Page 8 - Stuart Exposure - June '20

Page 8, Stuart Exposure

tip Of tHe tAil

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

The New Normal?

By Laura Barrio, I will have each person tell
Freelance Writer/Blogger us about their wine and give
In a matter of a few weeks us the tasting notes.
our world has become very To keep the group
different. Our social norms manageable I recommend
have all changed! Social no more than 8 to 10
gatherings with friends and people so that everyone can
family are on pause and we interact. Larger groups can
are left searching for ways make it difficult to follow
to reinvent our methods of conversations.
connecting. We need this To make the process
connection now more than smoother, send an email
ever. Since we can’t go out to mingle, virtual happy hours with instructions on how to
have been born! log into the meeting along with some basic guidelines.
What is a virtual happy hour, you may ask … a Have everyone keep their microphone on mute until they
designated host, chooses a platform such as Zoom, wish to talk. Have the host guide the event so that everyone
Facebook, Google Hangout, Skype etc. … and creates an feels included.
invitee list. Physical distancing does not need to mean we have to
Andre’s East to the group to instruct them on how and when to log in. forego some of our favorite activities. We are creating new
All that is left is to pick a time and send out invitations
norms!
We are all in this together! Let’s hang out, drink wine

Since our vibe is wine, I am creating a happy hour with

Hairstyling a red wine theme. and connect … in a new way.
~Keep the conversation going and the wine flowing

I am asking everyone to bring their favorite red and
some hors d’oeuvre to the happy hour. During the event, ~Cheers
#StayHome #StaySafe #StayHealthy

Andre’s East is committed to quality and service. With
years of experience and constant continuing education,
our dedicated Design Team is ready to serve you and
all of your beauty needs. Come and experience our
comfortable and relaxed atmosphere designed especially to
make you feel great. We are proud to introduce the latest
in Hair Care and Nail Care products, Keratin Treatment
and CND Shellac.
We are a Team Concept Salon.
3710 SE Ocean Blvd. • Sewall’s Point
Harbour Bay Plaza
772-286-4390 • 772-287-8549
Hair • Nails

www.aehsalon.com