Video Archives CLIENT EDUCATION For Cats Administering Medication Allergies Basic Health Care Behavior Bereavement  Disease & Vaccinations Ear Care Eye Care Household Dangers Osteoarthritis Pre/Post Operation Seizures Ticks & Fleas Traveling With Your Pet Your Senior Cat For Dogs Administering Medication Allergies Basic Health Care Behavior Bereavement Canine Heartworm Disease & Instestinal Parasites Dental Care Disease & Vaccinations Ear Care Eye Care Household Dangers Obesity/Slentrol Osteoarthritis Porphyromonas Vaccine Pre/Post Operation Seizures Ticks & Fleas Traveling With Your Pet Your Senior Dog LINKS natvetlab.net for bartonella information. petemergencyfund.org for Pet Emergency Fund donation information. vet.ohio-state.edu/indoorcat for cat behavior information. petsandparasites.org for parasite information. catwellness.org for cat wellness information. www.aplb.org for pet bereavement information. www.purevax.com for purevax vaccination information. capcvet.org for technical parasite information. petwellness.com for novartis products and parasite information. growingupwithpets.com for a parents resource for raising happy kids with healthy pets. www.purinaveterinarydiets.com for more information on the diets  we offer for your pets. Did You Know? click above link for interesting facts and information CASE OF THE MONTH SIGNALMENT: Name: Nicky Age: 13 Years Sex: Female/Spayed Breed: Domestic Short Haired HISTORY:     Nicky was presented for vomiting multiple times during a short duration.  On examination, she lost weight and had a fever with a temperature of 103.4F, normal for a cat can be up to 102F.  Nicky was given fluids to keep her hydrated, and an injection of an anti-emetic (or anti-vomiting) medication.  A senior feline blood screen was done to test Nicky's blood chemistry, complete blood count, and thyroid values.   DIAGNOSIS: On Nicky's blood profile she had an increased thyroid value.  This value, along with her history and physical exam, supported a diagnosis of Feline Hyperthyroidism.  This is a common disease in middle aged and older cats where there is a usually benign tumor of the thyroid gland that produces excessive thyroid hormone. SOLUTION: With a specific medication, Nicky's hyperthyroid condition could be managed.  The medication comes in a pill form or it can be compounded into a transdermal paste to be put on the ear twice a day.  Since Nicky did not enjoy taking medications orally, she was to receive the paste.  Along with the medicaion, she had a monitoring blood profile done every six months to check her thryoid and other organ function values.  This also assisted in adjusting her medication dose to maintain her hyperthyroidism. PROGNOSIS: Nicky's prognosis was good as long as she received her medication, ate well, and stopped vomiting.  Cats can live normal lives with hyperthyroidism when being treated and maintained properly. OUTCOME: Nicky has been on hyperthyroid medication for over 1 1/2 years.  Her thyroid values are very well regulated and kept within the normal range, as well as her other organ function values being within normal limits.  Nicky also had a normal ultrasound and is scheduled to go for a treatment of Radioactive Iodine to eliminate her hyperthyroidism.  Radioactive Iodine treatment is another way to treat hyperthyroidism.  It eliminates the need for daily medication by destroying the overactive thyroid tumor cells.  In most cats a single treatment results in permanent resolution of hyperthyroidism. COMMENT: Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in middle aged to older cats.  6 month wellness exams and regular blood profiles can help to identify an overactive thyroid gland and other potential organ problems.  If left untreated, a cat can have high blood pressure leading to blindness, heart failure, kidney disease, or death.  Cats can be maintained on medication long term for hyperthyroidism and once they are stable they have the option to have Radioactive Iodine treatment.