Question:
Hi Bugsy!! Well, not the best of news, I suppose, but at least you have an idea of what the problem may be and exploring your options. *sigh* Artemis and I will pray for you and Tigger tonight. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
> Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > Bugsy….
If it turns out to be hyperthyroidism, I’d consider that fairly good. Because 1) it’s be a clear-cut answer, and 2)it’s treatable. You can go 3 routes: medication (Tapazole), surgery, or radioactive iodine treatment. I think I’d put surgery in 3rd place, option-wise. Bu I assume that your vet will be able to give you his/her own opinion/advice, also. When my cat Debbie (now 14) was diagnosed a couple of years+ ago as being hyperthyroid, we went w/ the med, which was working, but…she already had liver disease & Tapazole *can* have a neg. effect on the liver, so that wasn’t a long-term option for her. The radioactive treatment wasn’t available here, so she had a thyroidectomy. However, as my vet pointed out, it’s tricky to keep the parathyroids intact during surgery no matter how careful the surgeon is, & the cat’s calcium levels need to monitored closely after surgery. The cat can then go hypothyroid, post-surgery, which then requires Thyroxine, to get the thyroid levels back up to where they belong. Debbie was doing fine at first, but eventually had to go w/the Thyroxine regimen – which she takes every day. *Personally*, I think I’d try the med. route first & see how it goes ( BTW – I myself am hyperthyroid & take Tapazole daily; so far, it’s worked). *But*, if Tigger’s thyroid hormone levels aren’t easily kept in line w/ the med, or if he *hates* pills, then I’d go w/ the radioactive iodine treatment. It’s a one-time deal. Plus, Tigger’s on the young side, so the radioactive treatment may work in his favor, versus many future years of med. Hope this was of some help. Yes, the whole thing is pricey, but it’s well worth it. Cathy
Response:
It is not radiation. It is a radioactive iodine treatment. It doesn’t really have any ill effects on the animal. The R131 treatment is the treatment of choice. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Given your options, I’d go for surgery. I don’t know the effects of > radiation on a cat, but it’s very trying on a human, I can say that much. > But I"m not an expert on this… surgery is pretty expensive too, but meds > will be really expensive if he’s on them for life, and most people with > thyroid problems are on thyroid meds for life. > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~ > — > zz | _,,,—,,_ This house is maintained > zzz /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ entirely for the comfort > ZZZ |,4- ) )-,_..; ( `’-’ and convenience of our > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) (by F.Lee) cats
Response:
> Hi! If you decide to go with I-131, let me know & I’ll tell you about my > experience with two different cats who had the treatment. (It was VERY > expensive — $1000 for each cat; surgery would have been about $600.)
Barbara
Response:
Hia Bugs, Please, forget the surgery. Exacting and special attention must be given to try and save at least one of the four parathyroid glands which are closely associated with the thyroid glands. This can be very tricky, especially to maintain the microscopic blood supply to these tiny organs. If both glands were removed, there is always a question as to how well the parathyroid glands will function; if they fail Tigger could have a fatal seizure due to a severe drop in blood calcium. Some cats never have complications, but for 10% of the cats that undergo surgery, its fatal.. Surgery also carries an increased risk due to the cardiac and hepatic changes that occur secondary to this condition. Antithyroid drugs have several side effects. Anorexia and vomiting are common side effects of methimazole. Rare side effects include self-induced excoriation of the face, thrombocytopenia, bleeding diathesis, agranulocytosis, serum antinuclear antibodies, and hepatopathy. These effects usually develop within the first 3 months of treatment and may or may not necessitate drug cessation and alternative treatment (depending on severity). Bleeding, jaundice, and agranulocytosis necessitate immediate withdrawal of the drug. Also, antithyroid drugs require pilling Tigger twice a day for the rest of his life – a lot of stress for him and for you. Many times pilling is missed as a result of stress and difficulty administering. Also, Tigger’s serum thyroxine will need to be checked every three weeks during the first 3 months to monitor both efficacy and adverse effects, and every 3-6 months thereafter. The condition is not cured, merely treated. Antithyroid drugs would not be my first choice. Radioactive iodine I-131 therapy is the safest and most effective method of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. The procedure involves first a nuclear medicine scan in which the Tigger receives an injection of the radioactive compound pertechnetate . The resulting scan shows the location of the Tigger’s thyroid glands, confirms the disease, and, most importantly, determines the Tigger’s dose of the radioactive agent iodine 131. Iodine is joined to the amino acid tyrosine in the thyroid gland to create T4. Iodine 131 is carried directly to the thyroid gland as though it were regular iodine. Iodine 131, being radioactive, emits high speed electrons which kill the surrounding abnormal thyroid tissue. Because these electrons penetrate only fractions of an inch, only the thyroid gland experiences the radiation and the rest of the body is spared. This treatment need not be repeated and no additional therapy is required; however, while humans receiving similar treatment are promptly allowed to go home post-treatment, the process is different with cats. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires cats to remain hospitalized in a special isolation ward until the iodine 131 is gone from the body. This amounts to about nine days of hospitalization. The condition is *cured* 96% of the time *in one treatment*. You *MUST* have Tigger’s kidney function *thoroughly* checked prior to I-131 therapy. Latent kidney failure may be unmasked irreversibly by this therapy. This can be avoided simply by screening Tigger for kidney failure prior to radiotherapy. If Tigger has possible kidney insufficiency, it should be treated with medication to bring the thyroid levels under control. . If kidney function remains stable on treatment with anti-thyroid medications, then more permanent radiotherapy can proceed. Radiotherapy is not only the safest, most effective treatment available for hyperthyroidism, its actually less expensive, in the long run, than medication and repeated retesting for life. Depending on kidney function, Radiotherapy is my first and *only* choice of treatment for my cats…and you know how neurotic I am about my Ladies! Also, you’re in range for the *best* treatment facility there is! Lets hope Tigger won’t need it, but he does, Radiotherapy is the *only* way to go. You know I would never steer you wrong. Check out my site for more detailed information: http://www.maxshouse.com/what_is_thyroid_hormone.htm Good luck! Phil. — "I have found my love of cats most helpful in understanding women’ –John Simon Feline Healthcare: http://maxshouse.com
> Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical
problems"…… If – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Response:
Thanks Marlene. This is a very informative website. Unfortunately, non of the treatments sound very encouraging due to costs or the possibility of the problem reoccurring. I’ll know a little more by 1:15 tomorrow. We’ll be on the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an answer. Headbutts to all… — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Bugsy – Check out this link…..it’s very informative, re: hyperthyroidism – and also gives some idea as to costs. http://www.catthyroid.com/treatment.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– Marlene "One cat just leads to another." – Ernest Hemingway http://members.home.net/sassy34/HomePage.htm
Response:
The surgery could cost as much as the radiation. And there’s a chance of reoccurrence. The radiation is almost guaranteed and the least painful of all… but we’re talking over $1,000.00, and he has to be strong enough, which I know right now, he is not. — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Given your options, I’d go for surgery. I don’t know the effects of radiation on a cat, but it’s very trying on a human, I can say that much. But I"m not an expert on this… surgery is pretty expensive too, but meds will be really expensive if he’s on them for life, and most people with thyroid problems are on thyroid meds for life. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– zz | _,,,—,,_ This house is maintained zzz /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ entirely for the comfort ZZZ |,4- ) )-,_..; ( `’-’ and convenience of our ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) (by F.Lee) cats
Response:
Bugsy – Check out this link…..it’s very informative, re: hyperthyroidism – and also gives some idea as to costs. http://www.catthyroid.com/treatment.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– Marlene "One cat just leads to another." – Ernest Hemingway http://members.home.net/sassy34/HomePage.htm
Response:
> We’ll be on > the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an > answer.
Have a safe trip, Bugsy! Enjoy the holiday 
) — Best Regards, Connie http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=145752 "The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." – Ernest Menaul
Response:
Thanks, Connie. Hugs to you and your family! ….Bugsy — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
> We’ll be on > the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an > answer.
Have a safe trip, Bugsy! Enjoy the holiday ) — Best Regards, Connie http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=145752 "The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." – Ernest Menaul
Response:
Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A LOT to me and Tigger! The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. Again, many thanks to y’all. — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Response:
I got no clue bugs but I am glad that they have found a place to start. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A >LOT to me and Tigger! >The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing >Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. >A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If >it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, >surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? >The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure >Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead >because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. >Again, many thanks to y’all. >– >Bugsy…. >"May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to >love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Response:
Hi Bugsy!! Well, not the best of news, I suppose, but at least you have an idea of what the problem may be and exploring your options. *sigh* Artemis and I will pray for you and Tigger tonight. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
Response:
> Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > Bugsy….
If it turns out to be hyperthyroidism, I’d consider that fairly good. Because 1) it’s be a clear-cut answer, and 2)it’s treatable. You can go 3 routes: medication (Tapazole), surgery, or radioactive iodine treatment. I think I’d put surgery in 3rd place, option-wise. Bu I assume that your vet will be able to give you his/her own opinion/advice, also. When my cat Debbie (now 14) was diagnosed a couple of years+ ago as being hyperthyroid, we went w/ the med, which was working, but…she already had liver disease & Tapazole *can* have a neg. effect on the liver, so that wasn’t a long-term option for her. The radioactive treatment wasn’t available here, so she had a thyroidectomy. However, as my vet pointed out, it’s tricky to keep the parathyroids intact during surgery no matter how careful the surgeon is, & the cat’s calcium levels need to monitored closely after surgery. The cat can then go hypothyroid, post-surgery, which then requires Thyroxine, to get the thyroid levels back up to where they belong. Debbie was doing fine at first, but eventually had to go w/the Thyroxine regimen – which she takes every day. *Personally*, I think I’d try the med. route first & see how it goes ( BTW – I myself am hyperthyroid & take Tapazole daily; so far, it’s worked). *But*, if Tigger’s thyroid hormone levels aren’t easily kept in line w/ the med, or if he *hates* pills, then I’d go w/ the radioactive iodine treatment. It’s a one-time deal. Plus, Tigger’s on the young side, so the radioactive treatment may work in his favor, versus many future years of med. Hope this was of some help. Yes, the whole thing is pricey, but it’s well worth it. Cathy
Response:
It is not radiation. It is a radioactive iodine treatment. It doesn’t really have any ill effects on the animal. The R131 treatment is the treatment of choice. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Given your options, I’d go for surgery. I don’t know the effects of > radiation on a cat, but it’s very trying on a human, I can say that much. > But I"m not an expert on this… surgery is pretty expensive too, but meds > will be really expensive if he’s on them for life, and most people with > thyroid problems are on thyroid meds for life. > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~ > — > zz | _,,,—,,_ This house is maintained > zzz /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ entirely for the comfort > ZZZ |,4- ) )-,_..; ( `’-’ and convenience of our > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) (by F.Lee) cats
Response:
> Hi! If you decide to go with I-131, let me know & I’ll tell you about my > experience with two different cats who had the treatment. (It was VERY > expensive — $1000 for each cat; surgery would have been about $600.)
Barbara
Response:
Hia Bugs, Please, forget the surgery. Exacting and special attention must be given to try and save at least one of the four parathyroid glands which are closely associated with the thyroid glands. This can be very tricky, especially to maintain the microscopic blood supply to these tiny organs. If both glands were removed, there is always a question as to how well the parathyroid glands will function; if they fail Tigger could have a fatal seizure due to a severe drop in blood calcium. Some cats never have complications, but for 10% of the cats that undergo surgery, its fatal.. Surgery also carries an increased risk due to the cardiac and hepatic changes that occur secondary to this condition. Antithyroid drugs have several side effects. Anorexia and vomiting are common side effects of methimazole. Rare side effects include self-induced excoriation of the face, thrombocytopenia, bleeding diathesis, agranulocytosis, serum antinuclear antibodies, and hepatopathy. These effects usually develop within the first 3 months of treatment and may or may not necessitate drug cessation and alternative treatment (depending on severity). Bleeding, jaundice, and agranulocytosis necessitate immediate withdrawal of the drug. Also, antithyroid drugs require pilling Tigger twice a day for the rest of his life – a lot of stress for him and for you. Many times pilling is missed as a result of stress and difficulty administering. Also, Tigger’s serum thyroxine will need to be checked every three weeks during the first 3 months to monitor both efficacy and adverse effects, and every 3-6 months thereafter. The condition is not cured, merely treated. Antithyroid drugs would not be my first choice. Radioactive iodine I-131 therapy is the safest and most effective method of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. The procedure involves first a nuclear medicine scan in which the Tigger receives an injection of the radioactive compound pertechnetate . The resulting scan shows the location of the Tigger’s thyroid glands, confirms the disease, and, most importantly, determines the Tigger’s dose of the radioactive agent iodine 131. Iodine is joined to the amino acid tyrosine in the thyroid gland to create T4. Iodine 131 is carried directly to the thyroid gland as though it were regular iodine. Iodine 131, being radioactive, emits high speed electrons which kill the surrounding abnormal thyroid tissue. Because these electrons penetrate only fractions of an inch, only the thyroid gland experiences the radiation and the rest of the body is spared. This treatment need not be repeated and no additional therapy is required; however, while humans receiving similar treatment are promptly allowed to go home post-treatment, the process is different with cats. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires cats to remain hospitalized in a special isolation ward until the iodine 131 is gone from the body. This amounts to about nine days of hospitalization. The condition is *cured* 96% of the time *in one treatment*. You *MUST* have Tigger’s kidney function *thoroughly* checked prior to I-131 therapy. Latent kidney failure may be unmasked irreversibly by this therapy. This can be avoided simply by screening Tigger for kidney failure prior to radiotherapy. If Tigger has possible kidney insufficiency, it should be treated with medication to bring the thyroid levels under control. . If kidney function remains stable on treatment with anti-thyroid medications, then more permanent radiotherapy can proceed. Radiotherapy is not only the safest, most effective treatment available for hyperthyroidism, its actually less expensive, in the long run, than medication and repeated retesting for life. Depending on kidney function, Radiotherapy is my first and *only* choice of treatment for my cats…and you know how neurotic I am about my Ladies! Also, you’re in range for the *best* treatment facility there is! Lets hope Tigger won’t need it, but he does, Radiotherapy is the *only* way to go. You know I would never steer you wrong. Check out my site for more detailed information: http://www.maxshouse.com/what_is_thyroid_hormone.htm Good luck! Phil. — "I have found my love of cats most helpful in understanding women’ –John Simon Feline Healthcare: http://maxshouse.com
> Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical
problems"…… If – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Response:
Thanks Marlene. This is a very informative website. Unfortunately, non of the treatments sound very encouraging due to costs or the possibility of the problem reoccurring. I’ll know a little more by 1:15 tomorrow. We’ll be on the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an answer. Headbutts to all… — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Bugsy – Check out this link…..it’s very informative, re: hyperthyroidism – and also gives some idea as to costs. http://www.catthyroid.com/treatment.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– Marlene "One cat just leads to another." – Ernest Hemingway http://members.home.net/sassy34/HomePage.htm
Response:
The surgery could cost as much as the radiation. And there’s a chance of reoccurrence. The radiation is almost guaranteed and the least painful of all… but we’re talking over $1,000.00, and he has to be strong enough, which I know right now, he is not. — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Given your options, I’d go for surgery. I don’t know the effects of radiation on a cat, but it’s very trying on a human, I can say that much. But I"m not an expert on this… surgery is pretty expensive too, but meds will be really expensive if he’s on them for life, and most people with thyroid problems are on thyroid meds for life. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– zz | _,,,—,,_ This house is maintained zzz /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ entirely for the comfort ZZZ |,4- ) )-,_..; ( `’-’ and convenience of our ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) (by F.Lee) cats
Response:
Bugsy – Check out this link…..it’s very informative, re: hyperthyroidism – and also gives some idea as to costs. http://www.catthyroid.com/treatment.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– Marlene "One cat just leads to another." – Ernest Hemingway http://members.home.net/sassy34/HomePage.htm
Response:
> We’ll be on > the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an > answer.
Have a safe trip, Bugsy! Enjoy the holiday ) — Best Regards, Connie http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=145752 "The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." – Ernest Menaul
Response:
Thanks, Connie. Hugs to you and your family! ….Bugsy — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
> We’ll be on > the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an > answer.
Have a safe trip, Bugsy! Enjoy the holiday ) — Best Regards, Connie http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=145752 "The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." – Ernest Menaul
Response:
Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A LOT to me and Tigger! The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. Again, many thanks to y’all. — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
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I got no clue bugs but I am glad that they have found a place to start. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A >LOT to me and Tigger! >The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing >Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. >A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If >it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, >surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? >The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure >Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead >because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. >Again, many thanks to y’all. >– >Bugsy…. >"May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to >love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
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Hi Bugsy!! Well, not the best of news, I suppose, but at least you have an idea of what the problem may be and exploring your options. *sigh* Artemis and I will pray for you and Tigger tonight. Have a safe and wonderful Thanksgiving. Eric and Artemis *meow* * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!
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> Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > Bugsy….
If it turns out to be hyperthyroidism, I’d consider that fairly good. Because 1) it’s be a clear-cut answer, and 2)it’s treatable. You can go 3 routes: medication (Tapazole), surgery, or radioactive iodine treatment. I think I’d put surgery in 3rd place, option-wise. Bu I assume that your vet will be able to give you his/her own opinion/advice, also. When my cat Debbie (now 14) was diagnosed a couple of years+ ago as being hyperthyroid, we went w/ the med, which was working, but…she already had liver disease & Tapazole *can* have a neg. effect on the liver, so that wasn’t a long-term option for her. The radioactive treatment wasn’t available here, so she had a thyroidectomy. However, as my vet pointed out, it’s tricky to keep the parathyroids intact during surgery no matter how careful the surgeon is, & the cat’s calcium levels need to monitored closely after surgery. The cat can then go hypothyroid, post-surgery, which then requires Thyroxine, to get the thyroid levels back up to where they belong. Debbie was doing fine at first, but eventually had to go w/the Thyroxine regimen – which she takes every day. *Personally*, I think I’d try the med. route first & see how it goes ( BTW – I myself am hyperthyroid & take Tapazole daily; so far, it’s worked). *But*, if Tigger’s thyroid hormone levels aren’t easily kept in line w/ the med, or if he *hates* pills, then I’d go w/ the radioactive iodine treatment. It’s a one-time deal. Plus, Tigger’s on the young side, so the radioactive treatment may work in his favor, versus many future years of med. Hope this was of some help. Yes, the whole thing is pricey, but it’s well worth it. Cathy
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It is not radiation. It is a radioactive iodine treatment. It doesn’t really have any ill effects on the animal. The R131 treatment is the treatment of choice. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Given your options, I’d go for surgery. I don’t know the effects of > radiation on a cat, but it’s very trying on a human, I can say that much. > But I"m not an expert on this… surgery is pretty expensive too, but meds > will be really expensive if he’s on them for life, and most people with > thyroid problems are on thyroid meds for life. > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~ > — > zz | _,,,—,,_ This house is maintained > zzz /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ entirely for the comfort > ZZZ |,4- ) )-,_..; ( `’-’ and convenience of our > ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) (by F.Lee) cats
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> Hi! If you decide to go with I-131, let me know & I’ll tell you about my > experience with two different cats who had the treatment. (It was VERY > expensive — $1000 for each cat; surgery would have been about $600.)
Barbara
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Hia Bugs, Please, forget the surgery. Exacting and special attention must be given to try and save at least one of the four parathyroid glands which are closely associated with the thyroid glands. This can be very tricky, especially to maintain the microscopic blood supply to these tiny organs. If both glands were removed, there is always a question as to how well the parathyroid glands will function; if they fail Tigger could have a fatal seizure due to a severe drop in blood calcium. Some cats never have complications, but for 10% of the cats that undergo surgery, its fatal.. Surgery also carries an increased risk due to the cardiac and hepatic changes that occur secondary to this condition. Antithyroid drugs have several side effects. Anorexia and vomiting are common side effects of methimazole. Rare side effects include self-induced excoriation of the face, thrombocytopenia, bleeding diathesis, agranulocytosis, serum antinuclear antibodies, and hepatopathy. These effects usually develop within the first 3 months of treatment and may or may not necessitate drug cessation and alternative treatment (depending on severity). Bleeding, jaundice, and agranulocytosis necessitate immediate withdrawal of the drug. Also, antithyroid drugs require pilling Tigger twice a day for the rest of his life – a lot of stress for him and for you. Many times pilling is missed as a result of stress and difficulty administering. Also, Tigger’s serum thyroxine will need to be checked every three weeks during the first 3 months to monitor both efficacy and adverse effects, and every 3-6 months thereafter. The condition is not cured, merely treated. Antithyroid drugs would not be my first choice. Radioactive iodine I-131 therapy is the safest and most effective method of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. The procedure involves first a nuclear medicine scan in which the Tigger receives an injection of the radioactive compound pertechnetate . The resulting scan shows the location of the Tigger’s thyroid glands, confirms the disease, and, most importantly, determines the Tigger’s dose of the radioactive agent iodine 131. Iodine is joined to the amino acid tyrosine in the thyroid gland to create T4. Iodine 131 is carried directly to the thyroid gland as though it were regular iodine. Iodine 131, being radioactive, emits high speed electrons which kill the surrounding abnormal thyroid tissue. Because these electrons penetrate only fractions of an inch, only the thyroid gland experiences the radiation and the rest of the body is spared. This treatment need not be repeated and no additional therapy is required; however, while humans receiving similar treatment are promptly allowed to go home post-treatment, the process is different with cats. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires cats to remain hospitalized in a special isolation ward until the iodine 131 is gone from the body. This amounts to about nine days of hospitalization. The condition is *cured* 96% of the time *in one treatment*. You *MUST* have Tigger’s kidney function *thoroughly* checked prior to I-131 therapy. Latent kidney failure may be unmasked irreversibly by this therapy. This can be avoided simply by screening Tigger for kidney failure prior to radiotherapy. If Tigger has possible kidney insufficiency, it should be treated with medication to bring the thyroid levels under control. . If kidney function remains stable on treatment with anti-thyroid medications, then more permanent radiotherapy can proceed. Radiotherapy is not only the safest, most effective treatment available for hyperthyroidism, its actually less expensive, in the long run, than medication and repeated retesting for life. Depending on kidney function, Radiotherapy is my first and *only* choice of treatment for my cats…and you know how neurotic I am about my Ladies! Also, you’re in range for the *best* treatment facility there is! Lets hope Tigger won’t need it, but he does, Radiotherapy is the *only* way to go. You know I would never steer you wrong. Check out my site for more detailed information: http://www.maxshouse.com/what_is_thyroid_hormone.htm Good luck! Phil. — "I have found my love of cats most helpful in understanding women’ –John Simon Feline Healthcare: http://maxshouse.com
> Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical
problems"…… If – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
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Thanks Marlene. This is a very informative website. Unfortunately, non of the treatments sound very encouraging due to costs or the possibility of the problem reoccurring. I’ll know a little more by 1:15 tomorrow. We’ll be on the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an answer. Headbutts to all… — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Bugsy – Check out this link…..it’s very informative, re: hyperthyroidism – and also gives some idea as to costs. http://www.catthyroid.com/treatment.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– Marlene "One cat just leads to another." – Ernest Hemingway http://members.home.net/sassy34/HomePage.htm
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The surgery could cost as much as the radiation. And there’s a chance of reoccurrence. The radiation is almost guaranteed and the least painful of all… but we’re talking over $1,000.00, and he has to be strong enough, which I know right now, he is not. — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
Given your options, I’d go for surgery. I don’t know the effects of radiation on a cat, but it’s very trying on a human, I can say that much. But I"m not an expert on this… surgery is pretty expensive too, but meds will be really expensive if he’s on them for life, and most people with thyroid problems are on thyroid meds for life. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– zz | _,,,—,,_ This house is maintained zzz /,`.-’`’ -. ;-;;,_ entirely for the comfort ZZZ |,4- ) )-,_..; ( `’-’ and convenience of our ’—”(_/–’ `-’_) (by F.Lee) cats
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Bugsy – Check out this link…..it’s very informative, re: hyperthyroidism – and also gives some idea as to costs. http://www.catthyroid.com/treatment.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A > LOT to me and Tigger! > The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing > Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. > A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If > it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, > surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? > The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure > Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead > because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. > Again, many thanks to y’all. > — > Bugsy…. > "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to > love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
– Marlene "One cat just leads to another." – Ernest Hemingway http://members.home.net/sassy34/HomePage.htm
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> We’ll be on > the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an > answer.
Have a safe trip, Bugsy! Enjoy the holiday ) — Best Regards, Connie http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=145752 "The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." – Ernest Menaul
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Thanks, Connie. Hugs to you and your family! ….Bugsy — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
> We’ll be on > the road to my folks house until tomorrow evening, but I’ll check in with an > answer.
Have a safe trip, Bugsy! Enjoy the holiday ) — Best Regards, Connie http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=145752 "The cat has too much spirit to have no heart." – Ernest Menaul
Response:
Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A LOT to me and Tigger! The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. Again, many thanks to y’all. — Bugsy…. "May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~
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I got no clue bugs but I am glad that they have found a place to start. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Hi gang… thanks sooooo much for the loving prayers. It means a lot, A >LOT to me and Tigger! >The vet called this evening with a possible idea of what *might be* ailing >Tigley. His throat seemed swollen, so the first test is a thyroid test. >A couple of questions to our resident "cat and medical problems"…… If >it is Tigger’s thyroid, the vet said there are three options. Medicine, >surgery or radiation. Does anyone know what the easiest route would be? >The vet said the meds can be very expensive. Would any of these cure >Tigger, or will it be a maintenance thing? I guess I’m jumping ahead >because we don’t have any results, but any feedback would be great. >Again, many thanks to y’all. >– >Bugsy…. >"May you have the greatest two gifts of all on these holidays; someone to >love and someone who loves you." ~ John Sinor~