PBDEs and Feline Hyperthyroidism
Thursday August 16, 2007
What the heck are PBDEs? They are polybromonated diphenyl ether, used as flame-retardant in dozens of household items: carpet padding, upholstered furniture, and electronics. What the heck do they have to do with hyperthyroidism in cats? A recent study by environmentalists has found 20- 100x the amount of PBDEs in the blood serum of a group of 23 cats than the median of the human population of North America. Of those 23 cats, 11 had hyperthyroidism. Scientists involved in the study believe that it is not coincidental that the rise in hyperthyroid cats has occurred since 1970, when PBDEs first started being used. As with other environmental toxins, it is believed that cats' propensity for cleanliness leads to the ingestion of PBDEs, thus they have been likened to "canaries in coal mines" as indicators of high amounts of PBDEs in the home environment.
In the wake of the pet food recalls this year, it is disquieting to note that PBDEs are also occur in fish, to the degree that environmentalists are now concerned about the potential effect on human health.
In that my special cat Bubba died in 2005 after a two-year battle with hyperthyroidism, I will be watching for the aftermath of these studies, as will hundreds of other cat lovers with hyperthyroid cats. For now, I will also cut way back on the amount of fish in my cats' diet.
Photo Credits: Top left: Bubba in healthy years. Above right: Bubba with Dr. Van Vechten, prior to radioactive iodine treatment. © Franny Syufy
Comments
This is the second time I saw this today. It was also in the newspaper!
I have also read of increased levels of hyperthyroidism in cats who eat mostly canned cat food. According to the article I read, they thought this was due to chemicals leaching into the food from the lining of the can.
I had a cat that was hyperthyroid but she lived to be 18 years old, when the disease finally took its toll. I gave her tapazole everyday, and had to adjust the dose with the vet. I was always feeding her and giving her water, but she still lost weight, and got so weak, that I had to have her euthanized.
Thanks for the info… Since the pet food scare I have been very careful and now only buy Sheba for canned food - (Great price at Target. 8 good size cans for about 8.24) and Science Diet from the vet. Any fish, I use is Science Diet fro, the vet and they are thriving and healthy. Thanks again on your attention to our kitties health. Really enjoy your column. lois
PDBE’s are very problematic substances, that is nothing new. Just another reminder how toxic the average home and office environment has become, for humans and cats. I always hated the infamous american carpet, and ripping it out was the first act after moving into a new place. I equally hate the type of upholstery most people use. The teflon “protection” the upholstery and carpeting gets is another thing. Spraying for ‘bugs”- another dangerous nonsense. The top worst thing, present just about everywhere, are the toxic air “”fresheners “”.