthyroidism and become apparent after treatment begins.
Sheldon's family reports he is now back to his usual self and thriving in his golden years. His story is a great reminder that with early intervention and regular veterinary care, senior pets can continue to live full, happy, and healthy lives.