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As my CatMom is always concerned for my well-being and happiness, she decided to take me to the vet to be checked out, to make sure that we knew what was going on in my precious little system.  She was worried that at my age (14 ½ years) that I might be diabetic or have kidney disease.  After quite a struggle and a conflict of wills, my CatMom finally got me in the pet carrier to go to the vet.  I’ve never liked the pet carrier, because good things never really happen when that thing is around.  The last time I saw the pet carrier, Sweetie was in it, and never came home.  I looked for Sweetie for several days, but sadly, I am now the only cat.

Anyway, after three tries, my CatMom got me in the carrier and put me in the car.  I cried all the way to the vet’s office, because I was scared and I don’t like riding in the car.  I’m not a dog, you know.  At the vet’s office, I continued to voice my discontent, but no one really paid any attention to my stressful situation.  Everyone told me what a handsome boy I was, and how they were going to help me feel better, but I still had a hard time believing that anything good could come from this situation.  They weighed me – I was 9 pounds, two ounces – and my CatMom said that I had lost about two pounds. 

The vet came and looked at me, listened to my heart, felt around my abdomen, looked in my mouth, looked at my ears, said I had a “full bladder”, and that they needed to take some blood tests and do a “urinalysis”.  The vet tech came and took me in the back – I guess so my CatMom wouldn’t cry while they were examining me further – she can be such a wimp.  They said the blood tests could tell them if I was diabetic or had kidney problems, as well as if there was any bladder infection, or other problems.  Test results would be back the next day, and then they would decide the best course of action to take.  I was happy to get back into my pet carrier at that point, but still cried all the way home in the car.  Once I was home, things went back to normal quickly, and I was playing in the sink trying to drink more water, drank out of my Drinkwell fountain, demanded my dinner, and then settled in for a nice long petting and brushing session.

The next day, my CatMom called the vet’s office to find out my test results.  I was not diabetic. (Yippee!!), and my kidney function, while at the high end of the normal range, was not a major concern at this time.  However, the blood tests showed that my thyroid was doing “crazy” things, and that I was exhibiting signs of FELINE HYPERTHYROIDISM.  My thyroid hormone, T₄, was very elevated. This didn’t sound good to me, and my CatMom immediately went on the internet to check out this condition from as many resources as she could find.

The following is some of the information available about my condition, based on material written by Ernest E. Ward Jr., DVM. There are several other resources available as well, and most, if not, all, are in general conformity with this information.  Keep these things in mind with your baby, especially if they are a “senior”.

Feline Hyperthyroidism is connected with the thyroid glands what are located in the neck and play a vital role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate.  Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that is characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and subsequent increase in the metabolic rate.  This is one of the most common diseases in older cats.  Although the thyroid gland enlarges, it is usually a non-malignant change (98%), with less than 2% of cases involving any malignant thyroid gland tumors.

The problem with this disease is that it affects many internal organs, and so it can’t be ignored.  One of the first organs affected is the heart, which is stimulated to pump faster and more forcefully, leading eventually to an enlarged heart to meet the increased demand for blood flow.  This increased pumping can lead to high blood pressure in about 25% of cats with hyperthyroidism, so this is scary.  It can also lead to thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.  Now, I don’t know the difference in the various forms of cardiomyopathy, which is where the heart muscle thickens and enlarges, but I do know that this is one of the major problems that Sweetie evidenced when she went to the vet in May.  So, suffice it to say, both my CatMom and I are pretty scared.

They say that the typical cat with hyperthyroidism is middle-aged or older, with an average age of onset being about 12 years.  The most consistent finding with this disease is weight loss secondary to the increased rate of metabolism.  The weight loss may be so gradual that some pet parents will not realize it has occurred. Affected cats often drink a lot of water and frequently urinate (which were my classic signs), and there may be some periodic vomiting or diarrhea.  Sometimes, the hair coat may be unkempt, if they don’t feel like grooming, and some cats will also develop anorexia as the disease progresses. 

There are three treatment options for hyperthyroidism, and most can be very successful.  However, the problem is finding the best choice for the individual cat.  That is the process we are going through right now, and will decide how best to proceed in the future. I have to go back to the vet in three weeks to have my T₄ level checked again. (I don’t even want to think about another trip to the vet, but I know that I’ll probably be dragged there anyway.)

1.  Oral medication.  Methimazole is the first line treatment, which can control the effects of the overactive thyroid gland.  Some cats have a reaction to the drug, but less than 20% have side effects that require the discontinuation of this therapy.  This drug does not destroy the abnormal thyroid tissue, but rather prevents the production of excess thyroid hormone.  If this course of action is decided upon, the drug must be given for the remainder of the cat’s life.  Periodic blood tests must be done. This treatment is most appropriate for the cat that is a poor surgical risk due to other health problems or is exceptionally old. This drug is also used to stabilize the cat for a few weeks if the cat is at an increased surgical risk because of the possibility of cardiac complications.  The problem with this course of action is that Methimazole comes in three forms – pill, liquid, or transdermal gel.  They prescribed pills for me, and I’m supposed to take them twice a day.  However, I am not a “fan” of pills, and I fight my CatMom – tooth and nail – to not take the pills.  I’ve also been known to take the pill, but then immediately spit it back out, and then will not let my CatMom catch me again.  She has tried hiding the pill in my food, but I generally just eat around the pill, and leave it in the bowl.  She has tried “Feline Greenies Pill Pockets”, which worked twice, but now I am leery of the pill pockets and will not take them as a treat anymore.  The liquid form would probably not work well for me, as I would definitely squirm and not let my CatMom put a syringe in my mouth.  The vet said that the transdermal gel is not as effective as the other forms of the medication, but if I continue to fight with my CatMom over the pills, this may be the best option.  The transdermal gel has to be applied to a hairless part of the body, so they generally rub the gel on the inside of the ear.  I like having my ears rubbed, so this may be the way to go, as this would result in less stress on both me and my CatMom.
2.  Radioactive iodine.  This is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism, as the radioactive iodine is given by injection and destroys all abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs.  The downside of this treatment is that the patients remain hospitalized for one to six weeks in isolation, until the radioactive levels recede, and only a limited number of veterinary hospitals are licensed to administer this therapy.  This is the most expensive option, which I know doesn’t matter to my CatMom, but I don’t think I could take up to two or three weeks in isolation in a vet hospital filled with strangers.  I think my stress level would go through the roof, and it might cause more harm than good. 

3. Surgery.  Surgical removal of the affected thyroid lobe is also a very effective treatment, although, as most cats with this disease are usually over eight years of age, there is always a degree of risk involved in any type of surgery.  According to various studies, if the cat is otherwise healthy, the risk should be lower.  If surgery is the treatment method chosen, the cat is usually treated with the oral medication for several weeks prior to the operation.  During that time, the appetite should return to normal, and the cat will probably gain some weight.  If the cat has a very fast heart rate and high blood pressure, other medication may be necessary before surgery.  Another T₄ hormone check is made prior to surgery after being on the oral medication for a few weeks.  The cat is generally hospitalized for one night following surgery and returns home feeling quite well.  Eating should be normal after returning home.  We may talk about this option in the future, but at my age – 14 ½ years – I might be a “high risk” kitty, and my CatMom wouldn’t want to take the chance of losing me. 

We’ll have to see how this goes, but I know that my CatMom will do everything in her power to get me healthy again.  If we could just work out how to happily administer the pills, life would be much easier.  I’m thinking that the transdermal gel in the ear might be a good option. 

Do any of you have any experience with these treatments?  Can you give us any help or guidance?  We are open to all suggestions, and would love to hear what any of you have been through with this disease.  Please contact my CatMom, Anne @ anne@topcatpetproducts.com with any advice or insight.  We’re counting on your support, and will keep you posted on my condition as we move forward.

                                                          MAY/JUNE 2010 PET TIP:

                LOVE YOUR PET AS IF THERE IS NO TOMORROW


Remember that everyday shared with your pet is a gift.  Don't ever take if for granted that there will be time later to show them how much you love them.  In a heartbeat, they can be lost to you, and you will be filled with sorrow.  Take the time today, for that extra play session, that extra grooming session, that extra quality lap time, that extra kiss on the head, that extra petting time, that extra mellow one-on-one time, or even a few extra treats.  The bond you share with your baby is very special, and they deserve our love, attention and devotion, just as they show their unconditional love to us.  Celebrate the bond you share, it is one of the most fulfilling relationships you will ever have.          
                                

• Keep your pet safe when you take them on outings with you.  For dense-body type dogs, such as Bulldogs,  Bassett Hounds, Corgis, etc., be sure to outfit them with a life vest/life jacket if they will be in or on the water.  These dogs have a very difficult time swimming, as they have a tendency to sink like a rock, due to their heavy bone structure.  If they are going boating with you, the safest thing to do is put a life jacket on them, just as you would with your children.
• You might also want to consider a safety vest (reflective orange vest) for those that take their dogs for a walk at night.  These vests will reflect the car headlights, so that drivers see you and your pet more clearly. Don't take a chance with you or your pet.
• If you love to take your dog for nice long walks or jogs  in the woods, along the lakes or rivers of this great country, or anywhere where there are outdoor activities, be sure to have something to provide your pet with water.  Our Pet Canteens by Drinkwell provide you and your pet with the option of fresh water wherever you are.  The pet canteens have a convenient shoulder strap, and you can put any unused water back into the canteen so there is no waste.  You know how your dog pants when they get warm and after exercise, be sure to keep them hydrated during the hot summer months for their own well-being.
• Everyone already knows this, but just as a reminder - Never leave your pet in a closed-up car, even, if you crack open the windows.  Temperatures can climb rapidly, and you don't want to expose your pet to heat exhaustion or worse.
• Don't forget to provide your pet with flea/tick protection if they are in the great outdoors.  And a heartworm preventative is especially important in areas of the country where there are mosquitoes.  You can get those items from 1-800-PetMeds through our site by clicking on any of their ads.