Question for cat owners

My cat was just diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and I am curious if anyone here has dealt with the same situation and what treatment option you decided to go with. My vet wants to surgically remove the thyroid, but there is a company nearby that uses radioactive Iodine injections (which is the normal treatment in humans). Anyone had either of these procedures done on their cat? If so, what was your experience?
Thanks.

 

We had a cat quite a while ago that had hyperthyroidism. She was around 15yrs when she was diagnosed. We gave her a pill every day, and she lived a few more years. She became very thin and lethargic.
This site may help. They mention the treatment options.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?articleid=218

 

Gosh, wish I had a ready answer...but I don't...never heard of the condition.
Guess, best to get some professional second opinions and best route for your little pal.

Here's a website that looks at Hyperthyroid treatment - radioactive iodine therapy vs. Tapazole :

http://www.vetinfo4cats.com/cthyroidtreat.html#Hyperthyroidism_treatment_-_Radioactive

I reckon your cat's age, health, condition and stage of this illness would need to be taken into consideration when making a decision. Whatever you decide, I wish you a well guided decision. Prayers to you and your little companion.

 

Not sure about cats; but I have hyperthyroidism caused by Graves disease
I have been on Carbimazole (Neomercazole) since july 2006 - 2600 pills so far rolleyes
Apart from dry skin i appear to have no major side effects.

As long as you can get your cat to eat the pills I would definately try that option first and get your cats 'T3, T4 & TSH' blood levels checked every month (or as directed by your vet)

The other two options that I am aware of you have already mentioned

If it comes down to it I will most likely go with the radioactive iodine as it is non-invasive and (hopefully) less likely to cause issues than surgery

Whatever you choose - good luck

 

Thanks for the answers and well wishes.

We have decided on the surgery. After reading numerous testimonials, we didn't want to go with adminstering pills because our cat is somewhat skittish as it is (she loves attention and petting, but only on her terms) and I don't want to develop an adversarial relationship with her by chasing her down and forcing a pill down her throat 1-3 times a day. I looked into the ratiation treatment, but the closest center that offers that wants to keep her for up to three weeks and is exorbitantly expensive (~4X the cost of surgery) and still carries the risk of having to administer a thyroid hormone replacement pill at least once a day.

Well, thanks again for the responses and the forum to vent this. I really had no idea how much she meant to me until I was faced with the prospect of losing her.

 

You did not say how old your cat is, so this is MHO.

I would say it depends on the age, health and temperament of the cat. Friends cat was 7 and had the surgery, went well and no problems since.

My mom had it too and took a radioactive pill (one dose) no adverse reaction, also worked. (but was not a cat away from home for three weeks and stayed with me for observation) Don't think a cat will do well away from home for 3 wks, know my cat wouldn't.

My 19 yr old cat has it and on meds 2x daily but takes smashed in her food. Also working for her age and other factors (weight and health stable), this was a balancing act with meds/foods with some bad days in-between before we got it right. With older cats the risk of surgery is not worth it in my/vets opinion, odds are not in your favor. That said, my cat also has high BP and a slight heart mummer so not a good candidate for surgery when diag. last year.

If this is your regular vet and familiar with your cat I would go with what your vet believes would have the best outcome/quality of life for your cat. I would also go with the surgery if my cat was young/healthy enough.

Wish you and your furry friend all the best. Yes they have a way of sneaking into your heart when you're not looking, they're so amusing, cuddly and mischievous can't help but love them - even when they decide 3 AM is a good time to purr in your ear or your laptop keyboard is a good place to laydown

 

Thanks.
She is 9 years old and it is our regular vet. The vet tested her for liver and kidney irregularities which she said was the most common threats for surgery for a cat her age with this condition.

The surgery should be early next week. I will post an update then (mostly for my own sake).

 

She's young enough and sounds like you have a good and cautious vet.