Question:
Hi Don: My cat (age 14) has done well on Tapazole for approximately two years now. She has blood tests twice yearly to monitor her thyroid. We’ve had to increase and decrease the dosage at times. Good luck with your cat. I’m glad you’re educating yourself as to the options and you will choose the best one for her. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Thanks to all of you who provided knowledgable insight and advice for > me….well, for Mazzy. She appreciates it! I appreciate it! Since I’m > still in somewhat of a waiting game to see if her levels will continue to > rise "into" Hyperthyroidism, I have a bit of time to continue the research. > All of your input certainly gave me a good start. For those of you who are > approaching the same predicament with your feline(s), feel free to keep in > touch via the NG or emails. I’d be interested in hearing more about your > experiences as you proceed, particularly with temporary Tapazole treatment > leading up to radioiodine treatment. Mazzy and I may be following that path > soon after. Polar, it sounds like you and Tweetie are stepping up to the > plate soon….Feel free to keep in touch to share hopefully good stories…. > Thanks again to all! > In Colorado, > Don > Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit > of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on > treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. > Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with > bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can > cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on > Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
Thanks to all of you who provided knowledgable insight and advice for me….well, for Mazzy. She appreciates it! I appreciate it! Since I’m still in somewhat of a waiting game to see if her levels will continue to rise "into" Hyperthyroidism, I have a bit of time to continue the research. All of your input certainly gave me a good start. For those of you who are approaching the same predicament with your feline(s), feel free to keep in touch via the NG or emails. I’d be interested in hearing more about your experiences as you proceed, particularly with temporary Tapazole treatment leading up to radioiodine treatment. Mazzy and I may be following that path soon after. Polar, it sounds like you and Tweetie are stepping up to the plate soon….Feel free to keep in touch to share hopefully good stories…. Thanks again to all! In Colorado, Don
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option.
Oh, thank goodness! I had located a provider for $875 insteaad of $1200, and had made an appointment for next month. Now, I’d better go back to the original vet and consult with her about your above-suggested procedure. — Polar
Response:
As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Phil P." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option.
That’s odd–the vet I used for 131-I actually prefers that the cat *not* be started on Tapazole before coming in for treatment–although this is no doubt based on 131-I being administered within a short time after initial diagnosis. If the owner needs several months to get the $$ together, then of course Tapazole is preferable to no treatment at all. Miss Baby Strange went in within a month of diagnosis; she was never started on Tapazole. Her BUN/creatinine and blood pressure readings were well within normal ranges, which was all the 131-I vet needed to know.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Phil P." >> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be >> careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, >> like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run >> by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option. > That’s odd–
Actually, that’s a *very* wise precaution since there seems to be a relatively high incidence of overt renal failure in cats following hyperthyroidism tx. A reversible tx should be used as the *initial* treatment. If renal function declines, tx can be discontinued or decreased so that the cat is left mildly hyperthyroid while maintaining BUN/creatinine within acceptable levels. I-131 tx is *irreversible*. the vet I used for 131-I actually prefers that the cat > *not* be started on Tapazole before coming in for treatment–although > this is no doubt based on 131-I being administered within a short time > after initial diagnosis. If the owner needs several months to get the > $$ together, then of course Tapazole is preferable to no treatment at > all. > Miss Baby Strange went in within a month of diagnosis; she was never > started on Tapazole. Her BUN/creatinine and blood pressure readings > were well within normal ranges, which was all the 131-I vet needed to > know.
Either the "I-131 vet" wasn’t aware of the high incidence of overt renal failure following I-131 tx or he didn’t care and just wanted to make his $1K. Your cat was just lucky. Hyperthyroidism causes an increase in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (the rate the kidneys filter urea, creatinine and uremic toxins from the blood). These increases can mask underlying renal failure because the increased GFR falsely lowers BUN/creatinine levels and gives the impression of normal kidney function. Following treatment of hyperthyroidism and return to euthyroidism, cardiac output and, hence, GFR could drop, causing clinical develoment of overt renal failure in cats with underlying disease. Did the "I-131 vet" check your cat’s BUN/creatinine after tx? If not, I suggest you do so. Good luck. Phil.
Response:
> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed.
A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, then you can proceed with I-131 tx. IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option. Phil.
Response:
You’ve heard the advice, so I won’t repeat it – I agree with it as well. One word of caution: If you opt for either of the irreversible methods (surgery or radiation) be sure you verify that Mazzy’s thyroid condition isn’t masking a kidney problem. Since you’re sneaking up the the HyperT before it became a big problem, things may very well be all right, but it is better to make sure first because the treatment options best for Mazzy will be different. Good luck! Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "DLW" >Greetings, >Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing >been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated >that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated >for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of >the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment >options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does >anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: >* Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual >blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What >happens if you skip a few doses while out of town?
You can’t–if you’re going to go the Tapazole route, you have to find someone else to pill the cat whenever you’re gone. You may have to board her at a vet’s to make sure that happens. If you travel a lot, or even just like the liberty of being able to go out of town for a couple of days now and again, you will have to consider this. Same thing goes for if your hours are irregular, and keeping a schedule for medicating a cat twice a day is going to be difficult. >Side effects? Can cats >go into remission and not need treatment over time?
I didn’t go the Tapazole route, but I do know that some cats don’t handle the drug very well, and usually they go through a period of adjustment where the dosage has to be changed until it is right. As for side effects, someone here is bound to have that information (I’m fading and have to head off to bed soon, or I’d dig it up). There is no "remission" that comes from treating a cat with Tapazole long enough. If you choose Tapazole, you have to do it every single day, on schedule. You are not curing the condition by using Tapazole–merely making up for a deficiency in the cat’s body chemistry. Hyperthyroidism *can* be cured, but Tapazole won’t do it. >* Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland >removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues?
Surgery is the least desireble way to go–especially if Muzzy’s kidney annd liver functions are normal, making her a good candidate for radioactive iodine. It’s invasive, and therefore much harder on the cat, the thyroid is tiny and the chance the vet won’t get all of the affected tissue is fairly high, and the cat will have to be on medication for *hypo*thyroidism afterward. For what you would spend on the surgery and aftercare and meds and possibly having to have it redone in a few years, you and the cat are much better off choosing radioactive iodine. There may be occasions when surgery is warranted, but I can’t think of any. Not for an otherwise healthy cat, anyway. >* Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in >treating the problem?
Since she’s fairly young, I recommend going with this; I chose it for my own 11-year-old cat back in August. Of the three treatment options, it is the only one that will actually CURE the condition. It’s expensive–$800-$1500 depending on where you have it done–but that is a one-time cost. There are also follow-up blood tests that will have to be done at 30 and 90 days after the treatment to see how her thyroid is responding, but once the thyroid is functioning normally again, the cat is cured and needs no further treatment for hyperthyroidism. The amount of radiation involved is very tiny, and while there are some precautions you will have to take after she comes home it’s not that big a deal. If you had a spouse who was treated with 131-I, she would be able to go home the same day and there would be no precautions as far as sleeping with her or using objects she had used. A cat gets far less radioactive material injected than a human does, but it has to stay at the clinic for 3-14 days, depending on state laws regarding radioactive waste disposal. I’m in Washington State, and I was able to take my cat home in three days; once she was below a certain reading on a geiger counter, she was free to go home. Some states (from what I’ve heard) make a cat stay for two full weeks, regardless of how minimally radioactive they really are. The amount of exposure to radiation you would get from the cat afterwards would be minimal; you’d probably be exposed to more radiation flying round-trip across the country. It’s safe, both for the cat as well as you, and best of all it works. Beats the hell out of going back and forth to the vet all the time and popping pills down the cat twice a day, too. >Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous >posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole >treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. >She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m >wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, >long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences?
Don’t bother with surgery. It may be cheaper up front, but it sure won’t be in the long run. If you have a vet who insists on doing it, find yourself another vet who has your cat’s best interest in mind (as opposed to his wallet’s). If Mazzy’s kidney and liver functions and blood pressure are normal, she’s a good candidate for 131-I. It’s easy to freak out at the cost, but it’s *far* easier on both you and the cat in the long run. And even though folks get wiggy when it comes to the idea of radioactivity, the procedure is safe. If any of my other cats turned up hyperthyroid, I’d take advantage of that treatment option again, no hesitation. Okay, it’s 1:46 am and I’m dead–time to go curl up with the cats…:^) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thanks in advance, >Don
Response:
I had my Indigo treated with the radioactive iodine about six years ago. I dropped him off Monday afternoon and picked him up the following Saturday. He needed to stay that long so most of the radioactive iodine leaves and he is not too radioactive. For awhile you have to be careful with disposing the litter since it has some radioactivity. The treatment worked fine. He went to the rainbow bridge last April after almost 18 years due to old age. I paid about $1000 for the treatment in Northern VA. — Larry Silkaitis (Owned by six cats: two grey, one black, white, black and white, and grey and white)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Greetings, >Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing >been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated >that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated >for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of >the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment >options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does >anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: >* Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual >blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What >happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats >go into remission and not need treatment over time? >* Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland >removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? >* Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in >treating the problem? >Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous >posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole >treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. >She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m >wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, >long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences?
I am going through the same thing right now with my Tweetie. She was diagnosed as hyperthyroid in the course of a routine "free" physical at my friend’s vet. She had never been to the doctor in her 10-12 years; seemed perfectly healthy in every way. So I was grateful to be alerted, while she is still asymptomatic — except for somewhat rapid heartbeat, according to vet. Vet also described her as somewhat "thin" and had "dry fur", but I don’t see it that way. However… To the point: After considering the options, and getting much good advice from this GREAT group, I am going to try for the radio-iodine treatment — if I can find a facility that will do it for less than the $1200 the vet quoted !!!! The reasons for my decision, as I said, came from the NG, and from reading vet papers on the Web sites Flippy from Oz recommended. The vets were just about unanimous that the radio iodine treatment was most effective in removing the problem instead of "masking it" (that’s an overstatement) by medication. Giving 1/2 pill to a cat 2x daily for life, at a cost of at least $1/day, does not appeal, especially as the condition is not really dealt with, IIRC. Besides, over a few years, it would probably add up to the cost of the radio iodine procedure. Surgery I wouldn’t consider. The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. Just pointing out that the vet papers on the Web all discuss the importance of not masking underlying conditiions. Have a look at the URL Flippy sent me: For info on Hyperthyroidism, see this page: >http://www.onthe.net.au/~flippy/catalogue.html#hyperthyroidism
There is a lot to read on the various links. Sorry I can’t help on costs, which probably vary with the area. Good luck! — Polar
Response:
Greetings, Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats go into remission and not need treatment over time? * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in treating the problem? Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? Thanks in advance, Don
Response:
Hi Don: My cat (age 14) has done well on Tapazole for approximately two years now. She has blood tests twice yearly to monitor her thyroid. We’ve had to increase and decrease the dosage at times. Good luck with your cat. I’m glad you’re educating yourself as to the options and you will choose the best one for her. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Thanks to all of you who provided knowledgable insight and advice for > me….well, for Mazzy. She appreciates it! I appreciate it! Since I’m > still in somewhat of a waiting game to see if her levels will continue to > rise "into" Hyperthyroidism, I have a bit of time to continue the research. > All of your input certainly gave me a good start. For those of you who are > approaching the same predicament with your feline(s), feel free to keep in > touch via the NG or emails. I’d be interested in hearing more about your > experiences as you proceed, particularly with temporary Tapazole treatment > leading up to radioiodine treatment. Mazzy and I may be following that path > soon after. Polar, it sounds like you and Tweetie are stepping up to the > plate soon….Feel free to keep in touch to share hopefully good stories…. > Thanks again to all! > In Colorado, > Don > Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit > of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on > treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. > Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with > bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can > cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on > Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
Thanks to all of you who provided knowledgable insight and advice for me….well, for Mazzy. She appreciates it! I appreciate it! Since I’m still in somewhat of a waiting game to see if her levels will continue to rise "into" Hyperthyroidism, I have a bit of time to continue the research. All of your input certainly gave me a good start. For those of you who are approaching the same predicament with your feline(s), feel free to keep in touch via the NG or emails. I’d be interested in hearing more about your experiences as you proceed, particularly with temporary Tapazole treatment leading up to radioiodine treatment. Mazzy and I may be following that path soon after. Polar, it sounds like you and Tweetie are stepping up to the plate soon….Feel free to keep in touch to share hopefully good stories…. Thanks again to all! In Colorado, Don
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option.
Oh, thank goodness! I had located a provider for $875 insteaad of $1200, and had made an appointment for next month. Now, I’d better go back to the original vet and consult with her about your above-suggested procedure. — Polar
Response:
As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Phil P." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option.
That’s odd–the vet I used for 131-I actually prefers that the cat *not* be started on Tapazole before coming in for treatment–although this is no doubt based on 131-I being administered within a short time after initial diagnosis. If the owner needs several months to get the $$ together, then of course Tapazole is preferable to no treatment at all. Miss Baby Strange went in within a month of diagnosis; she was never started on Tapazole. Her BUN/creatinine and blood pressure readings were well within normal ranges, which was all the 131-I vet needed to know.
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Phil P." >> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be >> careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, >> like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run >> by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option. > That’s odd–
Actually, that’s a *very* wise precaution since there seems to be a relatively high incidence of overt renal failure in cats following hyperthyroidism tx. A reversible tx should be used as the *initial* treatment. If renal function declines, tx can be discontinued or decreased so that the cat is left mildly hyperthyroid while maintaining BUN/creatinine within acceptable levels. I-131 tx is *irreversible*. the vet I used for 131-I actually prefers that the cat > *not* be started on Tapazole before coming in for treatment–although > this is no doubt based on 131-I being administered within a short time > after initial diagnosis. If the owner needs several months to get the > $$ together, then of course Tapazole is preferable to no treatment at > all. > Miss Baby Strange went in within a month of diagnosis; she was never > started on Tapazole. Her BUN/creatinine and blood pressure readings > were well within normal ranges, which was all the 131-I vet needed to > know.
Either the "I-131 vet" wasn’t aware of the high incidence of overt renal failure following I-131 tx or he didn’t care and just wanted to make his $1K. Your cat was just lucky. Hyperthyroidism causes an increase in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (the rate the kidneys filter urea, creatinine and uremic toxins from the blood). These increases can mask underlying renal failure because the increased GFR falsely lowers BUN/creatinine levels and gives the impression of normal kidney function. Following treatment of hyperthyroidism and return to euthyroidism, cardiac output and, hence, GFR could drop, causing clinical develoment of overt renal failure in cats with underlying disease. Did the "I-131 vet" check your cat’s BUN/creatinine after tx? If not, I suggest you do so. Good luck. Phil.
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> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed.
A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, then you can proceed with I-131 tx. IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option. Phil.
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You’ve heard the advice, so I won’t repeat it – I agree with it as well. One word of caution: If you opt for either of the irreversible methods (surgery or radiation) be sure you verify that Mazzy’s thyroid condition isn’t masking a kidney problem. Since you’re sneaking up the the HyperT before it became a big problem, things may very well be all right, but it is better to make sure first because the treatment options best for Mazzy will be different. Good luck! Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
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As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "DLW" >Greetings, >Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing >been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated >that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated >for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of >the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment >options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does >anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: >* Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual >blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What >happens if you skip a few doses while out of town?
You can’t–if you’re going to go the Tapazole route, you have to find someone else to pill the cat whenever you’re gone. You may have to board her at a vet’s to make sure that happens. If you travel a lot, or even just like the liberty of being able to go out of town for a couple of days now and again, you will have to consider this. Same thing goes for if your hours are irregular, and keeping a schedule for medicating a cat twice a day is going to be difficult. >Side effects? Can cats >go into remission and not need treatment over time?
I didn’t go the Tapazole route, but I do know that some cats don’t handle the drug very well, and usually they go through a period of adjustment where the dosage has to be changed until it is right. As for side effects, someone here is bound to have that information (I’m fading and have to head off to bed soon, or I’d dig it up). There is no "remission" that comes from treating a cat with Tapazole long enough. If you choose Tapazole, you have to do it every single day, on schedule. You are not curing the condition by using Tapazole–merely making up for a deficiency in the cat’s body chemistry. Hyperthyroidism *can* be cured, but Tapazole won’t do it. >* Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland >removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues?
Surgery is the least desireble way to go–especially if Muzzy’s kidney annd liver functions are normal, making her a good candidate for radioactive iodine. It’s invasive, and therefore much harder on the cat, the thyroid is tiny and the chance the vet won’t get all of the affected tissue is fairly high, and the cat will have to be on medication for *hypo*thyroidism afterward. For what you would spend on the surgery and aftercare and meds and possibly having to have it redone in a few years, you and the cat are much better off choosing radioactive iodine. There may be occasions when surgery is warranted, but I can’t think of any. Not for an otherwise healthy cat, anyway. >* Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in >treating the problem?
Since she’s fairly young, I recommend going with this; I chose it for my own 11-year-old cat back in August. Of the three treatment options, it is the only one that will actually CURE the condition. It’s expensive–$800-$1500 depending on where you have it done–but that is a one-time cost. There are also follow-up blood tests that will have to be done at 30 and 90 days after the treatment to see how her thyroid is responding, but once the thyroid is functioning normally again, the cat is cured and needs no further treatment for hyperthyroidism. The amount of radiation involved is very tiny, and while there are some precautions you will have to take after she comes home it’s not that big a deal. If you had a spouse who was treated with 131-I, she would be able to go home the same day and there would be no precautions as far as sleeping with her or using objects she had used. A cat gets far less radioactive material injected than a human does, but it has to stay at the clinic for 3-14 days, depending on state laws regarding radioactive waste disposal. I’m in Washington State, and I was able to take my cat home in three days; once she was below a certain reading on a geiger counter, she was free to go home. Some states (from what I’ve heard) make a cat stay for two full weeks, regardless of how minimally radioactive they really are. The amount of exposure to radiation you would get from the cat afterwards would be minimal; you’d probably be exposed to more radiation flying round-trip across the country. It’s safe, both for the cat as well as you, and best of all it works. Beats the hell out of going back and forth to the vet all the time and popping pills down the cat twice a day, too. >Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous >posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole >treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. >She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m >wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, >long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences?
Don’t bother with surgery. It may be cheaper up front, but it sure won’t be in the long run. If you have a vet who insists on doing it, find yourself another vet who has your cat’s best interest in mind (as opposed to his wallet’s). If Mazzy’s kidney and liver functions and blood pressure are normal, she’s a good candidate for 131-I. It’s easy to freak out at the cost, but it’s *far* easier on both you and the cat in the long run. And even though folks get wiggy when it comes to the idea of radioactivity, the procedure is safe. If any of my other cats turned up hyperthyroid, I’d take advantage of that treatment option again, no hesitation. Okay, it’s 1:46 am and I’m dead–time to go curl up with the cats…:^) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thanks in advance, >Don
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I had my Indigo treated with the radioactive iodine about six years ago. I dropped him off Monday afternoon and picked him up the following Saturday. He needed to stay that long so most of the radioactive iodine leaves and he is not too radioactive. For awhile you have to be careful with disposing the litter since it has some radioactivity. The treatment worked fine. He went to the rainbow bridge last April after almost 18 years due to old age. I paid about $1000 for the treatment in Northern VA. — Larry Silkaitis (Owned by six cats: two grey, one black, white, black and white, and grey and white)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Greetings, >Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing >been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated >that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated >for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of >the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment >options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does >anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: >* Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual >blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What >happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats >go into remission and not need treatment over time? >* Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland >removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? >* Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in >treating the problem? >Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous >posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole >treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. >She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m >wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, >long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences?
I am going through the same thing right now with my Tweetie. She was diagnosed as hyperthyroid in the course of a routine "free" physical at my friend’s vet. She had never been to the doctor in her 10-12 years; seemed perfectly healthy in every way. So I was grateful to be alerted, while she is still asymptomatic — except for somewhat rapid heartbeat, according to vet. Vet also described her as somewhat "thin" and had "dry fur", but I don’t see it that way. However… To the point: After considering the options, and getting much good advice from this GREAT group, I am going to try for the radio-iodine treatment — if I can find a facility that will do it for less than the $1200 the vet quoted !!!! The reasons for my decision, as I said, came from the NG, and from reading vet papers on the Web sites Flippy from Oz recommended. The vets were just about unanimous that the radio iodine treatment was most effective in removing the problem instead of "masking it" (that’s an overstatement) by medication. Giving 1/2 pill to a cat 2x daily for life, at a cost of at least $1/day, does not appeal, especially as the condition is not really dealt with, IIRC. Besides, over a few years, it would probably add up to the cost of the radio iodine procedure. Surgery I wouldn’t consider. The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. Just pointing out that the vet papers on the Web all discuss the importance of not masking underlying conditiions. Have a look at the URL Flippy sent me: For info on Hyperthyroidism, see this page: >http://www.onthe.net.au/~flippy/catalogue.html#hyperthyroidism
There is a lot to read on the various links. Sorry I can’t help on costs, which probably vary with the area. Good luck! — Polar
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Greetings, Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats go into remission and not need treatment over time? * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in treating the problem? Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? Thanks in advance, Don
Response:
Hi Don: My cat (age 14) has done well on Tapazole for approximately two years now. She has blood tests twice yearly to monitor her thyroid. We’ve had to increase and decrease the dosage at times. Good luck with your cat. I’m glad you’re educating yourself as to the options and you will choose the best one for her. Gail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Thanks to all of you who provided knowledgable insight and advice for > me….well, for Mazzy. She appreciates it! I appreciate it! Since I’m > still in somewhat of a waiting game to see if her levels will continue to > rise "into" Hyperthyroidism, I have a bit of time to continue the research. > All of your input certainly gave me a good start. For those of you who are > approaching the same predicament with your feline(s), feel free to keep in > touch via the NG or emails. I’d be interested in hearing more about your > experiences as you proceed, particularly with temporary Tapazole treatment > leading up to radioiodine treatment. Mazzy and I may be following that path > soon after. Polar, it sounds like you and Tweetie are stepping up to the > plate soon….Feel free to keep in touch to share hopefully good stories…. > Thanks again to all! > In Colorado, > Don > Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit > of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on > treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. > Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with > bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can > cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on > Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
Thanks to all of you who provided knowledgable insight and advice for me….well, for Mazzy. She appreciates it! I appreciate it! Since I’m still in somewhat of a waiting game to see if her levels will continue to rise "into" Hyperthyroidism, I have a bit of time to continue the research. All of your input certainly gave me a good start. For those of you who are approaching the same predicament with your feline(s), feel free to keep in touch via the NG or emails. I’d be interested in hearing more about your experiences as you proceed, particularly with temporary Tapazole treatment leading up to radioiodine treatment. Mazzy and I may be following that path soon after. Polar, it sounds like you and Tweetie are stepping up to the plate soon….Feel free to keep in touch to share hopefully good stories…. Thanks again to all! In Colorado, Don
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option.
Oh, thank goodness! I had located a provider for $875 insteaad of $1200, and had made an appointment for next month. Now, I’d better go back to the original vet and consult with her about your above-suggested procedure. — Polar
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As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Phil P." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option.
That’s odd–the vet I used for 131-I actually prefers that the cat *not* be started on Tapazole before coming in for treatment–although this is no doubt based on 131-I being administered within a short time after initial diagnosis. If the owner needs several months to get the $$ together, then of course Tapazole is preferable to no treatment at all. Miss Baby Strange went in within a month of diagnosis; she was never started on Tapazole. Her BUN/creatinine and blood pressure readings were well within normal ranges, which was all the 131-I vet needed to know.
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "Phil P." >> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be >> careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, >> like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run >> by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. >A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat >has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. >The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the >cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with >radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, >then you can proceed with I-131 tx. >IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check >BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option. > That’s odd–
Actually, that’s a *very* wise precaution since there seems to be a relatively high incidence of overt renal failure in cats following hyperthyroidism tx. A reversible tx should be used as the *initial* treatment. If renal function declines, tx can be discontinued or decreased so that the cat is left mildly hyperthyroid while maintaining BUN/creatinine within acceptable levels. I-131 tx is *irreversible*. the vet I used for 131-I actually prefers that the cat > *not* be started on Tapazole before coming in for treatment–although > this is no doubt based on 131-I being administered within a short time > after initial diagnosis. If the owner needs several months to get the > $$ together, then of course Tapazole is preferable to no treatment at > all. > Miss Baby Strange went in within a month of diagnosis; she was never > started on Tapazole. Her BUN/creatinine and blood pressure readings > were well within normal ranges, which was all the 131-I vet needed to > know.
Either the "I-131 vet" wasn’t aware of the high incidence of overt renal failure following I-131 tx or he didn’t care and just wanted to make his $1K. Your cat was just lucky. Hyperthyroidism causes an increase in renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (the rate the kidneys filter urea, creatinine and uremic toxins from the blood). These increases can mask underlying renal failure because the increased GFR falsely lowers BUN/creatinine levels and gives the impression of normal kidney function. Following treatment of hyperthyroidism and return to euthyroidism, cardiac output and, hence, GFR could drop, causing clinical develoment of overt renal failure in cats with underlying disease. Did the "I-131 vet" check your cat’s BUN/creatinine after tx? If not, I suggest you do so. Good luck. Phil.
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> The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be > careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, > like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run > by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed.
A blood panel won’t reveal underlying renal failure until *after* the cat has been receiving antithyroid medication for a few weeks to a month. The cat’s kidney function (BUN/creatinine) should be monitored *while* the cat is receiving Tapazole for about a month **before** proceeding with radioiodine tx. If kidney function remains stable while receiving Tapazole, then you can proceed with I-131 tx. IOW, treat the cat with Tapazole *first* for about a month, then check BUN/creatinine levels. If the levels rise, radioiodine tx is not an option. Phil.
Response:
You’ve heard the advice, so I won’t repeat it – I agree with it as well. One word of caution: If you opt for either of the irreversible methods (surgery or radiation) be sure you verify that Mazzy’s thyroid condition isn’t masking a kidney problem. Since you’re sneaking up the the HyperT before it became a big problem, things may very well be all right, but it is better to make sure first because the treatment options best for Mazzy will be different. Good luck! Laura – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
As I valiantly attempted to fight off the ice weasels, "DLW" >Greetings, >Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing >been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated >that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated >for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of >the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment >options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does >anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: >* Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual >blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What >happens if you skip a few doses while out of town?
You can’t–if you’re going to go the Tapazole route, you have to find someone else to pill the cat whenever you’re gone. You may have to board her at a vet’s to make sure that happens. If you travel a lot, or even just like the liberty of being able to go out of town for a couple of days now and again, you will have to consider this. Same thing goes for if your hours are irregular, and keeping a schedule for medicating a cat twice a day is going to be difficult. >Side effects? Can cats >go into remission and not need treatment over time?
I didn’t go the Tapazole route, but I do know that some cats don’t handle the drug very well, and usually they go through a period of adjustment where the dosage has to be changed until it is right. As for side effects, someone here is bound to have that information (I’m fading and have to head off to bed soon, or I’d dig it up). There is no "remission" that comes from treating a cat with Tapazole long enough. If you choose Tapazole, you have to do it every single day, on schedule. You are not curing the condition by using Tapazole–merely making up for a deficiency in the cat’s body chemistry. Hyperthyroidism *can* be cured, but Tapazole won’t do it. >* Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland >removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues?
Surgery is the least desireble way to go–especially if Muzzy’s kidney annd liver functions are normal, making her a good candidate for radioactive iodine. It’s invasive, and therefore much harder on the cat, the thyroid is tiny and the chance the vet won’t get all of the affected tissue is fairly high, and the cat will have to be on medication for *hypo*thyroidism afterward. For what you would spend on the surgery and aftercare and meds and possibly having to have it redone in a few years, you and the cat are much better off choosing radioactive iodine. There may be occasions when surgery is warranted, but I can’t think of any. Not for an otherwise healthy cat, anyway. >* Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in >treating the problem?
Since she’s fairly young, I recommend going with this; I chose it for my own 11-year-old cat back in August. Of the three treatment options, it is the only one that will actually CURE the condition. It’s expensive–$800-$1500 depending on where you have it done–but that is a one-time cost. There are also follow-up blood tests that will have to be done at 30 and 90 days after the treatment to see how her thyroid is responding, but once the thyroid is functioning normally again, the cat is cured and needs no further treatment for hyperthyroidism. The amount of radiation involved is very tiny, and while there are some precautions you will have to take after she comes home it’s not that big a deal. If you had a spouse who was treated with 131-I, she would be able to go home the same day and there would be no precautions as far as sleeping with her or using objects she had used. A cat gets far less radioactive material injected than a human does, but it has to stay at the clinic for 3-14 days, depending on state laws regarding radioactive waste disposal. I’m in Washington State, and I was able to take my cat home in three days; once she was below a certain reading on a geiger counter, she was free to go home. Some states (from what I’ve heard) make a cat stay for two full weeks, regardless of how minimally radioactive they really are. The amount of exposure to radiation you would get from the cat afterwards would be minimal; you’d probably be exposed to more radiation flying round-trip across the country. It’s safe, both for the cat as well as you, and best of all it works. Beats the hell out of going back and forth to the vet all the time and popping pills down the cat twice a day, too. >Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous >posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole >treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. >She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m >wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, >long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences?
Don’t bother with surgery. It may be cheaper up front, but it sure won’t be in the long run. If you have a vet who insists on doing it, find yourself another vet who has your cat’s best interest in mind (as opposed to his wallet’s). If Mazzy’s kidney and liver functions and blood pressure are normal, she’s a good candidate for 131-I. It’s easy to freak out at the cost, but it’s *far* easier on both you and the cat in the long run. And even though folks get wiggy when it comes to the idea of radioactivity, the procedure is safe. If any of my other cats turned up hyperthyroid, I’d take advantage of that treatment option again, no hesitation. Okay, it’s 1:46 am and I’m dead–time to go curl up with the cats…:^) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Thanks in advance, >Don
Response:
I had my Indigo treated with the radioactive iodine about six years ago. I dropped him off Monday afternoon and picked him up the following Saturday. He needed to stay that long so most of the radioactive iodine leaves and he is not too radioactive. For awhile you have to be careful with disposing the litter since it has some radioactivity. The treatment worked fine. He went to the rainbow bridge last April after almost 18 years due to old age. I paid about $1000 for the treatment in Northern VA. — Larry Silkaitis (Owned by six cats: two grey, one black, white, black and white, and grey and white)
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Greetings, > Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing > been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated > that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated > for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of > the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment > options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does > anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: > * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual > blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What > happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats > go into remission and not need treatment over time? > * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland > removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? > * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in > treating the problem? > Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous > posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole > treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. > She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m > wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, > long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? > Thanks in advance, > Don
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Greetings, >Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing >been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated >that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated >for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of >the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment >options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does >anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: >* Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual >blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What >happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats >go into remission and not need treatment over time? >* Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland >removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? >* Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in >treating the problem? >Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous >posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole >treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. >She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m >wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, >long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences?
I am going through the same thing right now with my Tweetie. She was diagnosed as hyperthyroid in the course of a routine "free" physical at my friend’s vet. She had never been to the doctor in her 10-12 years; seemed perfectly healthy in every way. So I was grateful to be alerted, while she is still asymptomatic — except for somewhat rapid heartbeat, according to vet. Vet also described her as somewhat "thin" and had "dry fur", but I don’t see it that way. However… To the point: After considering the options, and getting much good advice from this GREAT group, I am going to try for the radio-iodine treatment — if I can find a facility that will do it for less than the $1200 the vet quoted !!!! The reasons for my decision, as I said, came from the NG, and from reading vet papers on the Web sites Flippy from Oz recommended. The vets were just about unanimous that the radio iodine treatment was most effective in removing the problem instead of "masking it" (that’s an overstatement) by medication. Giving 1/2 pill to a cat 2x daily for life, at a cost of at least $1/day, does not appeal, especially as the condition is not really dealt with, IIRC. Besides, over a few years, it would probably add up to the cost of the radio iodine procedure. Surgery I wouldn’t consider. The only downside to radio iodine, IIRC, is that one has to be careful that the hyperthyroidism doesn’t mask something else, like kidney problems. I assume (I hope) that the blood panel run by the vet would have revealed that, if it existed. Just pointing out that the vet papers on the Web all discuss the importance of not masking underlying conditiions. Have a look at the URL Flippy sent me: For info on Hyperthyroidism, see this page: >http://www.onthe.net.au/~flippy/catalogue.html#hyperthyroidism
There is a lot to read on the various links. Sorry I can’t help on costs, which probably vary with the area. Good luck! — Polar
Response:
Greetings, Over the past year, my cat’s (Mazzy) thyroid hormone levels have slowing been approaching the upper limit of the "normal" range. My vet indicated that this trend is a good indication that she may soon need to be treated for Hyperthyroidism. Her levels are currently just below the upper limit of the range. With cautious foresight, I’m trying to gather info on treatment options, as it relates to the cat’s wellbeing and cost effectiveness. Does anyone have any good or bad things to say about the following: * Daily tapazole pills. ~ (Assuming ranges of $15-30/month, with bi-annual blood tests). Problems with administering pills twice per day? What happens if you skip a few doses while out of town? Side effects? Can cats go into remission and not need treatment over time? * Surgery to remove the "bad" thyroid. ~ Costs? Side-effects to gland removal? Recurrence on other thyroid? Other issues? * Radioiodine treatment ~ Costs? Side-effects? Effectiveness in treating the problem? Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated. I’ve read some previous posts about Hyperthyroidism, but most of the discussion focused on Tapazole treatment. FYI, Mazzy is a relatively healthy cat in all other respects. She’s nearly 11 yrs. old, and is a large female silver tabby. So, I’m wondering if surgery or radioiodine is the best option (for effectiveness, long-term costs, and daily tediousness). ??? Any good/bad experiences? Thanks in advance, Don