Carefully Weigh Your Options
Homeopathic doctors prescribe medicine based on a cats diagnosis, symptoms, behavior, and preferences. Working with this type of vet can give you access to remedies that will suit your cat perfectly in order to reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and normalize thyroid function.
Other natural remedies that can be employed include herbs, nutraceuticals, and acupuncture. But the key is catching the disease in its early stages, as this will make all of these options even more effective.
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Choose A Diet Thats Less Than 10% Carbohydrate On A Dry Matter Basis
Hyperthyroidism raises your cats blood glucose levels and often leads to insulin resistance and an impaired glucose tolerance. This is a prediabetic state. Even if this doesnt advance to full diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroid cats are sensitive to sugar and require controlled levels of dietary carbohydrate.
Felimazole Medications For Cats
Hyperthyroidism is caused by an overactive thyroid gland producing excess thyroid hormones. Your veterinarian may be able to diagnose hyperthyroidism in your cat by palpating the thyroid gland, one of which is located on each side of your cat’s windpipe, but more often hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by testing that reveals elevated T4 levels. Conventional treatment depends on test results. Meawhile, homeopathy is a natural whole body treatment you can administer based on symptoms rather than test results.
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The Benefits Of A Raw Diet
Eliminate canned and dry pet food, if possible. The benefits of eating raw food are the same for cats as they are for people: Raw food boosts the immune system by giving our bodies the needed enzymes for digestion and health. Living foods give life to the body’s cells.
Older cats often get hyperthyroidism because they eventually cannot deal with all the chemicals in their aging bodies anymore and everything just goes haywire. You can try to prevent this process, however, by switching your cat to a diet of primarily raw meat. Some pet owners feed their cats pieces of free-range chicken or make a mixture of raw meats. Have you ever seen your cat chew on grass? In the wild, they would live on grasses, rodents, insects, and other meats. As an alternative, high-quality freeze-dried raw pet food is available in some pet supply stores.
Complementary Therapies How Denes Can Help
Herbal remedies & Supplements
Plant based medicines can be used on a symptomatic basis to help alleviate some of the signs of the illness. Denes Tranquil & Calm Powder can ease both the anxiety and hyperactivity symptoms seen in many cats with this illness. Where conventional drug treatment is used, we would recommend using Denes Liver Support Powder, a supplement used to support the liver and protect it against the potentially toxic side effects of the drugs used to treat this condition. We would also suggest using this supplement where there is evidence of liver disease. Where there are also kidney problems we would add Denes Kidney Support , a blend of herbal tinctures and Denes Urinary & Skin Support Capsules, a herbal medicine, both of which can be used to help the kidneys to work better.
Flower Essences
You can use the Highly Strung Flower Essence drops to calm your cat, as an alternative to using our Tranquil & Calm Powder. The drops can be added to food and can be given on a long term basis to calm your cat and ease any anxiety.
Homeopathic remedies
Skin & Coat Maintenance
Omega 3 fatty acids are useful in both preventing and in treating heart disease by improving the strength and health of heart muscle. Omega 3 fatty acids can help prevent arrhythmias, blood clots and can also lower blood pressure so are useful in managing cats with hyperthyroidism. Denes Organic Omega Oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids.
Diet
Important Note
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What Should I Feed My Hyperthyroid Cat
Whats the best diet to feed my hyperthyroid cat?
The best diet for your hyperthyroid cat satisfies his/her nutritional requirements as an aging carnivore recovering from a muscle-wasting disease, and avoids chemicals that may contribute to thyroid disease. We encourage you to read cat food labels and consider these guidelines.
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. Meat by-products are fine for carnivores: theyre simply protein sources such as organ meats and entrails that people dont find appetizing. Gravy foods tend to be high in carbs, so pates are a better choice.
Motivated cat owners may check out the website , which gives nutrient breakdown of various prescription and over-the-counter diets in the link Protein/Fat/Carbs Chart. It turns out that many of the otc canned diets have an acceptable composition of these, and are reasonably low in phosphate, i.e.:
- 40% meat protein
- < 10 % carbohydrates
- 50 % fat
- < 250 mg/100kcal phosphate
Note: these percentages are based on dry matter, metabolizable energy, unlike those on the can label
It may be best to avoid:
- SOY-containing foods
- BPA in canned food linings
- Fish
- Plastic food and water bowls
- Storing food in plastic containers
- Ultra-high or ultra low iodine diets
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The Thyroid And Iodine
According to Dr. Hamilton, prevention is very important when it comes to this disease. Chlorine and fluoride in the water supply compete with iodine in the body and adversely affect the thyroid by preventing it from utilizing iodine properly. Therefore, he recommends supplementing with kelp or other seaweed in order to ensure theres an adequate supply of iodine in your pets body to keep the thyroid functioning optimally.
At the same time, though, you need to find the right balance, as a diet high in fish, for example, can contribute to too much iodine in the body and lead to hyperthyroidism. Therefore, holistic vets typically recommend a diet thats low in iodine, free of seafood, grain and soy free, and rich in high quality animal protein and fats.
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Treatment: The Importance Of Nutrition
The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cats thyroid health.
Holistic Treatments For Hyperthyroidism
Homemade diet with restricted iodine – High levels of iodine are found in fish as well as iodized salt, sea salt, aged cheeses, egg yolk, sea-products, including kelp, cured meats, bread and pasta, molasses, soy sauce, soy milk, meats injected with flavor enhancers,and fish oils including cod liver oil. All of these need to be avoided.
Herbal supplements – Enhance your cat’s treatment with supplements that support the thyroid and the liver. Two important supplements areMilk Thistle and Thyroid Support Gold. These are safe and can be used even when the cats thyroid levels are high normal. When used in this manner, you may prevent the thyroid from becoming overactive.
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Most Fish Is Contaminated With Toxins Including Pbdes
These fire retardant chemicals were extremely popular in the late 1970s and were used to treat everything from pajamas to curtains. Because theyre known endocrine disruptors, PBDEs were essentially phased out in the United States and European Union during the early 2000s. That doesnt mean theyre not still everywhere. These toxins linger in soil, dust, waterways, human bodies, and the ocean theyre present in cans of fish-based food.
Hyperthyroid cats have higher levels of PBDEs in their bloodstream than do healthy ones.
Top 6 Best Cat Foods For Hyperthyroidism
Because theyre typically lower in carbohydrates, usually contain higher-quality protein, and are more hydrating than dry foods, all of the products on the following list are wet cat foods.
With the exception of the Hills prescription diet, these are not treatments for hyperthyroidism. Instead, they contain high levels of highly-digestible protein to maintain and restore lean muscle mass. These foods should accompany curative treatment.
If your cat has any concurrent diseases that demand a special diet, consider those needs first and talk to your veterinarian to find a food that encourages all-around health.
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Natural Remedies That Work
You may want to add selenium to your cats diet if they aresuffering from feline hyperthyroidism. It helps remove toxins from the bodyfrom the over production of thyroid hormones. Adding daily vitamins and supplements can also help alleviate some ofthe adverse effects of hyperthyroidism. CoQ10, L-carnitine and Lemon balm havebeen helpful to cats with this condition also.
If you would like to get a product that was developed by anexpert herbalist specifically for cats with hyperthyroidism, try ThyroidSupport Gold. It is made with 100% natural herbs that have proven to beeffective in treating feline hyperthyroidism. There is none of the side effectsthat traditional medicines have. It promotes balance within the thyroid gland.It consists of seven herbs that directly affect the thyroid gland. For more information, click on the ThyroidSupport Gold bottle in the right hand column.
This product has helped bring calm, peaceful nights back tomany cat households, and it should help yours as well. Many people have reported quick results fromthe supplement.
Homeopathy For Cats: What You Need To Know
Homeopathy is a medical philosophy that has many users effectively worldwide for acute diseases and chronic conditions. It is used by people but given to animals alike to cure diseases in a more natural way. The main idea of homeopathy is to cure the disease from its roots.
It does not only treat the symptoms as in conventional medicine. Homeopathy is derived from the Latin similia similibus curentur which meanslike cures like. It is based on the belief that the body can heal itself by producing the same symptoms of the ailment.
Homeopathic medicines are molecule size doses of natural substances. They come from the body system, plants, minerals, or even toxic substances. In cats, homeopathic remedies are very successful.
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Concurrent Diseases Of Hyperthyroidism
The high blood pressure and overwork of the body that feline hyperthyroidism causes can also damage the kidneys, which sadly is irreversible.
Once the thyroid hormone levels become normal, kidneys go back to working at their normal efficiency, revealing any damage. This means it is very common for kidney disease to be diagnosed after hyperthyroidism is treated, regardless of which treatment is used it is not a reaction to the chosen treatment.
Alternatives To Natural Treatment
Established, conventional methods for treating feline hyperthyroidism symptoms have a proven record of success. Some even have minimal side effects. Some of these methods include:
- Daily medication, which usually requires giving your cat a pill 1-3 times daily. This does not cure feline hyperthyroidism, but can treat symptoms effectively. However, this treatment requires frequent follow up blood tests, not to mention the stress you and your cat must endure to administer the medication. The medication can be harmful to some cats.
- Surgery, which can be effective but is very risky as cats that have feline hyperthyroidism are in poor health and may not survive the procedure. Surgery is also expensive and the cat will still require lifelong hormone therapy following the procedure. Surgery also requires an experienced surgeon, which could mean a long trip for you and your cat.
- Radioactive Iodine Therapy is considered the best option for treating feline hyperthyroidism by many veterinarians. The treatment involves a single shot followed by few days of monitoring by a veterinary professional. In most cases, only one treatment is needed to cure feline hyperthyroidism. Cats also rarely experience any side effects from radioiodine therapy.
Learn more about treatment options for your cat’s hyperthyroidism: Feline Hyperthyroidism Treatment Options.
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Hyperthyroidism In Cats: Safe And Effective Holistic Options
If you have an older cat with increased appetite, but also with weight loss then they likely have hyperthyroidism. This is a very common cat disease, primarily affecting middle aged to older cats. In this article I will explain what hyperthyroidism is, going over the most common signs and causes. I will then cover your options for treatment, including the most effective natural solutions.
This is a disease that occurs only in cats. Your cat will usually be over the age of 10. She will have an increased appetite, but will be losing weight. Her coat will be sparse. She may be urinating more often. She will have evidence of muscle loss. You may be able to feel an enlarged thyroid gland beside her Adams apple. Her heart rate will be elevated .
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland enlarges and produces an excess of thyroid hormone. This speeds up your cats entire metabolism, producing the signs of weight loss, increased appetite, elevated heart rate and often high blood pressure.
The disease is diagnosed based on a veterinary exam, and in many instances enlarged thyroid glands can be palpated on either side of your cats trachea . High heart rate, and elevated blood pressure point towards hyperthyroid disease. A chemistry panel measuring thyroid hormone can confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.
Surgery is a potential option, but based on the risks of hypocalcemia, and anesthetic concerns in older cats, it is seldom performed.
Dr Andrew J
Environment Chemicals And Thyroid Problems
I have studied some of the reasons that cats experience thyroid problems in such huge numbers. Conventional experts say that these problems are caused by the excessive production of cells in the thyroid gland. But why is the thyroid gland producing too many cells?
There is some evidence that the chemicals in our homes, foods, plastics, and in cans may contribute to this condition. Bisphenol A, known as BPA, is used as a solvent. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are used as a flame retardant. Flame retardant chemicals are often found in fish and cat food made from seafood. BPAs are found in the lining of cat food cans. These chemicals have been shown to influence abnormal cell growth in the thyroid gland.
Pet owners who are very concerned about their cats’ health, as well as their own, should consider trying to eliminate these chemicals from their lives as much as possible. Some steps to help achieve this include:
- Eliminating food in cans that have BPAs in their linings.
- Removing carpets with PBC chemicals.
- Avoiding insect sprays and chemical fertilizers.
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Here Is A List Of Recommended Homeopathy Books To Buy If You Would Like More Info:
- Homeopathic Care of Cats and Dogs: by Don Hamilton, DVM This is an excellent book! His chapters on The Nature of Disease, The Nature of Cure and Vaccinations provoke many light-bulb moments.
- Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century: by Dana Ullman
- The Homeopathic Treatment of Small Animals: by Christopher Day
- The Science of Homeopathy: George Vithoulkas A comprehensive overview
- Homeopathy: Medicine for the 21st Century: Dana Ullman An overview
Causes Of Hyperthyroidism In Cats
There are two types of tumors that cause hyperthyroidism in cats. Most cases of hyperthyroidism are due to a benign tumor called an adenoma but in rare cases, a cancerous tumor called an adenocarcinoma is the cause. Both tumors cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged but no one knows what causes either type of tumor to grow to begin with.
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Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism In Cats
If your cat is showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism, a visit to their veterinarian is warranted. The vet will perform a physical examination and obtain your cat’s history before recommending blood screening be performed. Sometimes, enlarged thyroid glands can be detected during the physical exam. The blood screening will look at how well your cat’s organs are functioning as well as measure how much thyroid hormone is being produced by your cat’s thyroid glands. If these hormone levels are high, your cat will be diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Other tests may be recommended as well to look for common complications seen with hyperthyroidism, like high blood pressure.
Prescription Diets For Cats With Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism can be managed through an iodine-restricted prescription diet, often without the use of other medical treatments. However, the effects of long-term iodine restriction on a cats health are still being studied.
Iodine levels in foods for cats with hyperthyroidism should be limited to 0.32 parts per million or less. The idea behind iodine restriction is this: since adequate iodine intake is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, strictly reducing iodine in the diet limits the amount of thyroid hormone that can be produced.
Hills Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care canned cat food is a commonly prescribed food that fits the above parameters. Its also available in a dry food versionHill’s Prescription Diet y/d Thyroid Care Original dry cat food.
It has been clinically proven that within three weeks of beginning this type of hyperthyroidism diet, levels of T4 thyroid hormones begin to decrease, and within a few months, they are often back to normal.
IMPORTANT: Cats who are being treated for hyperthyroidism with an iodine-restricted diet CANNOT be fed anything other than their prescription food.
This means absolutely no treats, no people food, and no scavenging or hunting. Any food other than the prescribed diet could ruin the careful balance of iodine intake necessary to improve hormone levels.
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Western Treatments For Hyperthyroidism
Radioactive iodine. To receive this treatment your cat would have to go to a specialist center and be hospitalized for 3 to 7 days. The medication kills off the thyroid gland so the condition goes away. This is the most effective conventional treatment but it is costly.
Surgery – This is not done very frequently anymore with the availability of radioactive iodine but this was the standard treatment and is still done.
Medication – Tapazole is the most common medication used although there are others. This medication can cause problems with the cats blood, liver disease, decreased appetite, lethargy and vomiting. There is also a warning for humans giving this medication to wear gloves and not break the pills as there can be side effects in people.