Homeopathic treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats
Imagine, your heart is pounding, you feel like it is going to explode, you feel hungry all the time and can’t keep any weight on; you are restless and can’t sleep at night. After a while, the high blood pressure affects your kidneys, you feel restless, crabby and unwell.
Welcome to the world of hyperthyroidism in cats, one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in veterinary practice
The conventional approach to treatment includes some of the following:
- Radioactive iodine injections that selectively “kill” the thyroid gland cells but also expose the whole body to radiation. You would not be able to touch your cat for a few weeks. It would be locked in isolation with minimal human contact.
- Tapazole is a conventional drug that selectively poisons the thyroid gland. It affects the liver and increases the chances of other health problems.
- Surgically removing the thyroid gland. This results in the need for supplementing the necessary thyroid hormone with another drug. There is also a risk that your cat’s parathyroid gland ( the calcium regulator ) would be damaged during the surgery and a life threatening low calcium crisis may follow.
Wondering, if there is something simpler and safer than the above treatments?
More than 10 years ago, I asked exactly the same question when my cat Mina was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.
I adopted Mina in 1992. She was a stray cat brought to the clinic where I worked. I was determined to avoid any of the above treatments for as long as I could.
I came across Natrum Muriaticum, a homeopathic remedy derived from plain and simple Sodium Chloride – common table salt. I was skeptical but decided to try it. I gave Mina 2 doses, 2 weeks apart.
My skepticism soon faded away when I started to see Mina being less cranky, her heart rate dropping back to normal and to my big surprise, the test results showed normal thyroid values. I was stunned. A homeopathic remedy made of CHEAP TABLE SALT CURED MY CAT. How crazy was that?
Because I still wasn’t convinced that I this was not a coincidence, I treated more cats and saw a very clear and predictable pattern.
Cats that responded well to this treatment were:
- middle aged (less than 12 years old)
- their T4 (thyroid hormone) values were over the normal but not more than 60mmol/l
- behavioral change usually happened within 1 – 2 weeks with cats being less cranky and their heart rate dropping to normal.
Note: Cats over 10 – 12 years of age or those with T4 hormone values over 60mmol/l did not respond well and had to be treated with Tapazole, the least damaging of the 3 conventional treatments.
Seeing these results, I decided to publish my study on hyperthyroidism in cats and my presentation was accepted at The World Small Animal Veterinary Conference. My lecture was scheduled just after another one called Supplementary, Complementary and Alternative Medicine. A SCAM in Flagrant Violation of Veterinary Ethics and Science.
It was presented by a veterinarian, who had, as I learned later, ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Apparently, he goes around the world and lectures against holistic veterinary medicine. ( I asked my Canadian born friend, what flagrant meant, he didn’t really know but we both assumed that it is something “nasty.”)
There is still a lot to clarify and explain and if you know of someone who would be willing to provide research funding for such an important and interesting study, I hope you will let me know. I have no doubt that the sponsor will not be the “Big Pill Inc.” Table salt is cheap and there is no money to be made!
My cat is now 18 years, to my amazement, her thyroid values continue to be normal. There are few other cats from the study that are still well and alive and I see them regularly.
I often wonder, how many undiscovered, inexpensive solutions there are for many medical conditions. Wouldn’t be great if there was a system of unbiased medical research in place? If we allow drug companies to control the single most important area of our lives, it is the same as making a goat a gardener?
Dr. Peter Dobias
PS:
If you have a hyperthyroid cat, please feel free to contact me at www.peterdobias.com/services. See text below for detailed data of my study.
Homeopathic treatment of feline hyperthyroidism
Peter Dobias, DVM
Dr. Dobias Healing Solutions Inc, North Vancouver, BC, contact@peterdobias.com
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most commonly diagnosed problems in cats. The most frequently used conventional treatments involve the use of methimazole or Iodine 131. The following study is a retrospective analysis of 13 cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism that were treated by using one homeopathic remedy. The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism was established based on the serum thyroxine values and clinical symptoms of increased appetite, tachycardia, weight loss and change in behaviour. A single dose of homeopathic remedy, Natrum Muriaticum 200 C, was administered upon the diagnosis and the thyroxine values were rechecked in 4 or more weeks.
The selection of the homeopathic treatment was based on the principles of classical homeopathy. Only one single remedy was used at the time of treatment and no other methods were used. A dose of the remedy was repeated only when laboratory values confirmed increased thyroxin values or if clinical signs of hyperthyroidism recurred.
The homeopathic preparation of Natrum Muriaticum[1] was administered in the form of pellets in 200c potency. There was one cat (see Table 1) that received a higher, 1M, potency later on during the treatment.
The goal of this study is to demonstrate the use, efficacy and long term effect of homeopathic treatment in cases of feline hyperthyroidism. The second goal is to compare the patients whose values had gone back to normal with the patients that did not respond to homeopathic treatment.
Results:
- A total of 13 cats were treated.
- The age at the commencement of treatment ranged from 5 to 17 years
- Thyroxine values in the treated cats ranged from 39nmol/l to 175nmol/l (normal reference range is 18-40nmol/l).
- Symptoms of hyperthyroidism seen in the treated cats included tachycardia, weight loss, restlessness and increased appetite.
- The thyroxine values of 8 cats from this group returned to normal and the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism also disappeared. The average age of these cats was 7.4 years (5 – 12 years). Their initial thyroxine values did not exceed 60 nmol/l and ranged from 39 – 59 nmol/l
- There were 5 cats that did not respond to treatment and were prescribed conventional therapy of methimazole. The average age of this group of cats was 13.8. The thyroxin values ranged from 55 – 175 nmol/l with the average of 97 nmol/l.
- One cat, the oldest in the test group, LaRue (age 17), was originally diagnosed as sick euthyroid due to an advanced stage of chronic renal insufficiency. This cat’s thyroxin value initially increased to 55 nmol/l and later returned back to normal. Unlike the other patients that responded to therapy, this cat continued to be unwell and later had to be euthanised. We have put this patient in the non-responsive group.
- All cats that responded well to therapy maintained normal thyroxin values for at least 1 year and up to 5 years. The average number of years each patient was followed was 2 years with the average frequency of administration of 1.875 doses/year.
- 1M potency was used in 1 cat where fluctuation between a normal and a hyperthyroid state was noted. This cat’s thyroxin values returned to normal and the clinical signs also resolved.
Study Data:
Table 1:
| Succesfully treated patients | ||||||||||||||||||
| Patient | Age at the start of testing | Remedy doses since beginning of Tx | Years in the study | Thyroxin levels (nmol/l) | ||||||||||||||
| Hobbs | 7 | 4 | 2.0 | 39 | 39 | 29 | 22 | 30 | 32 | 32 | ||||||||
| Calli | 7 | 4 | 2.5 | 45 | 32 | 31 | 33 | 34 | ||||||||||
| Q | 12 | 2 | 1.5 | 50 | 38 | 22 | ||||||||||||
| Mina | 9 | 6 | 5.0 | 41 | 36 | 42 | 36 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 44 | 32 | 48** | 32 | ||||
| Sita | 5 | 4 | 2.0 | 41 | 39 | 37 | 28 | |||||||||||
| Harley | 6 | 2 | 2.0 | 41 | 33 | 28 | 25 | |||||||||||
| Emily | 7 | 5 | 2.0 | 41 | 24 | 21 | 17 | |||||||||||
| Beau | 6 | 3 | 1.0 | 59 | 31 | |||||||||||||
** 1 M potency was administered
Table 2:
| Unsuccessfully treated patients | ||||||||||
| Patient | Age at the start of testing | Sex | Thyroxin levels (nmol/l) | Comments | ||||||
| Blackie | 15 | F | 175 | 145*** | Started on Methimazole prior to first visit | |||||
| Pumpkin | 8 | M | 81 | 79*** | owner declined further homeopathic treatment | |||||
| Nefer | 15 | M | 63*** | owner requested tapazole immediately | ||||||
| LaRue | 17 | M | 16 | 55*** | 17 | 33 | sikc euthyroid, renal insuficiency, euthanized later | |||
| Tia Maria | 14 | F | 112 | 100 | 13 | 45*** | 56 | 71 | sick euthyroid, poor compliance, methimazole | |
*** Methimazole started
Conclusions:
This retrospective clinical study demonstrates that Natrum Muriaticum (homeopathic preparation of sodium chloride) can be successfully used in the treatment of feline hyperthyroidism without the high cost and undesirable side effects of conventional use of Methimazole or radioactive Iodine 131. It appears that early diagnosis and the age of cats are important factors in successful treatment.
Comments:
Despite the fact that Natrum Muriaticum has proven to be effective, other homeopathic remedies may be needed in individual patients to achieve curative results. It is important to remember that proper use of homeopathic remedies is absolutely essential and treatment should only be performed by a veterinarian who has deep knowledge of the principles of classical homeopathy. I would like to emphasize that there is a tremendous need for open minded, objective and unbiased research and cooperation in the field of veterinary medicine, homeopathy, acupuncture, physiotherapy and other modalities for the sake of the health and wellbeing of the patients – our animal friends.
[1] Natrum Muriaticum 200 C – is a homeopathic preparation of sodium chloride in a 200 C potency
Tags: cat, dr peter dobias, feline hyperthyroidism, holistic treatment hyperthyroidism, homeopathic treatment, hyperthyroid, hyperthyroidisim in cats, natural treatment hyperthyroidism, thyroid condition, thyroid gland
I would like to buy a homeopathic treatment for my cat who has hyperthyroidism. I can find products in the U.S. but not in Canada. I live on Toronto’
Any advice?
Dear Maureen,
We have Natrum Muriaticum 200 C in stock, however, we can only dispense it without dosing recommendations unless we have established a client/patient relationship. The remedy can be purchased without a prescription, however, a consultation is strongly recommended. Hyperthyroidism is a serious disease and each cat should be assessed individually if possible. With gratitude,
Dr. P. Dobias
My Lexi was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. She was put on Tapazole, which she does not seem to be tolerating well. She keeps vomitting up her food within an hour of eating. In addittion she does this licky thing with her mouth as if she has peanut butter in it. I am looking for alternative treatments to the traditional tapazole. I am in florida and would like information on how I can obtain the holistic medication Natrum Muraticum……??????? Can this be co-ordinated with Lexis’ regular VET and your facility? I was going to have the radiation treatment done, but the insurance denied her coverage due to myprevious another vet making a notation on Lexis’ chart that her weight loss MAY be due to hyperthyroid. She never advised me, the pet owner, but because it was in her chart, Lexis coverage was denied stating it was a pre-exsisting illness. I want to do what is best for my Lexi…..please help me.
How do I convert my cats 4.8ug/dL T4 results to mmol/L to compare to your writing?
It is close to 48 . Your cat should be a good candidate for treatment.
Hi , the homeopathic remedy can be obtained on the web. However, I would recommend a professional guidance and consultation for this situation.
My female cat has been on Methemizol for 3 years. I have not had her levels checked for about a year. Would she be able to get off the drug with use of homeopathics? Excessive thirst and urination are two of her symptoms since diagnosis. She is 13 1/2. I would not treat her without consultation. What I understand is the Nat Mur treatment works well when first diagnosed. Is it too late for her?
It all depends on the values at the start of the treatment – please check the study data and see if you cat fits in the category of likely to respond cats.
I will check her values tomorrow. I am glad I asked this question because I did not understand the study. I thought because of her age and the use of the drug that she would not be open to the remedy. In addition if I skip a dose of the drug she does not do well. She would not withstand a long period of time without it.
Thank you,
Lucinda
Hi there,
My cat Moo Moo’s wasn’t feeling well this past week and being that he is my FIV positive kitty, I took him in right away. He had a blood test done and he is hyperthyroid (5.3). I did the research and read the studies in the journal of internal vet. medicine and I am not comfortable with the traditional treatments. Due to his age, it seems that your recomendation would be that he is not a good candidate (he is approximately 19) for this homeopathic treatment. But, I have been throught a lot with this little fighter and he is by no means a typical 19 year old. About 10 years ago, we had so many problems with his health that no one thought he would live very long. I put all the animals on raw food and supplemented him as needed and today no one believes he’s my “old” kitty. His heart sounded great to the vet and all his other organs are comfortably in normal range. Can this homeopathic treatment be harmful?
What web site can I find the name and info for this treatment?
I can’t stand to see the neighbors cat just waste away like this! It hurts
my heart every day I feed and water him. He is such a love and doesn’t deserve
this type of treatment.
Thanks
Lucinda
Antioch, CA
Lucinda, You would need to know the values of thyroid level and see if the cat is not too far gone. You may need to ask your neighbours for permission first and they need to agree. Thank you for carrying for the little fellow. I will look out for your answer.
The treatment protocol is described on line if you search for peterdobias hyperthyroidism treatment.
Dear Marie, your message is very interesting because I would have not expected a regular non-homeopathic salt work. In fact, I have never tried it and only used homeopathic remedies. As to dosing and general guidance, for liability and licensing reasons, I can give you such critical and patient specific information only in a consult which can be done long distance in conjunction with your regular vet. My experience has been that cats with T4 at 165 are unlikely to respond to homeopathic treatment, however there can be exceptions. The potency of homeopathic remedy I use is 200 C or 1 M , the dosing may be outlined in the study but varies according to the state of the patient.
My sense is that your cat also improved because you started giving “minerals” and I would highly recommend looking into http://www.greenmin.com Most hyperthyroid cats are loosing minerals because they have concurrent kidney disease and flush the electrolytes through urine.
Hello, I am treating my cat with herbs formulated for hyperthyroidism, vitamins, minerals. Fish oil. Supplements for kidney and heart. Doctor approved thyroid glandular. Raw fresh goat milk, raw and canned food, I do not feed dry food,three times WEEKLY I put a pinch of CELTIC salt in her food. Her level was way over the the treatment level for Nat Mur alone. I took her of the Methamizol two months ago, for two weeks I weened her off the med. She was on it for 3 years. She is 14 years old. After 15 days of supplements I give her a 3 day break. She has lost a couple of pounds. She is drinking less water and urination is less. (a good sign I believe) I give her a small portion of food inbetween meals if she asks for it. She is active playful and seems well enough. The drug would have eventually killed her I believe. It took a lot for me to make the switch but my heart told me it was the right thing to do.
Lu, unfortunately, I think that in this case, having her off the meds is probably more dangerous than the meds. Prevention and early checks are the key. When it gets to this point, I must say that medication is safer than the consequences of uncontrolled hyperthyroidism.
Thank you, but I believe I am controlling it. I forgot to mention the use of homeopathic for heart and kidney, as scheduled by a Vet. Prevention is the key but I was not able to prevent the condition.
I have a cat with heart desease, I am treating him naturally, I have a cat that has had a couple of seisures I am treating her naturally. And one cat with growths in her ears. All cats have been on organic natural food all their lives, and raw for the last 6 years. It has not prevented any of the above illnesses. I am not saying the diet is not important it certainly is.
Kind regards, Lucinda
Hi Dr. Dobias,
Kudos to all the good work you do. My kitty was diagnosed 1 month ago with hyperthyroidism (I believe 5.3 was his range) ad he is symptomatic…eats like a horse, losing weight, and drinks a ton of water. The vet recommended methamazole, but I wanted to try your protocol first. I gave him the 200C of Natricum Mecurium 2 weeks ago (hidden in chicken), and another this week. I haven’t noticed a difference just yet, and am wondering how long results take. At this point, I don’t know if he is too far gone to respond yet or if I should give it a little longer.
Many thanks,
Nancy
Hi Nancy, thank you. The response should normally take about 1 month, please remember that older cats are less likely to respond. It is Natrum Muriaticum , not Mecurium , I hope that you have given the right remedy
Hi Dr. Dobias,
Thanks for your response. It was Muriaticum he’d been given. I’m going to wait a few more days, but I’m afraid I may have to start him on the methamazole (sp?) my vet gave me. He’s still skinny, eats a ton, and has loose stools. I was really hoping the homeopathic treatment would work, but it may be too late.
Best,
Nancy
All I can find is 30c Nat Mur. I’m not sure how relates to the 200C you used in the study?
I find 200 C working better. We do carry it and can send you this remedy if needed.
Thank you for posting this study. Wondering how often did you administer 200C Nat Mur on the average. Couldn’t find that info in your study posted.
Thanks again!
I was wondering if you would you be so kind as to briefly give me some direction in terms of options for my 16-year-old cat?
He has hyperthyroidism, with 7.5 T4 and Free %4 of over 100. He has an underlying kidney problem (identified as early stage renal failure in 2009) and the vet thinks that his overactive thyroid caused his kidney disease to reverse itself.
My question: The vet wants to prescribe tapezol, but I hesitate because the cat is doing so well now (after a b-12 injection and some intramuscular hydration). He is not drinking too much, not yowling, and gaining weight. If we start him on the tapezol, I’m worried that it will have side effects that may be worse than the actual condition that I brought him to the vet for this week (three days of listlessness, refusal to eat, and depression – these were unprecedented).
The cat also has FIV (He was a stray cat but we finally figured out how to keep him contained in the backyard and house for the past two years).
Do you think that tapezol is the best route under these circumstances or might homeopathic treatment be better?
Thank you so much for your time.
Once every 1 – 6 months or even longer depending on the case and how the cat is doing.
Hi, I would agree here that Tapazole may unfortunately be the only solution as your cat is older, has very high T4 values and other issues.
However, it is never too late to improve her or his health but looking at the origin of these issues and see what can be done. Thyroid gland is just a small part of the body. Lots can be done.
I have a feral cat that eats a ton and is skinny as a rail. She refuses to be trapped so I cannot get her to the vet. I want to try the Nat Mur 200C but how often do you give it? This seems to be the only solution as the vet will not give me tapazole unless he can do a thyroid check.
Barbara, I would not recommend treating without knowing what is happening, there can be kidney disease, liver disease , tapeworms etc.