Need Advise Please! My Tinker has Feline Hyperthyroidism

[GreyGhost]

I'm so glad to hear she is back to eating. Also glad that you are going to get the test done to find out if she is truly hyperthyroid.

[Bonkers]

   Here is where it stands with my Tinker. I spoke at length with her vet on monday and we decided since her T4 was quite elevated that we should start her on her meds at 1.25 mg two times per day. He said that if I wanted the test redone, that he had no problem with that, but since it was so high he felt that it would only confirm what was already known. I know some may feel I am going down the wrong path, but I feel comfortable with the decision.

   He also had some interesting views on the transdermal tapazole/methimazole. He stated that according to some recent studies the dosages could not be regulated as well as using the oral. Also, that proper absorption of the medicine can sometimes be a problem. The transdermal could also pose a problem in a multi cat household. But I suppose if a cat could not tolerate the oral for what ever reason, then one would have no choice than to try the transdermal.

[GreyGhost]

I feel you are making the right decision. Keep us posted on how its working out.

Interesting and good to know info on the transdermal application.

[Bonkers]

  I questioned Tinker's vet concerning the tapazole chews that coontuffy had mentioned in her earlier post. He actually called me today to tell me that there is a compounding pharmacy in New Jersey that can make the chews in a variety of flavors and strengths. From what he told me, the prices are very reasonable and they will ship directly to you for a nominal fee.

  I think I will definitely try these once we have found the correct maintenance dosage for Tinker.  

  Here is the link to their website for those that are interested.

http://www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com
  

[coontuffy]

Bonkers, I am going to butt in here again and tell you that if you've got a good thing going with Tinker and her Tapazole wrapped in bread, think long and hard about changing it. 

I only will say that Tapazole is very bitter and to me, something that is bitten into and chewed, is still going to impart a bitter taste to a kitty.

I give you Edgar Winter awhile back where he needed 3 weeks of Zenaquin for a FeBart infection.  AV sent me home with some chews and some pills.  Ed took one of the chicken chews with much enthusiasm until he started to chew it.  I never knew it was possible for a kitty to say, "Blech, blah, blah, roarf, snort."  Now, the roarf is part of Ed's vocabulary.  That is his acknowledgement.....he does not meow.  LOL LOL  He spit out the chew, slapped my ankle and ran for the hills.  Thank heavens he is indoor only.  The chew was immediately scarfed by Frosty who came back spitting and looking somehwhat like a rabid kitty.  Rufus sniffed the remainder, got up on the counter, removed a paper towel from the roll and laid it over the remainder of the horrible looking chew on the floor.

Talk about the cats telling me how really bad something tasted   

Ed did very well on the 3 weeks of Zenaquin pills and what I've always noticed, is when they need a medication, regardless of what it's for, they fall into a routine.  I am sure as Tinker starts feeling better, your Tapazole will become a routine where she will come to look for you when it's time to take her medication.

[Bonkers]

 ct that is a really humorous story although I am sure you did not think it very funny at the time.   

 But I am not sure that Tinker will ever come looking for me when it is time for her to take her meds. It has only been a few days and whenever I approach her she gets this look in her eyes as if she is wondering if I am getting ready to shove something down her throat. This really concerns me as I definitely do not want her to become frightened of me. I would be very sad if that ever happened.....

[Sharon L.]

It has only been a few days and whenever I approach her she gets this look in her eyes as if she is wondering if I am getting ready to shove something down her throat.

Just might be your trepidation to which Tinker is responding. Perhaps when pilling becomes part of the 'normal' routine, for the both of you, this won't be such an issue. And never underestimate the power of treats. I had to pill an unpillable cat for two weeks of antibiotics and I followed a successful pilling (and there were many unsuccessful!) with a bit of tuna. May not have done the cat much good, but it made me feel better.

/Sharon

[Bonkers]

  Thank you Sharon & ct for your reassurance. I am hoping that as Tinker becomes accustomed to the pilling that her dread of me approaching her will wane.

I will defintely give the treat suggestion a try.

[GreyGhost]

Maybe you could also try to give her a special treat after the pilling, that way she associates the treat to you giving a pill. I know cats are very different than dogs but I give Misty her pills in a spoonful of canned food and a treat after. Now whenever she hears a pill bottle rattle she comes running, whether its my pills or hers. She wants her treat.

[Bonkers]

  Update:

    Tinker has been doing really well these past days on her meds, although today she seems to have regressed as she is not eating again. The vet wanted me to up her dosage to 5mg. a few days ago but I was hesitant to do it. So tonight I will give her the higher dosage.

   Fingers crossed that she will be ok with  it.....

[Therese]

Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about Tinker, I hope the meds kick in and help her start feeling better.

Therese

[Bonkers]

  So far so good on the 5 mg per day dosage. But I have noticed that since this all started that she has been shedding more than usual. She is still not eating as much as I would like but at least she IS eating. 

  Although she still hates it when I give her the pill, she still comes to me when she is called.  So I guess she doesn't completely hate me......

[Sharon L.]

But I have noticed that since this all started that she has been shedding more than usual.

Don't stress ... it could just be summer. And I don't know how closely, or if, you follow icanhascheezburger, but my cats are going full shed so I'm thinking of getting one 'o those fancy cat hair distributor thingys.
http://icanhascheezburger.com/2009/07/16/funny-pictures-using-technology/

Although she still hates it when I give her the pill, she still comes to me when she is called.  So I guess she doesn't completely hate me......

Your treats must be good.

[Bonkers]

What Summer? So far this Summer has been very cool where I am at so I do not think that is the cause of the shedding.

But I do like the idea of the "cat hair distributor thingys". 

[coontuffy]

Bonkers, how are you and Tinker managing with her hyper-T?