Page 17 - The Jewish Voice - April '22

The Jewish Voice, Page 17

LiFestyLes

Tip of the Tail your cat will require ancillary blood tests to confirm
hyperthyroidism, but this is rarely necessary. Your Estate Planning Binder:
Feline Hyperthyroidism There are several options after your cat has been Tips for Proper Care and
diagnosed. Treatment is usually very successful. First, your
Hyperthyroidism is a cat can be treated with an oral medication, methimazole Maintenance
common disease seen in (Tapezole). This drug is given once to twice daily and the
older cats. It is caused cat’s T4 and kidney values are monitored. Once regulated, Submitted by Anné
by the overproduction the cat can continue with Tapezole for the rest of its life Desormier-Cartwright, J.D.
of hormones by one or or you can choose another treatment option. The abnormal You finally crossed
both thyroid glands. The gland(s) can be removed surgically. Surgery in older pets “getting your estate plan
average age of diagnosis has its inherent risks, but if the cat is otherwise healthy, done” off your list, and
is 12 years old and it is exceptionally rare in cats under surgery can be an excellent option. Radioiodine treatment you’ve (rightly) breathed
10 years. is the best way to destroy the abnormal tissue without a huge sigh of relief. By
The most common sign you will see is weight loss, damaging the normal thyroid tissue. It will accumulate in the tackling this challenge,
which is due to a greatly increased metabolism caused abnormal tissue only, and destroy those cells. This procedure you’ve not only established
by the excessive amount of thyroid hormone in your cat’s can only be performed at specific facilities, because your protections for your loved
system. Even though he is losing weight, your cat is likely cat will literally be radioactive for a short period of time. ones and legacy, but you’ve
to be eating well. In fact, many cats are ravenous and try This requires your cat to be hospitalized and cared for in also freed up some important
to eat everything in sight. You may also see an increase a lead-lined space for at least 4 to 7 days. Lastly, there is mental space that had previously been preoccupied.
in thirst and urination and your cat may begin to vomit. a relatively new option. A low-iodine diet, which claims Once you create the documents that make up your estate
Less common findings are restlessness, cranky behavior, to restore thyroid health, is currently on the market. Other plan, your estate planning attorney will prepare a binder
diarrhea, and occasionally breathing problems. sources of food can provide iodine, so the diet must be strict. containing all pertinent documentation. This estate planning
There are two potentially serious complications if This food is a balanced diet and helps support kidney health binder is critical because it provides key information
hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These as well. regarding your intentions after you pass away or if you
complications are hypertension (high blood pressure) and There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but become incapacitated. Once your trust is fully funded,
a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Blood diagnosis is relatively easy and treatment is generally very your binder should also contain information about your
pressure can get high enough to cause retinal damage successful. Your cat will gain weight, eat normal amounts assets. This makes administration easier for your family.
resulting in sudden blindness. The heart becomes inefficient of food, and the high blood pressure and heart disease This binder should be stored safely, reviewed regularly, and
because it is enlarged and thickened to compensate for the will improve. Other clinical signs of hyperthyroidism will updated when necessary in order to avoid confusion when
increased metabolic demands. resolve. This is only one reason it is important to bring your your loved ones need to refer to it.
Your veterinarian will be suspicious your cat has cat to your veterinarian for a yearly examination and annual Before we get into the nuts and bolts about how to
hyperthyroidism if you report the common signs or if he blood tests. complete this review process – to help you stay in control
or she does a physical examination. The veterinarian will Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center now that you’re there – let’s first take a step back and
notice weight loss. On physical exam the vet should be able is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your clarify a point that confuses many clients. Your estate plans
to feel enlarged glands on one or both sides of your cat’s pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery, and your financial plans for the future are two completely
neck. Usually only one gland is swollen. Even though the physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine, different things. They are both obviously important, and
gland(s) are enlarged, it is usually a benign change. Only a extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City they both should be kept in a safe place and reviewed often.
small number of cases, less than 2%, involve a malignant Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical However, the estate planning binder has special importance
cancer of the thyroid gland. A blood test, T4 (thyroxine), care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners. because it contains your wishes and instructions for what
can confirm hyperthyroidism. This test should be part of the For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www. should happen if you become incapacitated and when you
bloodwork recommended by your veterinarian every year palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
during your older cat’s annual examination. Occasionally, at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic. Lifestyles on page 18

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