Searching for a better treatment for your hyperthyroid cat?  Try looking in her bowl.  Thanks to a newly developed prescription pet food, managing your cat’s hyperthyroidism just got a whole lot easier.

 Hyperthyroidism—a disease caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones from enlarged glands in the neck—is now recognized as the most common endocrine system disorder in older cats. 

Traditional methods of managing the disease include medication, surgery and radioactive iodine therapy.  Oral anti-thyroid drugs are used to control hyperthyroidism and must be given daily, whereas surgical thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine therapy are designed to provide permanent solutions.  While all these options are effective, none are without risks. 

Recent studies, however, document that a fourth option now exists for hyperthyroid cats.  Research at Hill’s Pet Nutrition has found that feeding a low-iodine food decreases thyroid hormone concentrations and alleviates clinical signs of feline hyperthyroidism.

Three studies have documented the safety and efficacy of Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Feline in cats with naturally occurring hyperthyroidism.  The results of these studies support the idea that therapeutic food with dietary iodine levels at or below 0.32 parts per million provides an effective and safe therapy for hyperthyroid cats. 

Hill’s Prescription Diet y/d Feline is clinically proven to restore thyroid health in three weeks when fed as the sole source of nutrition.  It also provides complete daily nutrition, including minerals and nutrients to support kidney, bladder, heart and skin health.

The Drake Center now offers Prescription Diet y/d Feline as part of the Hill’s Prescription Diet pet food line.  For more information, please call (760) 753-9393.

Feed your dog a good high quality diet. Your dog can grow from fluffy to flabby. Studies show between 25 and 40% of household pets are overweight or obese, leading to obesity-related illnesses and increased veterinary costs. Start healthy eating habits early by feeding your dog a quality kibble; be sure to consult your veterinarian on your dog food selection. Stick to dog food. Don’t feed any human foods that may be dangerous. Grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts are amount foods that can be dangerous to dogs. It is best to stick with a good quality food and treats formulated for dogs.