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 Surgical Therapy
Surgery (thyroidectomy)
involves many risks including those associated with general anesthesia; and
of accidental damage to, or removal of, the tiny neighboring parathyroid
glands which can result in both immediate and/or delayed (within 1-4 days)
complications with blood calcium levels. A recent literature review has
suggested that the incidence of hypocalcemic problems post-operatively is
anywhere from 22-34% regardless of the surgical technique used. These
problems can manifest themselves in a variety of ways ranging from weakness
and muscle tremors to more violent twitching and generalized seizures.
Additionally, identifying the diseased portion of the thyroid gland in order
to remove it is not always possible. The literature shows us that at the time
of diagnosis 80% of hyperthyroid cats already have microscopic lesions in the
other thyroid gland and will develop clinical hyperthyroidism through the
growth of these lesions within 18 months. Thyroid tissue can also exist
elsewhere in the body, in which case surgery will not correct the disease and
hyperthyroidism will persist and/or recur. The estimated cost for one surgery
is $700-$1300. Many cats now come in for I-131 therapy after undergoing one
or more thyroidectomies.
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