Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Iodine-restricted diet effects on cats with hyperthyroidism
By van der Kooij, Marieke et al.·Published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery·2013·Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Utrecht University, the Netherlands, Netherlands·View original on Crossref →
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Original publication title: Effects of an iodine-restricted food on client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A group of 225 cats with hyperthyroidism (a condition where the thyroid gland is overactive) were switched to a special iodine-restricted diet to see if it would help lower their thyroid hormone levels and improve their symptoms. After just four weeks, many of the cats showed significant improvements: their thyroid hormone levels dropped into the normal range, and symptoms like vomiting, increased thirst, and weight loss improved. The diet was well-tolerated, with no side effects reported. This diet can be a good option for both newly diagnosed cats and those already on medication.
People also search for: cat hyperthyroidism diet · iodine-restricted food for cats · how to manage cat thyroid problems
Abstract
The objective of this prospective, multicentre, non-controlled, open-label study was to evaluate the effects of an iodine-restricted food on circulating total thyroxine (TT4) concentrations and clinical parameters in client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism. Two hundred and twenty-five cats were enrolled in the study and adapted to the iodine-restricted food. Data from physical examinations, questionnaires completed by veterinarians and owners, and circulating concentrations of TT4, urea and creatinine were recorded at weeks 0, 4 and 8. The study group included 136 female and 89 male cats (median age 15 years, range 4–21 years). Group 1 (n = 113) had been on previous anti-thyroid medication, while group 2 (n = 112) consisted of newly diagnosed cats. No differences were found between the two groups at any time point. Circulating TT4 concentrations had decreased ( P <0.0001) at week 4 and did not change significantly from week 4 to week 8. Circulating TT4 concentration was within the reference range in 56/88 cats at week 4 and in 51/68 cats at week 8. Clinical parameters (vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, hyperactivity, polyphagia, weight loss, hair coat quality, and quality of life) had improved ( P <0.0001) by week 4. Circulating creatinine concentration decreased ( P = 0.001) from week 0 to week 4. Side effects associated with feeding the iodine-restricted food were not observed. In conclusion, in client-owned cats with hyperthyroidism an iodine-restricted food is a valuable management option to normalise circulating TT4 concentrations, and improve clinical signs of hyperthyroidism within 4 weeks. This applies to newly diagnosed cats, as well as to previously diagnosed cats receiving anti-thyroid drugs.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Crossref: https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612x13512627