Q about Q Cat (long)

[E's]

This is what I wrote to Q's vet yesterday before the exam:

November 13, 2003
Re: Q Cat

Is active, playful as usual but seems to be getting thinner?

Eats well, although seems more ravenous in begging and less snooty about what type canned food he is given (before, there were some he liked and some he didn’t.) But this could be because only one type – Alpo Savory Stew – is offered these days. I can see no change in litter box habits.

Factors that may be cause, besides normal aging:

I don’t see any fleas, but both dog and cat itched more after their night in Port Allen Animal Control shelter. Winnie gets Frontline and seems to be better. Q has been grooming his lower belly a lot, causing fur loss.

My house has been reconverted from a duplex back into a one family home. Both my pets were raised in the other apartment and are obviously enjoying having it open to them again – especially Q… It could be he is just getting more exercise, having the whole house to romp in?

Resident of the rental side was not aware of having flea problems with his cat recently, but a former tenant’s dog left fleas; this was 3 years ago… Then, the suite was vacant for about a month this summer after last resident left… could be flea re-infestation?

I also switched Q’s chow from IAMs to California Natural – last August - and he doesn’t seem to care for it much. (Now changing him back to IAMS.)

Hate to even think about this – but should he have a blood test for heartworm? He is strictly an indoor cat, but as we know, that doesn’t mean much in this area.
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Answers thus far:
Vet did a complete blood panel. Palpitated belly, found no problem. Found no evidence of fleas or other parasites, said Q is probably still over-grooming because of stress (auto accident, 24 hours in carrier, home somewhat upset because refurbishing work going on.) Vet says Q is definitely thinner than he was - it wasn't my imagination. Says to put Q on IAMs permanently.

Vet also explained that the heartworm blood test used for dogs does not work with cats, and that on the rare occasions a cat does contract heartworm, it usually dies before showing any symtoms.

In-house results of blood panel: No diabetes or liver/kidney problems shown.

Results of thyroid panel won't be in until next week.

So this is what I would appreciate having some answers/advice/counsel on: If it DOES turn out my darling Q (the Cat from the Continuum) has a thyroid problem, what does that mean?... What are we looking at here, re treatment/med options etc.? (Q is a neutered male, 9 1/2 years of age.)

Thank you for any info you can give me!
Dot B

[Traci]

Actually, my first thought is hyperthyroidism (or even hypo, considering the excessive grooming on lower abdomen), and glad to hear your vet included it in the blood profile. Unfortunately, won't know until the results.

If hyperthyroidism? You have a few options, but they would be based on his general health status, and your costs. Surgery to remove the thyroid might be an option, as can radioiodine treatment (very expensive, but effective), or, lifelong medication. Most owners choose the latter option due to costs, or health status of kitty (or lack of iodine treatment facility in their area)

Your vet is the only one who can advise you based on kitty's health status, and based on his findings. Due to the extenuated stress factors he's had to endure of late, I'm not sure he would be a good anesthesia candidate for surgery at this point, but only your vet can determine that.

If the thyroid panel comes back negative or inconclusive, I would at least rule out internal parasites (did your vet do a fecal?), or potential IBD/gastrointestinal inflammation/lymphoma, etc (was an x-ray done?). Lymphoma could probably be ruled out based on lack of clinical symptoms, but it should be considered a differential at least.

Wish I could offer you more, but wait for thyroid function test...

[E's]

Thank you, Traci. Yes, the vet said what they think of first w/weight loss is thyroid, except there is usually loss of appetite, and Q's appetite has increased; also, he is anything but lethargic. My son had some heartening comment tonight - he said his cat has also lost weight since he switched the chow she gets.

I will research feline thyroid data next week. No ops for Q - I wouldn't put this sweet fellow through anything like that, when it would really be for my sake. Medications if necessary, yes, though it probably would be an unholy hassle. He has always been such a trouble-free, low maintenance kitty. [That's why the name: he was born outdoors to a half feral mama - they had never seen a litter box or been inside a house. The kitten, about 4 months old, was playing on the sidewalk one evening and my neighbor said, "Take it! The people at the house it's from won't care!" - turned out she was right. So I picked up this tiny cat and brought him into my house... He walked around, glanced at the haughty Xanth (who ignored him) found the chow bowl and ate a few bites, explored some more, found the litter box and used it, and from then on just made himself so much at home that I suspected he may not really be a cat, but a Q pretending to be a cat for awhile... ]

[E's]

Q is fine! Dr L called to say lab ran a full panel (no extra charge to me) and found EVERYTHING normal except just a bit high chloresterol [sp?] which may've indicated the cat had just eaten, which he had... I am so relieved: $121 well spent as far as I am concerned. This pic is from earlier in the summer, before all the dramatic goings on...

[Traci]

Wonderful news, I'm so glad to hear it!

Btw, image not showing, so here is a link to the image (he's beautiful):

Q Cat