Archive Case #2: Feline Hyperthyroidism

Clinical Clues

1. A 13-year-old cat is presented for weight loss despite a very good appetite.
2. Over the past few months, the owner has noticed the cat is more restless, vocal, and demanding food more often.
3. The cat has also had intermittent vomiting and increased thirst.
4. On examination, the cat is thin, tachycardic, and a small thyroid nodule is palpable in the neck.
5. Routine bloodwork shows a mild increase in liver enzymes.
6. Serum total T4 concentration is elevated above the reference interval.

Diagnosis

Feline Hyperthyroidism

Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disease of older cats. Typical findings include weight loss with polyphagia, hyperactivity, tachycardia, and elevated circulating thyroid hormone levels.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.