We received a telephone call from a veterinarian that diagnosed a 13-year old cat with hyperthyroidism. The cat had an adverse drug reaction to Methimazole, the standard medical treatment for this condition. The owner could not afford radioactive iodine therapy, the chemotherapy treatment for a thyroid tumor. Thus both owner and veterinarian were faced with the dilemma: how do you treat feline hyperthyroidism when conventional treatments are not an option? 

More options, better outcomes 

Cats with hyperthyroidism have physiologic stress from high blood pressure, accelerated metabolic rate, and nervous activity. Their diet needs to be fortified more than a healthy cat who only needs a maintenance diet. One role of the holistic veterinarian is to provide more treatment options that are shown through research or experience to be safe and effective. Dr. Kruesi outlined a 5-step home care plan that focused on nutritional support.

1.  Change the diet

If the cat stays on the same pet food it is very unlikely her condition will improve. A restricted diet of one pet food is convenient but may be harmful if it leads to nutrient imbalances, deficiencies, or lacks tumor-preventive factors. In traditional Chinese medicine hyperthyroidism is commonly seen as Yin deficiency pattern and can be partly treated with 'cooling', 'moistening' foods. Dr. Kruesi recommended making a slow transition to a commercial frozen raw diet. He discussed goitrogen plant compounds found in turnips and other members of the cabbage family that inhibit synthesis of thyroid hormone. Turnips and other tumor-preventive vegetables are found in Primal Nuggets raw cat food. Not every cat is a candidate for a raw diet.

2.  Fortify the diet

Cats with overactive thyroid glands are prone to calcium loss from their bones. This can also occur in humans and animals on replacement thyroid hormone (thyroxine). Dr. Kruesi recommends fortifying the cat's diet with more minerals, vitamins, essential fatty acids and antioxidants based on current blood test results and a nutritional analysis (BioMedical Profile).

3.  Provide adrenal support

Adrenal steroid hormones are the main antagonists of the thyroid gland and thyroid hormone. Cortisol for example inhibits T4 thyroid hormone at several points including release of thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland and blocking cell membrane receptors. Many cats with hyperthyroidism have depleted their serum cholesterol levels, the main substrate for producing estrogen, progesterone, and other body-maintenance hormones. These cats can benefit from cholesterol-rich foods such as egg yolk, cream and butter, or nutritional supplements that support normal levels of steroids.

4.  Use natural medicines

There are natural medicines to treat signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism that have a wide margin of safety. Dr. Kruesi uses Chinese herbal medicines in powders or capsules for cats, and

homeopathic remedies. These are best prescribed on an individual basis so there is a known dose, treatment period, and desired measurable outcome.

5.  Monitor the patient

Every chronic medical condition needs to be monitored. For those on a tight budget, evaluating the cat's appearance, weight, body condition, heart rate, and eliminations can help build an objective comparison of the treatment's effects.

           William K. Kruesi, D.V.M.