Hyperthyroid in Cats and Treatment? Your experience please.

Question

My 10 year old cat was just diagnosed with Hyperthyroid. (She also has "high liver value") The vet says that surgery, radiation and medication are the options. I am thinking that radiation might be best because it is a cure, also more cost effective than pills. Please tell me your experience if you have had this problem with your cat and which you decided to go with, how well and how long did the cat live (number of years) after radiation or medication (pills)? Thank you so much.

Answer 1

The radiation is the best way to go as you said it is a cure and surgery is difficult because usually it is a referral surgery to a university and is dangerous. The parathyroid gland is very tiny and located under the thyroid gland and unlike the thyroid gland an animal can not live without the parathyroid gland. The radiation is an issue because you have to be careful of the radiation since it is given off in the animals saliva, f***s, and urine. This will probably be mostly the clinics problem but you might have to do some extra work. You are going to have to give pills either way. Listen and talk with your vet they will be able to determine the best route for you and your animal based on the history and what you are willing to spend.