High fT4 (Hyperthyroidism) or Feline Hyperesthesia?

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weeble

weeble

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So, I had the test done before a bunch of people said it wasn't very diagnostic--but it came back high (60.5 when high is 50). They're recommending Felimazole @ 2.5 mg.

I'm so confused now that everyone's saying the test doesn't mean much and this is a serious medication. I also know there were other medication options (not including the I130). I'm also wondering if the test does have such a bad reputation if I shouldn't just try a holistic/food/supplement route to start.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.
 
Re: High fT4 (Hyperthyroidism) Felimazole as med?

Was it only for T4 hormone or did it also include Free T4? In my experience, it seems going by T4 is fine.

We tested my civie 18 yr. old Tigget for hyperthyroidism for over a year before the vet finally said she's high enough to put on methimazole. I suspected she was hyperthyroid the whole time because she lost a lot of weight over that year, was constantly hungry and her hair and tail got thinner. Her T4 levels were barely above normal, 66H when reference range was 55 as highest normal. Her Free T4 was normal at 43 (>50 is above normal).

We have her on HALF of a 2.5mg tablet SID. Her T4 and RBC dropped too far on a full tablet SID, so just like insulin, it's best to start low.

Her tail has filled out, but she hasn't really gained much weight back. She's active though and happier, so for 18 that's what matters to me.

I would treat with that level, especially if she has otherwise declined. One thing to keep in mind is that the reference range doesn't really account for the fact that older cats should have a lower T4 than younger cats.
 
Re: High fT4 (Hyperthyroidism) Felimazole as med?

tapazole/methimazole is a serious med but if this is the Free T4 by Equilibrium Dialysis, then it is likely accurate. My Conor was at 56 but was maintaining his weight on more food, and stayed at 56 for 3 consecutive tests.. then it went to 66 and he was losing weight and we started the meds. As Vicki stated, its best to start low, and increase as needed. Some cats can have liver problems on it.

Conor had the I-131 back in 2008 and is slightly hypOthyroid but other than that hes fine. I dont think there are any holistic ways to treat hyperT.
 
Re: High fT4 (Hyperthyroidism) Felimazole as med?

I am not aware of any holistic/food/supplement route. As you probably know, Felimazole/Tapazole/(generic - methimazole) is not tolerated by many cats. My Bailey is on transdermal methimazole and is tolerating it pretty good.
 
Re: High fT4 (Hyperthyroidism) or Feline Hyperesthesia

Well, Dr. Pierson is suggesting Feline Hyperesthesia Syndrome and not impressed with the numbers. Anyone familiar?
 
I Googled Feline Hyperesthesia (FHS) and it was what I thought. What symptoms suggest it? ALso, from the value reported it appears that it was a Free T4. Do you have the total T4 Value?
 
The T4 is 2.6 where .8 - 4 is normal. Dr. Pierson was adamant that treatment was not appropriate with those numbers. When her opinion is added to the fact that the symptoms she's been having for a while (and I think are currently being exacerbated by a possible food allergy) seem more in line with a neurological issue, I've decided to put it on the back-burner for the moment.

For I don't know how many years, she's been a little head-shaky--I've always compared it to mild Parkinson's. This has expanded into a more generalized twitchiness. She seems to become overwhelmed with anxiety at times, making her needy and vocal--and when I play with her she doesn't lose interest like she used to--she sort of explodes chasing a string, then grabs it and carries it around yowling. I've had her since she was 3 weeks old and she's never done anything like that. She's also just kind of edgy--noises (like the clanging of putting away dishes, music or other noises from the tv) that didn't used to bother her make her jump. A vet who saw her twitches suggested they could be "pre-seizure". Her pupils are also dilated more often. She has had some on-and-off overgrooming and itching around the face, but it was never as intense as it is now, which is why I think it's a food allergy (I've recently changed her food) that's sending it into overdrive. I'm sure the fleas didn't help, but I'm not seeing as much decline in the itch as you would think after the Advantage. Certainly all the live ones are dead right now.
 
I now better understand why Dr. Pierson is leaning towards hyperthyroidism. The The T4 is probably in low grey zone and the fT4 is not that high and the symptoms are not the classical hyperthyroidism. My Bailey did not have the classical symptoms but his T4 was high.
 
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