Skip to content
1807 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley, CA 94709 | (510) 549-1252
Campus Veterinary Clinic
Campus Veterinary Clinic
Primary Navigation Menu
Menu
  • About Us
    • Vets and Staff
    • Hours/Contact
  • Services
    • Pet Wellness
    • Dental Care
    • Chronic Disease Management
    • Senior Care
    • Specialty Care
  • Promotions
  • Resources
  • Learn More
    • Blog
    • Newsletters

Feline hyperthyroidism and how YOU can help!

Hyperthyroidism in cats was so rare a few decades ago that it didn’t even have a name.  Now, cats are being diagnosed at an alarming rate and the direct cause is still uncertain.

That’s why Campus Veterinary Clinic is teaming up with the California Environmental Protection Agency to conduct a study and find what exactly is causing hyperthyroidism in cats.  But we need your help to uncover the possible sources of exposure of household cats to chemical contaminants.  If you’re interested in participating in the study, or want to learn more about feline hyperthyroidism, read on!

Thyroid gland illustrationQ: What is hyperthyroidism? 
A: Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is a multi-system disorder related to an increase in thyroid hormones.  Symptoms include weight loss, increased appetite, thirst and urination, increased rate of metabolism, periods of vomiting or diarrhea, hair loss and irritability.

Q: Why did hyperthyroidism cases spike in cats?
A: Cases of feline hyperthyroidism began to emerge at the same time as flame retardant foam appeared in furniture.

Q: How are flame retardant materials affecting cats?
A: Common flame retardants include Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) and chlorinated Tris (TDCPP). flame retardants graphCalifornia’s furniture flammability standard led to the use of these flame retardants in furniture foam, and as a result, Californians and California house cats have the highest PBDE serum levels in the nation. Household dust contains these flame retardants, and with cats’ grooming habits, the intake of these flame retardants is very high.

Q: What about other animals?
A: Cats, as a species, have the highest flame retardant levels. The average PBDE level in cats is 5 times higher than dogs, and almost 10 times higher than people.

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratory is collaborating with local veterinarians and radiologists to explore the presence of certain chemical contaminants (such as the PCBs, pesticides and flame retardants) in cats’ blood and in their environment: house dust and cat food.  The study will better uncover the possible sources of exposure of household pets to chemical contaminants, and provide information on the potential role of such chemical contaminants in the development of hyperthyroidism in cats.

If you would like to assist us in this research study, we will need to draw one tube of blood from your cat during their visit to the clinic.  Subsequently, research scientist, Ms. Weihong Guo, will be contacting you to obtain a sample of your house dust (from your vacuum cleaner bag) and some samples of your cat’s food.  Please print and fill out the form below, and bring it to the clinic if you wish to participate.  Call us at (510) 549-1252 if you have any additional questions!

FelineHyperthyroidism_Study Form

 

toxic logo
Reprinted from the California Department 
of Toxic
Substance Control Feline Hyperthyroidism brochure.

2013-01-22
On: January 22, 2013
In: Animal News
Tagged: environmental, feline hyperthyroidism, study
Previous Post: Question of the Week: How can I keep my pet healthy for 2013?
Next Post: February is National Pet Dental Health Month!

CVC Blog: Latest Posts

Guinness and Cider

August 19, 2019 /

Critter of the Month: Fancy

January 1, 2019 /

Campus Critter November 2018: Gypsy

November 3, 2018 /

Campus Critters June & July 2018: Butters and Puff

June 29, 2018 /

Campus Critter May 2018: Atticus

May 2, 2018 /
SJ with Julio
Campus Veterinary Clinic
4.8 4.8 stars
powered by Google
Lauren Marie
Lauren Marie
5 stars Dr. Pierson and his nurses are incredible: super helpful, thoughtful and give the extended attention that is needed to make your pet (and you) feel at ease!
Bob Hernandez
Bob Hernandez
5 stars Can’t say enough good things about the folks that work here. Always have had good experiences and are so glad we found them.
David Zee
David Zee
5 stars I have frequented Campus Veterinary Clinic for a little over four years now. I have only positive things to say about them. The reception staff are attentive, warm, and efficient. The nurses are kind and do everything they can to make your beloved pet comfortable. The doctors are knowledgeable, comprehensive with their examination, and always communicate well with you. They avoid over prescribing medication as well. My cat once had surgery here and she was very well taken care of, and they proactively followed up on her recovery. A+.
See all reviews
Write a review
1807 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
Berkeley, CA 94709
(510) 549-1252
(510) 486-1726
Mon–Fri: 7:30AM–6PM
Sat: 7:30AM–3PM
Sun: Closed
Book Appointment

© 2023 Campus Veterinary Clinic