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Cats and Dogs have two thyroid glands in their neck that produce hormones that control their metabolism. The glands can become over or under active, causing hyper or hypothyroidism. If your vet suspects a thyroid disorder they will conduct a blood test, to check T3 and T4 levels as well as checking your pets blood pressure and heart rate. Many pets can live long and happy lives with thyroid disease, if it is kept under control, but regular visits to the vet and monitoring tests are often necessary.
Hyperthyroidism is most common in older cats. It is caused when the thyroid produces and releases abnormal amounts of the T3 or T4 hormone. Many cases are caused by a benign tumour called adenoma, however in rare cases can be a result of cancer. Thyroid hormones affect many of the body’s organs, and therefore thyroid disease can cause secondary conditions.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include:
• Increased appetite
• Increased thirst (and urination)
• Weight loss
• Restlessness (noisy and demanding attention)
• Lethargy
• Vomiting and diarrhoea
• Poor coat and hair loss
• A lump in the neck
• Rapid heart rate
There are a few options for treatment of hyperthyroidism including:
• Radioactive iodine therapy (via specialist referral)
• Medication
• Surgery
• Specialised prescription diets
Hypothyroidism is most common in dogs. It is when the thyroid glands are under active and don’t produce enough hormone, usually as a result of the immune system attacking the gland. Sometimes the reason for the reduction in the size of the gland is unexplainable. Hypothyroidism is quite rare in cats, although is sometimes seen as a result of some treatments for other conditions.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
• Decreased appetite
• Weight gain
• Lethargy
• Cold intolerance
• Poor coat and hair loss
• Slow hair regrowth
• Constipation
Unlike hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism is much more limited in treatment options and is contro
Happy New Year !
From all the team at Usk Vets
Merry Christmas to you and your pawfect pets! 🎄
From all of the team at Usk Vets 🐾
Today is World diabetes day. 🩸
Did you know cats and dogs can have diabetes? It is a lifelong condition, however early detection and proper treatment can allow pets to continue to lead happy lives. It’s a condition that keeps the body from producing or utilizing insulin, meaning sugar remains in the blood, and is not used for fuel. Diabetes doesn’t have a cure, but it can be controlled with medication and lifestyle changes.
Diabetes can happen at any age, most commonly cats are diagnosed over 6 years old, and dogs over 7 years old. Increased risk factors are breed, age, certain other conditions, obesity and genetics.
The most common symptoms of diabetes are:
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Weight loss
• Increased appetite
• Lethargy
If your pet is showing any symptoms of diabetes, it is important to see your vet for investigations. Diabetes is usually diagnosed by urine and blood tests. If your pet is diagnosed with diabetes your vet will prescribe the appropriate medication and monitor the condition with regular health checks and blood tests. Once a pet’s diabetes is controlled, their symptoms can disappear.
#worlddiabetesday #pets #veterinary #uskvets #usktown #cats #dogs #petdiabetesmonth
Bonfire night is fast approaching, and it can be a scary time for our pets.
Here are a few things you can do, to help keep them calm:
- Walk dogs while it’s still light out and try to offer extra exercise throughout the day.
- Try to bring cats indoors before dark, ensuring that exits are blocked so they don’t go back out.
- If possible, bring small animals inside, or cover them to reduce noise and light.
- Try to make pets a safe space to hide using extra blankets to make them feel snug and secure.
- Close windows, blinds and curtains to muffle noise and reduce light effects.
- If you able to be home with them, try to distract them with their favourite games and toys.
- Use radios and TVs to create background noise, to drown out the sound of the fireworks.
- Consider the use of anxiety relief products, such as plug-ins and calming sprays.
It is important to ensure your pets microchip details are up to date, so if they do get spooked and escape, you have the best chance of them being reunited with you.
#bonfirenight #pets #fireworks #petsafety #usktown
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We love our feline friends here at Usk vets, here's just a few of our favourite pictures of our purr-fect pals, in honour of international cat day! 🐱
#uskvets #veterinary #internationalcatday #felinefriends
