Thyroid Tumors In Cats

Hyperthyroidism is usually caused by a benign tumor called a thyroid adenoma that involves one or more often both thyroid glands.

Thyroid tumors in cats.

Hyperthyroidism in cats is a disease that s usually caused by a benign tumor within the thyroid gland. Adenocarcinoma of the thyroid is more commonly seen in older. Surgical removal of thyroid tumors has the best outcome if the mass is freely movable less than 4cm in size has not spread and can therefore be completely removed. In cats thyrotoxicosis is usually caused by a benign tumor on one or both thyroid glands.

It is responsible for the production and secretion of the hormones thyroxine t4 and triiodothyronine. The majority of cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are 10 years of age or older. Thyroid tumors can be benign or malignant and functional or nonfunctional. In most cases enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non cancerous tumor called an adenoma.

Fortunately most hyperthyroid cats have benign well encapsulated tumors that are easily removed. It is responsible for a variety of bodily functions most notably the coordination of hormones and normal metabolism adenocarcinoma of the thyroid gland is like other adenocarcinomas. Although thyroid tumors in cats are relatively rare it s nonetheless important that you look out for them particularly as your pet begins to grow older. Did you know that cats can have a hyperactive thyroid gland.

Although thyroid tumors can be cancerous the chances are less than 5 percent in cats. Feline thyroid cancer is a gradually developing cancer that is sometimes seen in older cats usually above the age of twelve. Life expectancy survival and prognosis. It grows rapidly and can metastasize to other parts of body.

The thyroid consists of two lobes of endocrine glands in the upper neck. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Aj debiasse a technician in stroudsburg pa contributed to this article. In dogs they are usually malignant and nonfunctional whereas in cats they are usually benign and functional.

Thyroid gland adenocarcinoma in cats. Also known as hyperthyroidism it s a fairly common condition in older cats. A swelling in the neck may be the only sign in a dog however a change in bark coughing difficulty swallowing facial swelling rapid breathing breathlessness weight loss and a loss of appetite are possible. One of the primary functions of this thyroid hormone is to regulate an animal s metabolism.

It can take months or years to manifest. Thyroid tumors in cats. Also called thyrotoxicosis hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones known as t3 and t4 from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat s neck. These tumors can cause a variety of different problems for your pet and may ultimately prove to be fatal if left untreated.

The importance of the thyroid gland is many fold. Cats with too much thyroid hormone have a greatly increased metabolic. Fortunately prompt treatment and recognition of a thyroid tumor will mean that you re able to eliminate it from.