Page 12 - Martin Downs Bulletin - April '22

Page 12, Martin Downs

tip of tHe taiL

Feline Hyperthyroidism neck. Usually only one gland is swollen. Even though radioactive for a short period of time. This requires your

the gland(s) are enlarged, it is usually a benign change. cat to be hospitalized and cared for in a lead lined space
Only a small number of cases, less than 2 percent, involve for at least 4 to 7 days. Lastly, there is a relatively new
a malignant cancer of the thyroid gland. A blood test, option. A low iodine diet, which claims to restore thyroid
T4 (thyroxine), can confirm hyperthyroidism. This test health, is currently on the market. Other sources of food
should be part of the bloodwork recommended by your can provide iodine, so the diet must be strict. This food is
veterinarian every year during your older cat’s annual a balanced diet and helps support kidney health as well.
examination. Occasionally, your cat will require ancillary There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but
blood tests to confirm hyperthyroidism, but this is rarely diagnosis is relatively easy and treatment is generally very
necessary. successful. Your cat will gain weight, eat normal amounts
There are several options after your cat has been of food, and his high blood pressure and heart disease
diagnosed. Treatment is usually very successful. will improve. Other clinical signs of hyperthyroidism will
First, your cat can be treated with an oral medication, resolve. This is only one reason it is important to bring
methimazole (Tapezole). This drug is given once to your cat to your veterinarian for a yearly examination
twice daily and his T4 and kidney values are monitored. and annual blood tests.
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease seen in older Once he is regulated, he can continue with Tapezole for Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical
cats. It is caused by the overproduction of hormones by the rest of his life or you can choose another treatment Center is dedicated to providing the best possible care
one or both thyroid glands. The average age of diagnosis option. The abnormal gland(s) can be removed surgically. for your pets. With focuses on compassionate care in
is 12 years old and it is exceptionally rare in cats under Surgery in older pets has its inherent risks, but if he is surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative
10 years old. otherwise healthy, surgery can be an excellent option. medicine, extensive diagnostics, and emergency service,
The most common sign you will see is weight loss Radioiodine treatment is the best way to destroy the Palm City Animal Medical Center combines exceptional
which is due to a greatly increased metabolism caused abnormal tissue without damaging the normal thyroid medical care with a caring philosophy for pets and their
by the excessive amount of thyroid hormone in your cat’s tissue. It will accumulate in the abnormal tissue only, and owners. For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit
system. Even though he is losing weight, your cat is likely destroy those cells. This procedure can only be performed www.palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on
to be eating well. In fact, many cats are ravenous and try at specific facilities, because your cat will literally be Facebook at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
to eat everything in sight. You may also see an increase
in thirst and urination and your cat may begin to vomit.
Less common findings are restlessness, cranky behavior, Real Estate from page 8 It is also a good idea to have your air conditioning
diarrhea, and occasionally breathing problems. unit checked. Buyers like knowing that your unit was
There are two potentially serious complications if some colorful flowers, and add some garden mulch. just serviced and everything is working properly.
hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These That builder grade landscaping put in during the mid- Carpet and grout cleaning is a must. It is not
complications are hypertension (high blood pressure) ’80s or ’90s is as popular as avocado appliances. expensive and gives the entire house a clean look.
and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Inside, repainting walls a neutral color will give If you would like me to take a look at your house
Blood pressure can get high enough to cause retinal your home a fresher look. Replacing older kitchen and and give you some suggestions, call me at (772) 341-
damage resulting in sudden blindness The heart becomes bathroom faucets with something more modern will 2941.
inefficient because it is enlarged and thickened to do wonders. Jim Weix is a broker associate with The Keyes
compensate for the increased metabolic demands. If your appliances are old, you may want to replace Company. Jim has 25 years of experience selling real
Your veterinarian will be suspicious your cat has them. Unlike the 52 percent return on investment for a estate full time. If you have questions or want the
hyperthyroidism if you report the common signs or if new kitchen, you will do better with appliances. Buyers services of an experienced expert, you can reach Jim
he does a physical examination. The veterinarian will tend to exaggerate what it will cost them to replace at (772) 341-2941 or jimweix@jimweix.com.
notice weight loss. On physical exam he should be able appliances and this results in a lower offering price.
to feel enlarged glands on one or both sides of your cat’s

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