Hyperthyroidism question

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Shari and Max

Member Since 2011
This is actually a question regarding my civie cat but this is the most active board I'm on and I'm hoping someone might give me a quick answer.

Does any one treat a cat for HyperT with the pill option? My civie was just diagnosed and I think I'm going to try the twice daily pill option. But I was wondering if they were small pills? I can't "pill" her but if they are small enough that I can hide them in a Temptations treat molded around them, then I think I can be pretty successful in giving them to her. I have been in the past with other meds. (She won't eat the Pill pockets - just Temptations)

Also, how bad is it if you skip a dose? If she spits out a pill, and I can't get her to take it, is it that big of a deal as long as its not a recurring issue?

I'm talking to my vet this week about the options, but it's nice to hear the experience of people who have to deal with it.

Thanks in advance!
 
I was able to dissolve the methimazole in a small bit of tasty canned food and my civvie Emmy (GA) would scarf it up. That worked until her dose got high enough to cause diarrhea, about 5 years. She was at least 18 when she crossed the Bridge.
 
She wont die from missing a dose but as with any medication, it is better if the dosing is consistent. And they usually are small pills.

I realize not everyone can afford the I-131 treatment but that would be the best option. The methimazole/tapazole is a very toxic drug to some kitties so its best to do more than just one T4 test to make sure the cat is actually hyper T especially if the cat is not symptomatic and the numbers are borderline.
http://animalendocrine.blogspot.com/2011/07/confirming-diagnosis-of-hyperthyroidism_23.html
https://ahdc.vet.cornell.edu/docs/Feline_Thyroid_Testing.pdf
 
I did do the I-131 treatment, which unmasked renal disease. This fairly common - the increased heart rate pumps blood through the kidneys faster and filters it more frequently which compensates for the impaired filtration. If you do I-131 treatment, be on the alert for signs of renal impairment - excessive urination and drinking - despite normal glucose levels.

Her electrolytes became unbalanced due to the renal compromise, and she died from seizures.
 
I did the pills with great success. My Bodger had hyperthyroidism and Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and took his pills in treats. See if your civvie will eat pill pockets. You can buy the dog ones (same exact ingredients but almost double the quanity for a similar price) and break them in to small pieces. Bodger ultimately died of a cancer tumor in his mouth.
 
Thanks for the feedback everyone. My cat is a senior kitty already showing some signs of renal issues, so I'm expecting to see more of that once we start treating the Hyperthyroidism. That's one reason I'm going with first the pills, and if that doesn't work, the transdermal gel. Either way I'm expecting some tough decisions in the near future.

Appreciate all the info.
 
Tanya's Feline CRF site has a large amount of info on renal disease. Take your time reading; there's a lot to learn.

Note: distilled water has no minerals for the body to process. Adding some to the canned food will help with hydration without giving the kidneys more work.

PS. Kiddle was a renal kitty for 5 years; you can do a lot with good diet and supportive care.
 
My civie, Phoebe, had the I-131 done and has become permanantly hypOt. That can happen as well with the pills(not permanent though) so it is important to make sure to get regular blood work checking the thyroid levels. Kind of like insulin, start low to make sure you don't pass the correct dose. Phoebe is also in renal failure and has been for 4 years,so I second what BJM said about diet and supportive care. Phoebe has only drank filtered water for the last 4 years,too. Good luck!
 
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