Page 6 - Stuart Exposure - April '22

Page 6, Stuart Exposure

tip Of the tail

Feline Hyperthyroidism resulting in sudden blindness The heart becomes inefficient thyroid tissue. It will accumulate in the abnormal tissue

because it is enlarged and thickened to compensate for the only, and destroy those cells. This procedure can only be
increased metabolic demands. performed at specific facilities, because your cat will literally
Your veterinarian will be suspicious your cat has be radioactive for a short period of time. This requires your
hyperthyroidism if you report the common signs or if he does cat to be hospitalized and cared for in a lead lined space for
a physical examination. The veterinarian will notice weight at least 4 to 7 days. Lastly, there is a relatively new option.
loss. On physical exam he should be able to feel enlarged A low iodine diet, which claims to restore thyroid health, is
glands on one or both sides of your cat’s neck. Usually currently on the market. Other sources of food can provide
only one gland is swollen. Even though the gland(s) are iodine, so the diet must be strict. This food is a balanced diet
enlarged, it is usually a benign change. Only a small number and helps support kidney health as well.
of cases, less than 2 percent, involve a malignant cancer of There is no known way to prevent hyperthyroidism, but
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease seen in older cats. the thyroid gland. A blood test, T4 (thyroxine), can confirm diagnosis is relatively easy and treatment is generally very
It is caused by the overproduction of hormones by one or both hyperthyroidism. This test should be part of the bloodwork successful. Your cat will gain weight, eat normal amounts
thyroid glands. The average age of diagnosis is 12 years old recommended by your veterinarian every year during your of food, and his high blood pressure and heart disease
and it is exceptionally rare in cats under 10 years old. older cat’s annual examination. Occasionally, your cat will will improve. Other clinical signs of hyperthyroidism will
The most common sign you will see is weight loss which require ancillary blood tests to confirm hyperthyroidism, but resolve. This is only one reason it is important to bring
is due to a greatly increased metabolism caused by the this is rarely necessary. your cat to your veterinarian for a yearly examination and
excessive amount of thyroid hormone in your cat’s system. There are several options after your cat has been annual blood tests.
Even though he is losing weight, your cat is likely to be eating diagnosed. Treatment is usually very successful. First, your Established in 1981, Palm City Animal Medical Center
well. In fact, many cats are ravenous and try to eat everything cat can be treated with an oral medication, methimazole is dedicated to providing the best possible care for your
in sight. You may also see an increase in thirst and urination (Tapezole). This drug is given once to twice daily and his pets. With focuses on compassionate care in surgery,
and your cat may begin to vomit. Less common findings are T4 and kidney values are monitored. Once he is regulated, physical therapy and rehabilitation, preventative medicine,
restlessness, cranky behavior, diarrhea, and occasionally he can continue with Tapezole for the rest of his life or you extensive diagnostics, and emergency service, Palm City
breathing problems. can choose another treatment option. The abnormal gland(s) Animal Medical Center combines exceptional medical
There are two potentially serious complications if can be removed surgically. Surgery in older pets has its care with a caring philosophy for pets and their owners.
hyperthyroidism is left undiagnosed and untreated. These inherent risks, but if he is otherwise healthy, surgery can be For more information, call (772) 283-0920, visit www.
complications are hypertension (high blood pressure) and an excellent option. Radioiodine treatment is the best way palmcityanimalmedicalcenter.com or find us on Facebook
a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Blood to destroy the abnormal tissue without damaging the normal at www.facebook.com/PalmCityAnimalClinic.
pressure can get high enough to cause retinal damage

Tennis/Pickleball Fundraiser from page 1 Since 2015, the foundation has awarded more than
$250,000 in financial aid to 41 qualified individuals.
On May 24, 2014, John and Erica Garwood’s 24-year- The nonprofit supports the Mark Garwood Phoenix
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Palm Beach County and is a privately drugs. In response to this unimaginable tragedy, the a transitional facility providing bed and board for men
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dependable, reliable and professional educational scholarships to local men and women who hygiene items distributed to individuals just entering
ground transportation to and from all
South Florida Airports and Seaports. PBCVH212 are recovering from devastating effects of substance recovery.
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561-798-2180 or 800-634-7890 www.captainsairport.com education. directly, visit www.racquetsforrecovery.org.

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