Gizmo's bi-annual check up results

[Tina B and crew]

I tell you what, as they get older (Gizmo is 15) I just pray that vet visits doesn't bring news I don't want to hear. I took Gizmo in yesterday for his bi-annual work up. His weight is good, although he has lost about a pound it brought him down to a weight that is not too low (11.8 from 12.5)...he actually looks more muscular than flabby now. All of his blood work came back good except his thyroid. It's up so we have to increase the dose of tapazole and take him back in 2 weeks for re-check of thyroid and kidney values. After that I am going to consider doing the surgery for his thyroid. I would love to do the radioactive iodine therapy but just cannot afford it. He's doing fine on the tapazole but does not like it when he sees me coming and I don't want him to get to the point that he associates me with only something that he doesn't enjoy.

I have to make an appointment for Willow here in the next week too....this month is full of doctor, vet and dentist appointments!!

[Traci]

Great to hear about the blood results. But, before you consider surgery, please weigh the pros and cons for a 15-year-old first, talk to your vet in greater detail, several times. I realize you're concerned about kidney issues, but surgery should be well-thought out before you proceed.

[Tina B and crew]

Oh I will talk more about it before I make a firm decision. We've already talked several times about it over the past year. I know there are risks involved with surgery, especially at his age. Believe me if I could afford the radioactive iodine therapy I think I'd opt for that instead, but I can't afford it and the closest place is a several hour drive. If I do it I really do need to schedule it over the summer though, before school starts, so I have time to attend to his recovery period and all. If you have any input let me know...on the pros and cons etc. I know anesthesia is one of the risks...but anything else? It's a tough decision and I'm not quite sure which way I will go yet.

[Traci]

Surgery is not always a cure-all, meaning some thyroid tissue can reoccur and become hyperthyroid (or hypothyroid) again (if the vet isn't mindful about getting all of the thyroid tissue removed). Although this is considered uncommon, it is a risk with any surgery. Overall health must be considered before surgery. If no other primary or secondary health issues are present, he could be a good candidate for surgery.

And yes, anesthesia is a risk, but your vet can do all necessary pre-testing prior. I'd recommend checking for hypertension, heart health, etc with full bloodwork and ECG prior to surgery.