Question:
Over many years, I have had four cats that have developed hyperthyroidism after about 12 years and died. My vet says that no one knows the cause, which seems illogical to me. So I did my own survey of pet owners and found that cats fed only dry food did not develop this disease. I switched to only dry food and then went online and found much of this disease is attributed to chemicals from the plastic lining in cans. What is your thinking?
P.O'C., St. Louis, Mo Jun 13, 2010
Answer:
I know of no reports in veterinary literature that indicate cats fed only dry food do not get hyperthyroidism. Other than the documented problems of endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenol-A (BPA) on the inner lining of cans, there are potentially more potent sources of harmful chemicals that can damage the thyroid gland, other endocrine organs and the immune system. These include dioxins and PCBs in animal fat and the bromides (which interfere with iodide uptake essential for normal thyroid function) in fire-retardant chemicals. The latter reside in most homes (in the household dust found in carpets, upholstery and comforters) and in seafood.
Bisphenols and phthalates are in plastic food and beverage containers that are polluting the oceans and, therefore, seafood worldwide. Pet-food manufacturers are phasing out the use of cans lined with the epoxy compound containing BPA, and I will provide more details in a future column.
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