Page 4 - Hobe Sound Reflections - June '20

Page 4, Hobe Sound

Tip Of The TaiL

Feline Hyperthyroidism and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. is the best way to destroy the abnormal tissue without
Blood pressure can get high enough to cause retinal damaging the normal thyroid tissue. It will accumulate
Hyperthyroidism is damage resulting in sudden blindness and the heart in the abnormal tissue, only, and destroy those cells. This
a common disease seen becomes inefficient because it is enlarged and thickened procedure can only be performed at specific facilities that
in older cats caused by to compensate for the increased metabolic demands. are certified to handle radioactive medication. Because your
the over production of These common signs, especially the weight loss, will cat will literally be radioactive for a short period of time they
hormones by one or point toward hyperthyroidism to your veterinarian. On will be hospitalized and cared for in a lead lined space for
both thyroid glands. physical examination, veterinarians notice weight loss, at least 4 to 7 days. Lastly, there is a relatively new option.
The thyroid glands scruffy hair coats, enlarged thyroid glands on one or both A low iodine diet, which claims to restore thyroid health,
control the metabolism sides of your cat’s neck – usually only one gland, and is currently on the market. For this to work, only this food
of the body. The average age of diagnosis is 12 years old usually an increased heart rate. Even though the gland(s) are and nothing else can be fed. This food is a balanced diet
and is exceptionally rare in cats under 10 years old. enlarged, it is usually a benign change. Only a small number and helps support kidney health as well.
The excessive thyroid hormone causes weight loss of cases, less than 2 percent, involve a malignant cancer of There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but
due to the increased metabolism rate of the body. At first, the thyroid gland. A blood test, T4 (thyroxine), can confirm diagnosis is relatively easy and treatment is generally very
many cats are ravenous and try to eat everything in sight. hyperthyroidism. This test should be part of the bloodwork successful. Your cat will gain weight, eat normal amounts
Excessive thirst and urination is also common. As the recommended by your veterinarian every year during your of food, resolve the high blood pressure, and improve the
disease advances, vomiting occurs and less commonly, older cat’s annual examination. Occasionally, your cat will heart disease. This is only one reason it is important to
restlessness, cranky behavior, diarrhea and occasionally require ancillary blood tests to confirm hyperthyroidism, bring your cat to the veterinarian for a yearly examination
breathing problems are symptoms. The body is literally but this is rarely necessary. and annual blood tests.
burning itself out. Weight loss is the major symptom There are several options after your cat has been Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
observed. diagnosed and treatment is usually very successful. First, is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
There are two potentially serious complications if your cat can be treated with an oral medication, methimazole pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These (Tapezole). This drug is given once to twice daily and his T4 physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
complications are hypertension (high blood pressure) and kidney values are monitored. Once he is regulated, they extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
continue with Tapezole for the rest of their life or you can
esTaTe choose another treatment option. The abnormal gland(s) can care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
be removed surgically. Surgery in older pets has its inherent
risks – even though very slight, but if he is otherwise healthy, palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
surgery can be an excellent option. Radioiodine treatment at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
pLanning

QUALIFIED, MOTIVATED

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Estate Planning on page 5