Cat with hyperthyroidism.

Dr. Marie replied:

Oh, I am sorry to hear that you are having to make this hard decision.

The one thing I am confused about here is the age of your cat. If Princess is 5-8 years old as you have stated in the form then it is really unusual to have hyperthyroidism. It may be worthwhile to get a second opinion.

However, if she is an older cat then a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is usually pretty accurate.

Unfortunately if she has hyperthyroidism she really does need to be treated. Cats can survive for a while with hyperthyroidism but eventually they feel really sick.

The increase in thyroid hormone if left untreated will cause a number of problems - weight loss, heart problems, blood pressure problems and possibly blindness. Cats that have these problems simply do not feel well.

If giving your girl pills is the main problem you can ask your vet about using a transdermal gel. This is a cream that you put on the inside of her ear. It sometimes doesn't work as well as pills, but sometimes it does. It would definitely be better than nothing.

You are mostly right in saying that there is no cure for hyperthyroidism. There is a treatment called radio-iodide where a cat can be cured of hyperthyroidism. However, this is quite expensive.

I have a large number of cats in my clinic with hyperthyroidism. Of all the conditions that older cats can get this is one that is treatable.

With all that being said, if you are unable to afford her treatment, this is understandable as well. Your vet can help you to decide when the point comes that she is really not feeling well. When that point comes it will be time to discuss euthanasia.

I'm sorry for this hard decision!

Dr. Marie.


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Dr. Marie replied:

I don't envy you this hard decision!

There is definitely no guarantee that the pooping will stop once the thyroid problem is treated.

In my practice the gel is a little bit more expensive than the pills. But again, you would still need to catch her.

It is really unusual to see hyperthyroidism in a 5 year old cat so it may be worthwhile to have a second vet take a look at her just to confirm the diagnosis.

However, I think it is reasonable, with the information that you gave me to consider putting her down.

Dr. Marie.

Dr. Marie replied:

You're very welcome Angela. Thanks for the kind words.