Hi Susan and all,
I just came up here to post this article from our local newspaper: title is HYPERTHROIDISM A SERIOUS DISORDER THAT HITS OLD CATS
from the PETS column by Dr Jeff Rothstein. “Disease can be treated, but costs may be prohibitive.” ” Dear Dr. Rothstein: My 14 year old cat, Toby, was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidsim and I have to decide on how to treat this disease and how is it treated? Brenda of Roseville. (Michigan)”
“Dear Brenda: Hyperthyroid is a common diease among older cats, resulting from the excess production of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. An enlarged thyroid gland, which is usually a benign tumor, is responsible. Why these masses develop is not known. Common signs of the disease are hyperactivity, weight loss, excessive appetite, shaggy or unkempt hair coat, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and thickened nails. Many cats also have a heart murmur and a very rapid heart rate. The heart is enlarged (when viewed on an X-ray) and can result in congestive heart failure and other cardiovascular abnormalities.
Because the impact of the disease has serious consequences on the overall health of the cat, it is important that the disease be treated. Medical surgical and radiation therapy are the modes of treatment for hyperthroidsim. The method selcted depends on a number of factors and cost.
BECAUSE THERE IS ANOTHER HALF TO THIS ARTICLE, I WILL POST IT IN PART TWO FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO SKIP THE REST OF THIS ARTICLE. KAREN B
