Page 9 - Palm City Spotlight - June '20

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Palm City Spotlight, Page 9

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Feline Hyperthyroidism cats are ravenous and try to eat everything in sight. Excessive This test should be part of the bloodwork recommended by

thirst and urination is also common. As the disease advances, your veterinarian every year during your older cat’s annual
vomiting occurs and less commonly, restlessness, cranky examination. Occasionally, your cat will require ancillary blood
behavior, diarrhea and occasionally breathing problems are tests to confirm hyperthyroidism, but this is rarely necessary.
symptoms. The body is literally burning itself out. Weight There are several options after your cat has been diagnosed
loss is the major symptom observed. and treatment is usually very successful. First, your cat can
There are two potentially serious complications if be treated with an oral medication, methimazole (Tapezole).
hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These This drug is given once to twice daily and his T4 and kidney
complications are hypertension (high blood pressure) and values are monitored. Once he is regulated, they continue with
a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Blood Tapezole for the rest of their life or you can choose another
pressure can get high enough to cause retinal damage treatment option. The abnormal gland(s) can be removed
resulting in sudden blindness and the heart becomes surgically. Surgery in older pets has its inherent risks – even
inefficient because it is enlarged and thickened to compensate though very slight, but if he is otherwise healthy, surgery can
for the increased metabolic demands. be an excellent option. Radioiodine treatment is the best way
These common signs, especially the weight loss, will point to destroy the abnormal tissue without damaging the normal
toward hyperthyroidism to your veterinarian. On physical thyroid tissue. It will accumulate in the abnormal tissue, only,
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease seen in older cats examination, veterinarians notice weight loss, scruffy hair and destroy those cells. This procedure can only be performed
caused by the over production of hormones by one or both coats, enlarged thyroid glands on one or both sides of your at specific facilities that are certified to handle radioactive
thyroid glands. The thyroid glands control the metabolism cat’s neck – usually only one gland, and usually an increased medication. Because your cat will literally be radioactive for
of the body. The average age of diagnosis is 12 years old and heart rate. Even though the gland(s) are enlarged, it is usually a short period of time they will be hospitalized and cared for
is exceptionally rare in cats under 10 years old. a benign change. Only a small number of cases, less than in a lead lined space for at least 4 to 7 days. Lastly, there is
The excessive thyroid hormone causes weight loss due 2 percent, involve a malignant cancer of the thyroid gland. a relatively new option. A low iodine diet, which claims to
to the increased metabolism rate of the body. At first, many A blood test, T4 (thyroxine), can confirm hyperthyroidism. restore thyroid health, is currently on the market. For this to
work, only this food and nothing else can be fed. This food
is a balanced diet and helps support kidney health as well.
There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but
diagnosis is relatively easy and treatment is generally very
successful. Your cat will gain weight, eat normal amounts
of food, resolve the high blood pressure, and improve the
heart disease. This is only one reason it is important to
bring your cat to the veterinarian for a yearly examination
and annual blood tests.
Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.

BBBS of Palm Beach and Martin Counties

– Now More than Ever

By Jackie Holfelder of friendship. You decide together what you want
Whenever life as we’ve known returns to to do and the “Little” gets approval from his or her
“normal”, people will have to deal the changes the parent.
pandemic has wrought, whether negative or positive. Share an activity that gives you something in
Everyone will be faced with working those changes common to talk about. Go to the library, check out a
into the reality of their lives going forward. book and read together. Hit a bucket of golf balls at
Children are going through a lot now. Many are the local driving range. Take a ride in the car with the
left to navigate their school work basically on their radio on and talk about the music you like. Choose
own and some have food and financial insufficiency activities that give each of you a chance to learn
which is creating mental health struggles. more about one another. Keep it simple and enjoy
That is why the well-established and highly- yourselves!
respected mentoring program of Big Brothers Big BBBS of Palm Beach and Martin Counties raises
Sisters (BBBS) of Palm Beach and Martin Counties funds at four signature events each year. The 24th
– the well-known duo of “Bigs” and “Littles” - is Teen Mentor of the Year Emily Osborn and Amiyah Annual Big Taste of Martin County at the Stuart Jet
more important than ever. Center is scheduled for October 13, 2020. Be on the
The stated mission of the nonprofit is to create need a “Big” to spend quality, one-on-one time with lookout for the Golf Par-Tee, Mac & Cheese Festival
and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that them; someone to have fun with, someone they can and Bowl for Kids’ Sake events.
ignite the power and promise of youth. confide in. Realizing the importance of its mentoring
World-wide, the program has been in effect for Matches are made by utilizing a questionnaire program, BBBS remains committed to its mission,
110-plus years, providing children (“Littles”) with with children, parents, and mentors that includes especially during times of crisis. Due to COVID-19
trained and professionally screened caring mentors considerations such as location, interests, skills, concerns, activities are no longer face-to-face. That
(“Bigs”). BBBS has been serving Martin County hobbies, and other information key to selecting the is why Big Brothers Big Sisters has transitioned to
youth since 1986 and since 2010 in Palm Beach. best matches. virtual mentoring, launched an e-mentoring program,
“Littles” are aged six through high school age and Some mature high school students are welcome and is holding its first virtual orientation sessions.
to mentor, although the majority are adults. Anyone interested in being either a "Big" or a
One-on-one attention from a caring adult role "Little" should contact Kristine Gunn, (561) 727-
model has always been a key part of developing 3450. Potential "Bigs" can attend a virtual orientation
self-confidence, and research shows that “Bigs” and training session at mentorbig.org.
help “Littles” feel more confident in several areas.
That’s especially important now. National research
has shown that by participating in our programs,
“Littles” are:
• more confident in their schoolwork performance
• able to get along better with their families
• 46-percent less likely to begin using illegal drugs
• 27-percent less likely to begin using alcohol
• 52-percent less likely to skip school
A “Big” only has to commit to a few hours a couple
Volunteer of the Year John Sedwitz and Erick of times a month to give a “Little” the invaluable gift