Briquette (18yr):ALT 498 & t4 over 7-hyperthyroid-advice?

[pepperthecat1969]

Ok my grandma-briquette has been diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism today. I was no able to talk to the vet (bummer) today.. he left a message but I will be first thing on monday morning.

Briquette's results that I know from my voicemail:

t4: over 7 since the clinic's test only runs to 7 her t4 could be much much higher.
Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT): 498!! Normal is 12-130.
Urine- I will try to collect tomorrow to drop off monday at the clinic.

eating a small amount.. haven't seen her drink.. going outside, running around.

I did request to join feline-hyper T on yahoo pet groups.

Any advice?

 

[chriscleo]

Re: Briquette (18yr):ALT 498 & t4 over 7-hyperthyroid-advice

they'll probably start her on 1/2 of a 5mg tablet methimazole every 12 hours, then retest (check thyroid/kidneys). normally they increase the dose slowly. it works pretty nicely.

i remember when cleo first got sick we were praying for thyroid rather than diabetes, as thyroid is even easier to treat. the pill and radiation surgery often work phenomenally (my cat harry has hyperT). just take a deep breath and jump in. (((Hugs)))

the high alt is probably directly attributable to her not eating enough, causing her liver distress. thevetmarket.com has the lowest price denamarin pills i know (smallest size, which is for cats and small dogs). it's a good supplement for liver trouble from not eating, and if the pill is too large for your cat you can cut it in half or quarters. if you cut the pill (or even once you remove it from the foil), it needs to be given right away because it starts losing effectiveness when exposed to light/heat. i roll each piece in part of a pill pocket covered in fortiflora to get her to eat it, or chased by a squirt or two of water to get it down easier. but the main cure for a fatty liver from inappetance is getting your cat to eat, even if it's via syringe feeding food watered down. hoping once the methimazole kicks in she'll eat better, too.

 

[BJM]

Re: Briquette (18yr):ALT 498 & t4 over 7-hyperthyroid-advice

i had a hyperthyroid cat on methimazole for 5 years - it works well for that.

Note: sometimes, slowing the thyroid back down to normal may unmask renal disease, especially in a senior cat (it did in mine). I encourage you to do some reading about feeding in chronic renal failure to - it'll be a slight modification of what you do for diabetes, as you have to watch the phosphorus levels.

You may have gone to this link already, but just in case http://catinfo.org

 

[pepperthecat1969]

Re: Briquette (18yr):ALT 498 & t4 over 7-hyperthyroid-advice

Thank you. I will definitely discuss both recommendations with my vet. He is very open to listening and hearing what others on this board have found to work for their feline loved ones.

I feel the same as I did when I found out Khan had diabetes... just sort of a blank slate that is really wanting ALL the correct information. When it comes to feeding the renal cat it is difficult - at least so far the last week it has been. I believe part of her (briquette's) bad numbers are due to her not eating as well as her doing everything she can to get at Khan's Fancy Feast food. i did mix in some Fancy Feast minced with her renal food that was on clearance..makes me wonder if the food was bad. Say prayers I can get her to pee for me so I can bring in the urine sample tomorrow morning.

I did sign up for the feline-hyper-T board on yahoo. I'm kinda not too thrilled to run on two boards since I like things as simple as possible.

I really appreciate the support. I know in my heart I will have to say good-bye to my senior felines some day.. and I believe (sure hope I'm wrong) one-2 will go to the rainbow bridge within the year but until that day I am determined to do everything I can to help each one have a healthy happy life. sometimes it is hard to deal with having more than 1 cat being sick..with this board I am connected to other cat lovers like myself and it makes decisions more solid and acceptable. My son is 3 and he has already been through one loss of Maggie (breast cancer) a few months back.. As long as he sees mom walk her talk with a positive attitude (and yes there are tears) I believe he will learn what being compassionate is towards animals.

what I need to get done is my profile information on my cats-specifically my diabetic -Khan lab results.