You & Your Pet
by Dr. Wise |
Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association
11 South Angell Street #347 · Providence, RI 02906
(401) 751-0944(401) 780-0940 · Fax · rivma@rivma.org
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My 14-year-old cat appears to have lost weight over the past several months. She eats well, but she does vomit more than in the past. Is she just getting old?
I am glad to hear that you are paying attention to the signs of your cat's weight and behavior. That can tell a veterinarian a lot when you bring your pet in for a visit.
It is true that older cats do have a gradual weight loss as they age; however, sudden weight loss could be a sign of several diseases in older cats. She could have a condition called hyperthyroidism. This disease occurs when a small, usually benign, tumor forms in one of the lobes of the thyroid gland, which lies on either side of the trachea near the larynx. This tumor produces thyroxin, the thyroid hormone. Too much thyroxin causes an increased metabolic rate.
Most affected cats have excellent appetites, but continue to lose weight. Vomiting and diarrhea may also be observed. She needs to be examined by your veterinarian. When he or she listens to her heart, changes in the heart sounds or rhythm may be found. These are suggestive of this condition.
An enlargement of the thyroid gland may also be found. The final diagnosis requires a blood test which measures the level of thyroxin in the blood. Fortunately, this disease is treatable. If your cat does have hyperthyroidism, oral medication, surgery or radioactive iodine therapy will be treatment options. Your veterinarian will discuss the pros and cons of each of those treatments. With this information you can choose the treatment that you feel is best for you and your cat. Of course, there are other conditions besides thyroid disease that can cause weight loss and vomiting in elderly cats. Thus, your veterinarian may suggest additional testing to identify the specific cause and, therefore, the treatment options available.
This information, prepared as a public service by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, answers problems Rhode Island veterinarians currently are seeing in their practices, as well as new developments in animal care. | 
