hyperthyroidism in my cat

[Shaggie]

Our 11 year old female cat has just been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (level 193).  Our vet is getting a gel med we can rub on  her ear to stabilize her metabolism, but we understand that for her to live longer she'll need to have her thyroid destroyed by radiation.  This treatment if not available where we live and we'd have to travel quite far to have this done.  We are wondering whether it is worth putting her through the trip and radiation therapy.  Our vet has said she could survive a couple of years with the gel medication, but I'm wondering what her prospects will be for longevity and quality of life after radiation of the thyroid. I guess what I'm really saying is - should we go ahead with the radiation treatment?

[christy195050]

I am glad you find the Gel great to work with.  We have both here and it is always a trauma for the cats to take tablets and sometimes they get stuck in their throats and cause a few problems. With some cats the owners come with thick gloves and a pill popper so you always know when you are going to have a difficult kitty and it ends up a trauma for me as well as the cat so the Gel is always a relief for us to administer. bestest

[Savas]

the expert stops by! :)

There are some differences, although my knowledge of the human thyroid is very limited. I know it's spelled t-h-y-r-o-i-d-e for example...no...wait, shoot!

I think the preferred route is still surgical. In cats, there's a danger of removing the parathyroid, two small glands connected to the thyroid which, in medical terms, is a bad thing. :)

I would say if the gel is working stick with it. I have a norwegian lass who I can ask about herbal treatment, but I do know she'll say that it's likely not a good idea to mix the herbal remedy with the medication, especially if everything is working out well.

[ChitChatNine]

Do they think she has an autoimmune issue?  In humans, that can cause the hyper that you describe and when all else fails they do the radiation .. basically nuke the thyroid to kill it and then supplement with meds.

Cheryl - Partial Thyroidectomy 1/07

[Shaggie]

Thank you for your reply and information.  My cat has started on the gel which we put in her ear twice a day.  It's no big deal at all for us or her.  She has shown a big improvement in behaviour in just 2 days.  She is grooming again and has a better look on her face.  I am content to keep this up indefinitely if this is the best thing for her.  I've given other cats that have lived with us insulin twice daily and by comparison this is a breeze.  

[Shaggie]

Thank you for your reply.  Do you know of any natural treatment approaches for a cat with hyperthyroidism?  

[christy195050]

I am inclined to agree with Savas, the more you can do at home ie medication and diet the life style for your cat. I would also hope that someone on this site might have been through the same thing and can give you some ideas on what the cat will go through if you choose radiation.
Thyroid disease in cats is on the rise since the 1980's and it has been traced back to pop top cans the sealant they use on top of the food in the can and the top of the can. You can search on the internet with thyroid and pop top cans. As always I have advocated natural foods for cats otherwise they will and are ending up with human disease's.
We have a lot of cats that visit us and are on thyroid tablets and gel and are living a very good and happy life. It is a bit of a hassle medicating twice a day but that is up to you. best of luck.

[Savas]

I'm never a being fan of radiation treatment. The problem with animals and "Cures that make you sick", is you can't explain to them it's for there own good (they lack that human comprehension). I don't know the statistics, but I get the impression the survival rate isn't very high.

Which doesn't mean you shouldn't do it. I'd be the last one to tell you what care to choose for "your baby". however, I'd consider going with the medication and a more natural treatment approach.

I'd also consider a second opinion. I'm not saying your vet is wrong, but with a treatment this serious, it's always best to double, even triple check.