What does a high free T4 mean in cats?

hyperthyroid
Free T4 (FT4) is the non-protein bound thyroxine present in the blood. Measuring FT4 can help determine if cats with high-normal or borderline total T4 levels are normal or hyperthyroid. The equilibrium dialysis (ED) method is the only assay used for testing feline samples in this lab.

What do T4 levels mean in a cats blood work?

The majority of cases of hyperthyroidism can be diagnosed with a single blood test that measures the total thyroxine (T4) concentration. Because hyperthyroidism in cats is due to the excess production of thyroid hormones (primarily T4), the blood T4 concentration is usually noticeably elevated in cats with the disease.

What is ideal free T4 level?

FT4 normal values are 0.7 to 1.9ng/dL. Individuals taking medications that modify thyroid hormone metabolism and those with a history of thyroid cancer or pituitary disease may be optimally managed with a different normal FT4 range.

What is a high thyroid level in a cat?

What are the signs of hyperthyroidism in cats? The most common sign of hyperthyroidism in cats is weight loss despite an increased appetite. Other common signs include vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, drinking and urinating more than normal, and an unkempt hair coat.

What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?

The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),2 and 48 months (iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).

What is considered a high level of T4?

T4: thyroxine tests for hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, and used to monitor treatment of thyroid disorders. Low T4 is seen with hypothyroidism, whereas high T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism. Normal range for an adult: 5.0 – 11.0 ug/dL (micrograms per deciliter of blood).

What is a high thyroid level in cats?

What is considered a dangerously high T4 level?

9 and 2.4 nanograms per deciliter. Total T4 tends to vary more with age. An abnormally high T4 level may indicate hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, or goiter. It may lead to additional tests for Graves’ disease.

What is considered a high T4 level in cats?

T4 levels greater than 48 nmol/litre indicated inadequate treatment or untreated hyperthyroidism, T4 levels ranging between 35–45 nmol/litre required clinical assessments, while T4 levels less than 13 nmol/litre indicated hypothyroidism or over dosing of medication (Quantum Vet Diagnostics, 2019).

Should I euthanize my cat with hyperthyroidism?

For example, if your cat is in the early stages of hyperthyroidism and responds well to treatment, it may have a good quality of life for several years. But if your cat is in the late, painful stages of the disease and declining in health, euthanasia may be the best option.

What is considered a dangerously 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 is the difference between free T4 and T4?

T4 TESTS T4 is the main form of thyroid hormone circulating in the blood. A Total T4 measures the bound and free hormone and can change when binding proteins differ (see above). A Free T4 measures what is not bound and able to enter and affect the body tissues.

What are the symptoms of a cat with thyroid problems?

Symptoms can include:

• Weight loss despite an increased, sometimes insatiable appetite.
• Increased thirst.
• Increased urination (sometimes in inappropriate places like outside of the litter box)
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Restlessness/hyperactivity.
• Aggressive behavior.
• Difficulty breathing.

What are the final stages of hyperthyroidism in cats?

Over time, this progresses to increased blood pressure, severe weight loss, heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. The slow onset of signs means that cat owners will often miss these changes until the late stages of disease.

Is T4 14 high?

In adults, normal levels of total T4 range from 5–12 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl) of blood. Normal levels of free T4 range from 0.8–1.8 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl) of blood.

What is the best food for cats with thyroid problems?

It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.

Should I put my cat down if he has hyperthyroidism?

When to put a cat to sleep with hyperthyroidism is a heartbreaking decision. If your cat is in pain and has lost a lot of weight or declining health, then it may be time to consider euthanasia. If your cat, however, is still relatively healthy and comfortable, then you may want to wait a little longer.

What is considered a high T4 level?

Low T4 is seen with hypothyroidism, whereas high T4 levels may indicate hyperthyroidism. Normal range for an adult: 5.0 – 11.0 ug/dL (micrograms per deciliter of blood).

Is free T4 0.9 Low?

The normal values of free T4 range from 0.9 to 2.3 ng/dL. If your values are lower than 0.9; then, it may be caused by hypothyroidism, severe acute illnesses, malnutrition, fasting, or using some medications. If your results are above 2.3; then, it may be due to hyperthyroidism.

Is 1.02 Low for free T4?

The normal range for total T4—both free and bound—varies by laboratory, but the usual range is 4.6 to 11.2 mcg/dL.

Is tuna good for cats with hyperthyroidism?

Don’t use fish prepared for humans or fish-based cat foods as your cat’s primary diet. If you feed your cat tuna fish, use chunk light in water rather than albacore, which has higher mercury levels.

Is 1.0 T4 free low?

Is a free T4 level of 1.0 Low?

Is 1.14 free T4 normal?

In adults, normal levels of total T4 range from 5–12 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dl) of blood. Normal levels of free T4 range from 0.8–1.8 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl) of blood. Normal T4 levels also vary across trimesters of pregnancy.