3/23 Ivy Amps 204, +2 60 Libre, +3 Lo L/95C, Pmps 400, +3 314 L/Hyperthyroid

Staci & Ivy

Staci & Ivy

Member Since 2022
3/22/24
Amps 204
+2 60 Libre
Good morning,
Decent cycles yesterday. Very green am stretch then a big bounce and then blue last night.
Some not so good news is I received the thyroid labs back and she has hyperthyroidism.
I’m just devastated since the radioactive iodine treatment requires a several day stay and I couldn’t visit her.
I don’t think she will eat if she stays in a hospital without me. Especially if she’s sedated. And since I closely monitor her glucose via the Libre, I know they won’t give the constant monitoring I give.
I just can’t imagine how she would survive a hospital stay without me helping her along.
Just feeling gutted.
:(:(:(
 
Staci & Ivy said:
Some not so good news is I received the thyroid labs back and she has hyperthyroidism.
I’m just devastated since the radioactive iodine treatment requires a several day stay and I couldn’t visit her.
I don’t think she will eat if she stays in a hospital without me. Especially if she’s sedated. And since I closely monitor her glucose via the Libre, I know they won’t give the constant monitoring I give.
I just can’t imagine how she would survive a hospital stay without me helping her along.
Click to expand...
Sorry about the DX. I think @Marje and Gracie has a kitty who had the treatment recently.
 
Oh Staci....
I am so sorry to hear about Ivy's hyperthyroidism DX.
That's just so heartbreaking.
I wonder if you could opt for something more conservative to treat Ivy - like medication methimazole.
I believe it can be transdermal (skin) application.
I know that means you will have to do it everyday, but you are such a good mom taking care of her diabetes needs anyway.
Hope you can evaluate all the options available and come to the one that makes most sense to you, Ivy and your family.
Thinking of you, Staci. Sending you love and hugs :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
Staci- what was the T4 value this time around? Looks like she’s been in the grey zone the last couple of tests.

Were you finding Ivy showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism? Usually you may see increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, greasy coat/unkempt appearance, restlessness, howling, weight loss, fast heart rate, etc. Did the vet palpate and feel an enlarged thyroid gland? I have been watching Maverick for possible thyroid issues myself, and his T4 has bobbled in and out of the grey zone, but mostly stayed in the grey, but hasn’t really been exhibiting signs of hyperT other than some weight loss, and the vet did not feel an enlarged thyroid gland.

If Ivy doesn’t have symptoms or clinic signs, I believe it may be worth repeating the T4 test. Is that what your vet suggested as well, or did they think to start treatment already?
 
I'm sorry to read that, Staci! I have a friend here whose cat had to have that treatment a few years ago. I understand your fears, and hope that there will be other options. :bighug:
 
Oh Staci, I'm sorry about the hyper diagnosis. I've been through this with many of my cats. What was her T4? Did they also do a FT4, and TSH to confirm? You could do the methimazole, I've never tried the transdermal option, I would recommend that if you do opt for the meds, the pills are very rough on the digestive system. I did find the I-131 to be the best for my catss, I have the name of an excellent radiologist. He travels to different vet clinics, that's the trick to successful treatment- the vet clinic. Making sure the technician who will be caring for the kitty is knowledgeable, and there is a large enough cage for her. PM me of you want to chat about it in detail. Sending you so much love and many hugs.....please don't despair, hyperthyroidism is very common and highly treatable- WE are the ones who stress. :bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
I’m so sorry Staci. You’re such a good momma and with all the info you get here, I just know you’ll figure out the best thing for Ivy! Take your time to study your options, I know you will….sounds like there are a few.

Thinking of you.
 
Good meowning Staci and Ivy.
I'm so very sorry to hear this news. I can't even imagine all the feelings and emotions you're trying to process at this time. I also know there's noone better to take care of Ivy and whichever treatment you choose you will do an excellent job taking care of her like you've had so far. Reading over your thread looks like there are a few options and these wonderful members are already helping and pitching in with their own experiences.
Nestle, Peanut and I are sending lots of PAWsitive vibes and tons of love your way.
We're all here for you and Ivy during this difficult time :cat::bighug::cat::bighug:

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tiffmaxee said:
Sorry she may have hyper-t. Was a full thyroid panel run including a free t4 I believe it’s called?
Click to expand...
Christie & Maverick said:
Staci- what was the T4 value this time around? Looks like she’s been in the grey zone the last couple of tests.

Were you finding Ivy showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism? Usually you may see increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, greasy coat/unkempt appearance, restlessness, howling, weight loss, fast heart rate, etc. Did the vet palpate and feel an enlarged thyroid gland? I have been watching Maverick for possible thyroid issues myself, and his T4 has bobbled in and out of the grey zone, but mostly stayed in the grey, but hasn’t really been exhibiting signs of hyperT other than some weight loss, and the vet did not feel an enlarged thyroid gland.

If Ivy doesn’t have symptoms or clinic signs, I believe it may be worth repeating the T4 test. Is that what your vet suggested as well, or did they think to start treatment already?
Click to expand...
I’ve been in touch with Staci about the hyperT and, at my recommendation, she had a full panel of free and total T4, free and total T3, and TSH done by Dr. Dodds at Hemopet which is the lab I use for Tobey (he was hyperT, treated with I131, is now hypoT) and most of the members of the groups.io Feline Thyroid Mgmt Group use. Ivey is unequivocally hyperT based on her full thyroid panel.

Christie…..Tobey did that for a year so let me know if you want to chat about what we did.

While I131 is the only cure for HyperT and we can adjust the insulin down a bit while Ivy would be in the clinic, the biggest issue is likely whether she will eat. Staci will just have to do some research into which clinics near her do the I131, how they manage diabetic cats including frequent feedings, and how they manage fractious cats. Armed with this kind of info, Staci can decide whether she wants to go that route or treat with felimazole which is not a cure and has side effects. I’ve also referred her to the Feline Thyroid Management Group as they are a truly excellent resource.

Staci…:bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug::bighug: We are all here to support you in any way we can.
 
So sorry to see this new development. :bighug:
It is heartening to see that several people here have experience with this and are also knowledgeable.
 
Thank you everyone for your kind and support in this new and mind blowing diagnosis. I will respond Tomorrow. Today was a total wash.
And… her Libre failed this afternoon adding to the crazy day. (It seems more than coincidental that the more she’s in low ranges the Libre keeps failing rather quickly). I’m not getting the length of days I usually do. I really wonder if this causes it to fail early.
So that happened and it took 2 replacements to get one running.
I think I may have done a bad job installing the first one. My mind is not focused well today :(

Headed out to dinner soon. Hoping for a peaceful night. Warm wishes to all of you :bighug::bighug::bighug:
 
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