Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Liver disease, heart disease, neurological diseases and lung disease are
also found in senior cats, but their frequency is greater in geriatric
humans than in cats.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is very common in senior cats and is usually the result
of a benign growth on one or both of a cat's thyroid glands, which are
located in the neck. The thyroid glands produce hormones that affect
general metabolism and organ function, and overactive glands make
excessive levels of hormones.
Hyperthyroid cats produce too much of the thyroid hormones.
They can have ravenous appetites but still lose weight. They may have
rapid heart rates, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), vomiting and diar-
rhea.This disorder is diagnosed by a blood test, and treatment is aimed
at suppressing the gland medically or removing the overactive tissue by
surgery or radiation. Chapter 18 contains much more information
about hyperthyroidism in cats.
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal failure is a degenerative process that slowly impairs the
important functions of the kidneys, which filter the blood and produce
urine.They are also responsible for water and electrolyte balance in the
body. Kidney function is measured through urinalysis and blood test-
ing, but these tests don't even start to indicate problems until more than
50 percent of all kidney function has been lost.
Cats with chronic renal failure typically drink a lot, urinate a lot and
lose weight. As kidney disease progresses, the cat becomes thin, dehy-
drated and develops a terrible odor from the mouth.
Treatment of chronic renal failure is aimed at maintaining an
animal's hydration and electrolyte balance as well as controlling some
secondary problems that are associated with kidney failure (these can
include anemia, dental disease and weight loss).
SOUNDS SIMILAR, BUT . . .
Don't confuse hyperthyroidism with hypothyroidism, in which the
thyroid glands produce too few hormones. Hypothyroidism is rare
in cats. Symptoms include lethargy, weight gain and a dull coat.
