Medical therapy of feline hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrinopathy of cats. Antithyroid medi cations and radioiodine constitute the two main medical options. Methimazol e and carbimazole are effective in most cats, but monitoring is required to assess efficacy of therapy and development of side effects. Ipodate is an oral a;gent that may be used as an alternative in some cats. Radioiodine th erapy is also highly successful, but ifs use may require prolonged hospital ization (depending on state and local ordinances). Although P-adrenergic bl ockers do not affect thyroid hormone concentration, they reverse some of th e effects of the hyperthyroid state and can be used in combination with ant ithyroid medications or surgery.