Hyperthyroidism is a disease of older cats (average age is 12-14 yrs old) caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormone by abnormal thyroid cells located in a (usually) benign nodule or growth in one or both thyroid glands ( 1% of hyperthyroid cats can have a malignant thyroid cancer for which 131I is the best treatment). Thyroid glands are located in the neck.

of cats have normal serum T4 (thyroid hormone) levels within 7 days of 131I. 90% have normal T4 levels by 1 month, approximately 95% have returned to normal by three months. (5 - 10% will have levels below normal (hypothyroid) but only about 0.25% will require oral thyroid hormone replacement medication) Approximately 5% will remain somewhat hyperthyroid after their initial dose. Cats with persistent hyperthyroidism can be re-treated 3 months after their initial therapy. See similar questions...

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located on either side of a cat's windpipe. The thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolism and organ function. With hyperthyroidism, the thyroid becomes overactive, and produces an excess of thyroid hormone. See similar questions...

Your veterinarian can perform blood tests to determine if your cat has hyperthyroidism. Since older cats with the most common signs of hyperthyroidism (weight loss, appetite changes and vomiting) can also have other problems such as kidney disease, diabetes and inflammatory bowel disease, a thorough physical examination, blood testing and urinalysis are usually indicated to allow diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. See similar questions...

There are three options for treating feline hyperthyroidism: medical management, surgery to remove the thyroid gland(s) and radioactive iodine (131I) therapy. Oral or transdermal antithyroid medications (Tapazole or methimazole) can be used to reduce excessive thyroid hormone secretion. These medications must be given for the rest of the cat's lifetime. See similar questions...

Actually, it isn't. The National Organization of Rare Disorders (NORD) states that "a rare disease is one which affects fewer than 200,000 people in the US." There are less than 5000 rare disorders. Among the rare disorders you may have heard of are: ulcerative colitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and multiple sclerosis. See similar questions...

My personal research and experience shows certain life situations and conditions can trigger the onset of this disease. In general this is stress, improper diet, major stress situations or a combination of these factors. In most of the cases your eyes will recover, once your tests become normal and your symptoms are under control. However there are certain methods like eye exercises, cold compress, flax seed oil, lubricating drops etc that can improve your condition and relief your pain. See similar questions...

Primarily, diagnosis is made by blood test, measuring the level of thyroxine (T4) in the blood. High T4 levels are considered indicative of hyperthyroidism. Occasionally, if results are not conclusive, a more definitive -- and costly -- test known as Free T-4 may be run. See similar questions...

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Around 50 million people in the world have epilepsy, or about 1% of the population. It is the most common serious neurological condition. See similar questions...

Its very rarity makes this question hard to answer. One study (Rosenberg 1985) of 1,500 muscle biopsy specimens found TAs in 1.0%. Another study (Niakan 1985) of 3,000 muscle biopsies detected TAs in 0.6%. These specimens were from folk with suspected muscle disease so they were already a small minority of the general population and of course not all of those with TAs have TAM. A study of children under the age of 15 in western Sweden disclosed only 1 child with TAM in a 15 year period. See similar questions...

The city has recently completed a draft Evacuation plan which will serve as an annex to the city's Emergency Operations Plan. Currently the plan is still in draft form and is undergoing review prior to adoption. The planning process included multiple segments of the community including the disabled, the transportation disadvantaged, the elderly, residents of skilled nursing facilities, and other populations needing extra attention. See similar questions...

The fastest-growing segment of the U.S. population is people age 60 and older. Abuse of elderly people is an important part of the increase in family violence. Statistics for State of Ohio, fiscal year 2007, show that more than 46 reports of adult abuse, neglect or exploitation are received each day. Like other family violence, elder abuse involves all backgrounds and cultures. It happens all over Ohio. It is rarely confined to a single event. See similar questions...

People often hear about elderly abuse in institutions, but only a small percent of elderly live in institutions. Most families don't abandon, abuse, neglect or take advantage of their elderly relatives. But studies do point to the family as the single greatest source of elder abuse. Psychological abusers are usually 50 or older. These relatives may have been looking forward to a time of personal freedom. See similar questions...

Much has been written about abuse of the elderly by strangers. However, there is a higher chance that family members will: See similar questions...