Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid gland, is a common problem in older cats. Initially, the extra thyroid hormone may cause cats to seem younger--they eat more and are more active. But as the disease progresses, symptoms change to include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and vomiting. Hyperthyroidism can also cause heart disease.
Traditional therapies for hyperthyroidism have involved daily medication, surgery, or irradiation of the thyroid gland. Recently, however, Hill's Pet Nutrition has released a food especially formulated to combat hyperthyroidism: Feline Prescription Diet y/d.
Feeding Prescription Diet y/d will not prevent a non-hyperthyroid cat from developing the disease. This food is only for cats that have already been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid gland. Cats with hyperthyroidism should have lower levels of thyroid hormone within three weeks of starting Prescription Diet y/d.
At this time, Prescription Diet y/d only comes as a dry food. Because it works by limiting the amount of iodine in the diet, owners are discouraged from giving their cats other types of food or treats while feeding Prescription Diet y/d.
What do you think? Will Prescription Diet y/d make it easier to manage cats with hyperthyroidism or will cat owners need to continue traditional therapies in order to keep this disease under control?
