Page 9 - Martin Downs Bulletin - June '20

Martin Downs, Page 9

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Feline Hyperthyroidism hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These surgery can be an excellent option. Radioiodine treatment is

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

Kids Corner from page 8 • Madeline France, Martin County High School the school staff did not
• Johanna Cruz-Deleon, Martin County High School want to bring the struggle
County. He believed that character development starts at United Way of Martin County’s CHARACTER COUNTS! to your attention because
home, but also felt strongly that by bringing parents, teachers, program is focused on building a community of good character. they had limited resources
community leaders, and businesses together, everyone could Although highly identified with schools, CHARACTER available to test your child.
share the task of teaching young people to be responsible and COUNTS! is an initiative for people of all ages and walks Thus, they keep pushing
to live with integrity. of life and is embraced by government, law enforcement struggling kids along. You
This year, numerous nominations were received and businesses in Martin County. CHARACTER COUNTS! can have your child tested
from schools and the community. Nominations of the encourages everyone to uphold the Six Pillars of Character as now to determine why he
students are based solely on their character; those they go on with their daily lives. For more information about or she struggles.
students whose lives and achievements demonstrate an CHARACTER COUNTS!, visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org. To help your child you
enduring commitment to the Six Pillars of Character: About United Way Of Martin County need to identify what is
trustworthiness, responsibility, respect, fairness, caring United Way of Martin County’s mission is to improve causing the struggle so that you know exactly where
and citizenship. A panel of judges from the community lives by mobilizing the caring power of our community. to target support. Testing your child can identify your
made the final selection based upon the students’ essays, Since 1972, the United Way has been working to create child’s underlying problem so that you can start to
their community involvement, leadership qualities, how long-term social change and provide support to Martin help in a meaningful way. Why let something hinder
they have dealt with and overcome obstacles in their lives, County residents by investing in programs that strive to: your child from reaching his or her potential? School
and personal interviews with the high school finalists. enhance healthy living, improve education and support neuropsychological testing includes tests of memory,
Middle School Award Recipients financial stability. speed, language processing, visual-spatial processing,
• Javaris Hampton, Indiantown Middle School For more information about United Way of Martin County, attention, executive functioning, flexible thinking,
• Gretchen Howe, Indiantown Middle School visit www.UnitedWayMartin.org or call (772) 283-4800. reading, math, writing, self-esteem, and much more. This
• Brenda Lopez-Martinez, Indiantown Middle School approach identifies your child’s strengths and weaknesses
• Sawyer Skinner, Murray Middle School What’s Wrong With My so we can target the right support.
• Brynn Stoneburg, Stuart Middle School I can help you know how to best help your child.
• Brooks Seidman, Stuart Middle School Child? In addition, when school resumes you can share the
High School Recipients results report with the school so they can write up a 504
• Mackenzie Abbott, Clark Advanced Learning Center By Jim Forgan, Ph.D., Plan or IEP. These are the special plans that provide
• Abbie Nauss, Clark Advanced Learning Center Licensed School Psychologist accommodations for your child. This means the school
• Lily Kayton, Jensen Beach High School Your child’s struggles are real. Now that kids are can do things to help your child so you have systems of
• Ashley Wiggins, Jensen Beach High School learning from home you’ve had an up close and personal support from multiple areas.
• Zachary Ludemann, Martin County High School look at how much your child struggles with independent Give yourself some support and get answers that can
• Steven McPherson, Martin County High School work, focusing or learning. You’re like many parents help you today. We are working by appointment. Call
• Ryan Mitchell, Martin County High School who now realize that something like a processing (561) 625-4125 or www.JimForgan.com.
• Christian Molina, Martin County High School problem might be occurring within your child. Perhaps

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