hyperthyroidism in cats?

[Iluvmy3boys]

After fearing my 12 yr old tabby had kidney failure, we took him to the vet to have some tests done. Turns out there is blood in his urine- so he has antibiotics for that (looks like a UTI) They did a full blood panel and the nitrogen levels in his kidney function were elevated, but not out of normal range (i have no idea what a nitrogen level in a kidney is) They also found out he has hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) which is why he has lost weight. they gave him meds and are going to see him again in 2 weeks and draw blood in 3 months
Funny thing is that i was just diagnosed with hypOthyroidism lol
anyway does anyone out there have a cat with this disease, and what can we do for it?

[Mona]

I have Hypothyroidism too. It seems to be under control now with a pill called Synthroid.

Cats usually get the Hyperthroidism and I have heard of pills being use and another treatment of radiation on the gland or something.

Here is a link which came from this board. I am sure others will post and help you further.

http://www.catnetwork.com/health.htm#HYPERTHYROIDISM

Good luck.

Mona, HOneybun and Chloe

[Iluvmy3boys]

Thanks for that link, Mona
Do all cats with hyperthyroidism necessarily have thyroid cancer? He just started on his meds today, my mom was shoving the pill down his throat when he was asleep lol

I hope he doesnt have cancer:(

[Mona]

I really do not know, but trust that Traci will post soon.

Please do not pill him while asleep, he could choke. My 5 year old girl is hard to pill, I finally crushed them in food. Try coating in butter or margarine and it slips down easier, and they do have a piller but I have not tried that.

Hope he feels better soon.

Mona, Honeybun and Little Chloe

[Jane De'Abreu]

Hiperthyrodism in cats is very serious. There are other options that at the long run will cost you less. You can have your cat going under radiation therapy or have an operation. The draw backs on both is.. The radiation, your cat would have to stay in the hospital for the duration the the radiation, then when he is back home you can not put his stool in the carbage, it has to be flushed for a few more weeks. It has small amount of radiationin it not enough to hurt anybody but it is the law, you have to flushe it. After a month you Kitty is as good as new. With the operation the cat has the risk of having hypothyrosdism if the parathyroid is afcted with the operation, and will have to be on pill for quite some time, until the parathyroid starts working again on its own. If you decide to have him on tapazol, your baby will be on the medication for the rest of his life, and blood tests every so often. In the long run it is going to cost you a fortune.
Popo, my baby had and he became allergic to tapozol, we had to make the desition of what to do next. He had the Iodine I 131 done and he was just as terrific as he was before the tumor.
I am preying for your kiddy.\Traci will give you better informations and sites to go to.
Love,
Jane

[Traci]

I can't add to Jane's very thorough post....the following link will help explain hyperthyroidism, your treatment options and what to expect....

Feline Hyperthyroidism ..(use the links to the right of the page to navigate the topics)

If you can afford it, the radioiodine treatment is the most successful, but cost may be an issue, as well as location of a veterinary facility performing it.