3/12 Tommy's hyperthyroid!

[Cori and Tommy]

Finally get Tommy OTJ, and soon after he gets a bladder infection and a cavity, so we did a full blood panel for the teeth cleaning and they found out he's hyperthyoid! I guess cat's numbers are supposed to be between 0.8 - 4, the vet said she would have thought he would be around 2 given his age (he'll be 15 in May!), and he's at 20!!! Holy geez.....

So I guess the medicine for that is transdermal and I rub it in his ear, have to be careful to use a spatula though so I don't rub it into my fingers and give myself his medicine!

Anyone have experience with a hyperthyroid cat? Is this a forever thing or could he go back down?

As far as the OTJ goes, he got a little high when he had that bladder infection (one day he was low 100's), but he's back down cruising in the 80's.

 

[Jen and Oreo (GA)]

Aw, Cori...I sure don't but maybe post in Health?

 

[Cori and Tommy]

Thats a good idea, I'm so used to just posting in this board, I forget about the Health board!

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

It has been a while, but yes, I have had a hyperthyroid cat. One that did not have FD, but thyroid issues yes. Right now I can't remember what he tested at, but at that time our options were 1) pills, 2) surgery and 3) radiation therapy. Pills were expensive, surgery just wasn't on the top of my list, and radiation - well wow! We opted for radiation therapy, as the success rate for treatment, and prognosis was exceptionally good. Basically they radiate the thyroid, requires about a 4 day vet stay. It was successful for my kitty - no more thryrod issues - no pills, no surgery.

I can't address the treatment you have been given, it's a new one for me. But I am glad to read that you are treating it, as hyperthryroidism can lead to other major health issues, and really needs to be treated. I bet the health board could help you out too.

I wish you luck! Hopefully someone with more knowledge than me will be along to help you out. Will say though - don't worry! There are ways to deal with this, your kitty can go back down.

and CONGRATS on the otj !! that is really great.

 

[Larry and Kitties]

It is really a forever thing. Using a spatula might not be the best idea since you want to make sure you are very consistent with the application of the transdermal med. Most people use the rubber/latex/vinyl exam gloves. You can save money on the gloves by cutting the digits of the gloves and using them in pairs. I have dad two cats with hyperthyroidism and elected for radioactive iodine 131 treatment.

 

[Linda and Bear Man]

Bear Man is hyperthyroid, and takes transdermal Tapazole. It is also available in pill form, but it is more likely to cause GI upset in pill form. Transdermal tap may take longer to start having an effect. Tapazole can also cause anemia, so frequent testing of CBC is recommended when starting treatment. The dose is usually started low, then T4 is rechecked, and the doseage is increased as needed.

 

[Libby and Lucy]

I'm sorry to hear this, Cori. I've heard great things about the radiation treatment and if there's a place near you where it can be done it would be worth checking into. Otherwise I think it is a forever thing but lots of older cats have it.

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Hi Cori,

Check out this website: http://www.endopet.com/index2.html
My vet has attended lectures by Dr. Mark E. Peterson, the vet who runs this Hyperthyroid clinic (HypurrCat), and thinks very highly of him. The clinic's website is a good source of info. on I-131 treatment. Apparently it has a very good cure rate.
I don't have experience with this condition, but thought I should pass this information along to you.
Good luck with your Tommy!
Ella

 

[Cori and Tommy]

Thank you all for your help! The vet did mention wanting to check him in a month to make sure he doesn't have masked kidney problems, perhaps after a month of giving him his medicine I'll see how he's doing and then ask about radiation treatment prices.