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 Muriaticum¹ 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.

1. Natrum Muriaticum 200 C--is a homeopathic preparation of sodium chloride in a 200 C potency obtained in homeopathic pharmacy Helios, England

Study Data

Table 1. Successfully treated patients.

** 1 M potency was administered

Table 2. Unsuccessfully treated patients.

*** 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.