Possible thyroid problem?

Question

On Saturday I took my cat to the vet for her checkup. While doing blood work, the vet discovered that that there is a thyroid problem. I've been reading the symptoms of this problem and my cat doesn't have any of the symptoms. I'm worried because the vet orginally wanted to clean the cat's teeth and I asked to wait because it was so expensive (please no lectures re: shouldn't have cat if can't afford one...) & the cat was not having oral troubles. All of a sudden she has developed thyroid problems??? Should I get a second opinion? I can go to a low cost clinic, where she was adopted from. Do the symptoms appear during the later stages? I don't want my cat to suffer, if I wait for treatment. Please any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Thanks so much.

Answer 1

Only running bloodwork (like a T4) will confirm a thyroid problem. If bloodwork was not done, what makes the vet concerned about it? If bloodwork was done a a thyroid problem was dx, medication is not expensive. Talk with the vet for more clear answers for yourself.

Answer 2

You should definitely call the vet back and clarify what the "thyroid problem" is. Cats can quite commonly develop a hyperthyroid condition when they are older (hypothyroidism is common in dogs and very rare in cats). If the thyroid is overactive there is a medication that is used for that. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid are insatiable appetite, drinking an unusual amount of water, urinating frequently, a general restlessness or neediness. That is what you would observe. The condition causes the blood pressure to rise, straining the heart and can cause problems with the eyes - things that you would not observe.

It is important that teeth be kept clean as bacteria from plaque can get into the cat's system and damage the kidneys. You can look in her mouth and see what the condition of her teeth are.

At least get a copy of the blood work(you are entitled to have this by law so don't be put off) from this vet and take it to the low-cost clinic for review.

Answer 3

It seems to me that if the thyroid problem was found in the bloodwork(the way to determine is a blood test) the the doctor is right and it may be in the very early stages before the symptons start like -go to www.home,stny.rr.com for did a quick search with IE clicked on the magnifying glass and asked what is the treatment for thyroid problems in cats--Do you have confidence in the vet that found the problem for if your regular vet they will probably work out a payment schedule with you-weekly-or have the Vet give you a Estimate of the cost then talk to the lowcost clinic and see if there is a worth to you difference in the cost BUT they will do their own bloodtest which your present Vet already has done.If its a matter of having to wait to have the cat's teeth cleaned then feed her dry cat food if you'vae been doing canned for the dry cleans the teeth(have a 13yr old cat with gareat teeth,never had to have them cleaned-only get dry with occasional treat of chicken-when I have But do have the tyhroid treated for with medication can get it much better-not sure if can cure completely.It is perhaps very lucky for your cat and you that it was caught before symptons began why yearly exams are so important. Wish you much luck and a long and happy life with your cat Do not know the cost but you may want to check into health insurance for the cat -the vet can help you with that

Answer 4

Yep, I would get the records sent to another Vet & get a second opinion. Dr.'s Foster & Smith on line are two Vets with a Q & A section that will tell you a lot more, they do also sell products at good prices, but the info. is a free service that I have found to be very helpful.If I recall Thyroid typically presents in more mature cats, the site will tell you. I buy cat toothpaste & kitty toothbrush from my local feed store. She doesn't like it, but they do tend to have problems with plaque, and unless there is advanced gum disease, daily gentle brushing can clear it up.You only need to brush the outside of the teeth (phew!) You might also want to buy a book "The First Aid Companion For Dogs & Cats", as well as other reference books, as they are very helpful for taking care of kitty within the confines of a limited budget. You sound like a good owner, she is lucky to have you.

Answer 5

Hyperthyroidism is more common in cats - the thyroid is overactive, so the kitty could have unexplained weight loss, a bigger appetite and not gaining weight and such. Sometimes the clinical signs don't appear until later. Hypothyroidism is more common in dogs (they tend to be overweight, problems losing the weight as well as hair coat problems). If you doubt your vet for whatever reason, you can always go somewhere for a second opinion.

Answer 6

Yes, get a second opinion from the low cost clinic. And don't go back to THAT one. Too many vets these days look on people with animals as open wallets. There are still some good old fashioned ones out there who know their medicine and don't rip people off.

Answer 7

Did you actually get blood results back stating a thyroid problem?you should be able to get a copy of the results. In any case if you dont feel that you can trust this vet find one that you feel comfortable with and get a second opinion.

Answer 8

did your vet show your the bloodwork and explain to you about the thyroid condition your cat has? If you are not happy with the explanation that vet gave you then you should get a second opinion just be aware that the second opinion you get will probably do thet same bloodwork

Answer 9

My vet did every test from heart worms to thyroid and four hundred dollars later he finally figured out my cat had a bladder infection.

Yeah...when they don't explain it that's a bad thing. Call someone else for a second opinion.

Answer 10

it depends on the condition....hypothyroid is most common in cats. it causes them to eat and eat and eat but not gain any weight and usually they lose a lot of weight. Hyperthyroid is when they can't stop gaining weight... Cats with a thyroid problem are usually on tapazole or methimazole for the rest of their life. Once the thyroid starts the fail...as in hypothyroid....it won't get better, but many cats live well after being put on meds to treat it. Hyperthyroid doesn't usually involve meds, but again it isnt as common as hypothyroidism.