Jaime's story - TBD what's going on

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Amy's Jaime

Amy's Jaime

Member Since 2015
So my Jamie is 15 and in the last few months he's been losing weight. Other things I noticed included dandruff, a tendency to sleep A LOT, drinking frequently and for a long time, eating more than usual, as well as complaining for no apparent reason. Last week Sunday he really scared the heck out of me. He started to have weakness in his hind quarters. After terrifying myself with an internet diagnosis (diabetes is suspected) off to the vet we went.

So far they did a "Senior Health" blood and urine panel. I was supposed to get the results on Tues, but got a call saying they asked the lab to re-test because of inconsistencies. Last night the Dr. called and said they are asking the lab to verify it's a cat's blood they are testing!! So what is this?

The Dr. said the urine panel came back normal - concentration is good and no other indicators. The blood work (chemistry?) is the puzzle since the test that should show the thyroid is showing hypothyroidism - which is "very rare" in cats according to the vet. It's so rare the Dr. thought the lab mixed up samples and is testing the blood of a dog. I'll go back in today to get another draw. She did, however, say that the other parts of the panel are within normal ranges....

While the lab saga continues - I've removed all dry food from his diet, am feeding twice a day (I work long hours) with more quantity. Since Sunday and his diet change, his back legs have improved, he's back to telling me when it's breakfast time and he is antagonizing the dog.

My question to the group - has anyone heard of this hypothyroid condition?
 
I only have personal experience with hyperthyroid condition, so I can't be much help on this one. Sounds like you are going though a lot right now with Jamie. I hope that a repeat blood panel will help with diagnosis and you can get a plan for treatment. great job removing all the dry food!!! Rudy has weak back legs and we give him B12 shots .5ml twice a week. He went from not being able to do stairs at all to doing them several times a day now :-)
 
Amy's Jaime said:
My question to the group - has anyone heard of this hypothyroid condition?
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Yes, Amy, have heard of it - and is true that it's rare in cats (as compared to hyperthyroidism). Am sorry to hear about the snafu at the lab with his blood panel; I'm certain that the redo will help the vet figure out exactly what's going on with Jamie. Please let us know what you find out - we're here to help you if we can!:) - Robin
 
I have learned that just because something is very rare in the population, it doesn't mean much on an individual basis. My cat had something that there's only been 1 other reported case (from the 1970s) in the veterinary literature. Please don't panic. If it's treatable (which I think hypothyroid would be?), it's absolutely worth getting to the bottom of it. And your vet might write up info on your cat's case, which could help other cats in the future.
Sending positive thoughts to you and your kitty.
 
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