What is total T4 in cats?
The T4 (total T4 or thyroxine) test is a diagnostic test for hyperthyroidism. It is also useful as a screening test for hypothyroidism and for monitoring treatment with methimazole. T4 concentrations can be affected by medications, disease states, and nutrition.
What is high T4 in cats?
Also called thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones (known as T3 and T4) from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cat’s neck. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma.
What is a normal T4 result?
Typical results for the total T4 test in adults generally range from 5.0 to 12.0 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL). Results for children vary based on age. Talk to your doctor about the normal ranges expected for your child. There may also be some variation between labs.
What does a low T4 mean in cats?
Diagnosis of hypothyroidism in cats is typically based on measurement of thyroid hormones: low T4 levels can be suggestive of hypothyroidism. That said, if your cat is sick, note that T4 levels can be “falsely” low just from the sickness itself.
How much is a T4 test for cats?
Monitoring side effects and dosage adjustments mandates that cats be re-examined and have blood tests repeated every 3-6 months. Assuming a more practical 6-month interval and an average cost of $85 – $100 for an examination, general diagnostic and T4, the annual cost incurred would be $170 – $200.
What is normal TSH level in cats?
The limit of quantification of the canine DPC TSH assay is 0.03 ng/mL, and during my PhD studies, we determined a reference range for feline TSH in 90 apparently healthy older cats (> 8 y) of < 0.03–0.15 ng/mL (1,2,4).
What is a high free T4 level?
The normal range for free T 4 in adults is 0.8 to 1.8 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). A level of free T 4 that is higher than normal could mean you have an overactive thyroid. Conditions associated with hyperthyroidism include Graves disease, an autoimmune disorder.
What happens if T3 and T4 are high?
High amounts of T4, T3, or both can cause an excessively high metabolic rate. This is called a hypermetabolic state. When in a hypermetabolic state, you may experience a rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and hand tremors. You may also sweat a lot and develop a low tolerance for heat.
What are the symptoms of thyroid problems in cats?
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in cats?
- Increase in appetite (although appetite has also been known to decrease with hyperthyroidism)
- Loss of weight in spite of a strong appetite.
- Rise in activity sometimes to the point of hyperactivity.
- Rapid heart rate.
- Increased thirst.
- Frequent urination.
- Vomiting.
- Diarrhea.
Do cats have to fast for thyroid blood test?
Gentle fasting. If possible, do not feed your pet for about 6 hours before your appointment. Fasting helps to clear the blood of lipemia, fat droplets that appear after eating.
What causes elevated T4 levels in cats?
In the vast majority of cases, a definitive diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is based on a simple blood test that shows elevated T4 levels in the bloodstream. Unfortunately, between 2 percent and 10 percent of cats with hyperthyroidism will have normal T4 levels.
What are the normal thyroid levels for cats?
There are several indicators which may suggest hyperthyroidism, but measuring the level of the thyroid hormone is the best test. The tests commonly used are the measurement of thyroxine, which is often abbreviated as T4, and a T3 suppression test. Normal T4 ranges in cats vary from 12.87 nmol/L to 38.61 nmol/L.
What is T4 in cats?
T4 or Total Thyroxine , Thyroxin . Your dog or cat’s T4 (Total T4) is a useful screening test to detect an under-active thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) in dogs or an over-active one (hyperthyroidism) in cats.