Hyperthyroidism Treatment for Bradley
Donation protected
Bradley is an amazing cat – affectionate, quirky, funny, discerning, proud, a show-off and a protector. He has been there for me during some very dark times, making me smile and even laugh out loud every single day since the first day we met at the shelter five years ago. We often think that we are the ones saving shelter animals but I can tell you that Bradley has saved me. He is my best buddy.
In August, I took Bradley to the vet for an abscess on his cheek. Because he was exhibiting some significant weight loss, the vet suggested that we do a blood test. The vet could also feel Bradley’s thyroid gland with her fingers, which led her to suspect hyperthyroidism.
She asked me if Bradley was prone to vomiting – yes – and diarrhea – yes – and hyperactivity – yes – and whether he had been experiencing increased appetite – all yes.
After further research on my side, I realized that he had been exhibiting additional symptoms of the disease for years – oily fur, increased matting, irritability, restlessness, and, most notably, unstable heartbeat. So, when the blood test returned positive, I was not surprised. I was surprised, however, to learn of the severity of the condition. If left untreated, it would cause him to wither away to nothing and eventually die.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine problem in cats worldwide. It occurs when a tumor (98% are benign) within the thyroid gland causes an overproduction of the thyroid hormone. However, this causes virtually every organ system to get out of whack, can cause serious heart problems, and will eventually lead to death if left untreated.
There are 4 main treatment options:
1) Medication, which he would be on for the rest of his life, requiring routine bloodwork every 6 months. This option unfortunately does not cure the disease, it only attempts to maintain it and get it under control. Plus, Bradley’s bloodwork showed decreased levels of white blood cells, and the medication holds a high risk of lowering his levels even further.
2) Special food, which also does not cure the disease, and requires routine bloodwork. However, cats on this special food must maintain a strict diet of only this food. Even nibbling on grass would disrupt the effectiveness.
3) Removal of the thyroid gland (not very common). The vet strongly advised against this option as she had seen a case where surrounding glands had been damaged and, of course, the anesthesia is risky.
4) Radioactive Iodine Treatment. This treatment has an extremely high success rate and doesn’t just manage the problem, IT CURES IT! Almost all cats (95-98%) who undergo this procedure are completely cured of the disease and no longer require special medication or diet. It requires no anesthesia, eliminates the tumor, and is administered through injection. Cats who undergo this procedure also have a higher life expectancy than with other treatment options. Bradley is also a great candidate for this procedure as he is still relatively young (around 10 years old) and is likely in the early stages of the disease.
The treatment is $2,500 which is very pricey for almost everyone right now, including myself. I am hoping to raise as much as I can toward this cost so that Bradley can enjoy many more happy, healthy years.
Losing him prematurely would be devastating to me.
If you cannot donate, I ask that you please share his GoFundMe on your social media and send along some positive thoughts for my best boy.
Thank you so much.
In August, I took Bradley to the vet for an abscess on his cheek. Because he was exhibiting some significant weight loss, the vet suggested that we do a blood test. The vet could also feel Bradley’s thyroid gland with her fingers, which led her to suspect hyperthyroidism.
She asked me if Bradley was prone to vomiting – yes – and diarrhea – yes – and hyperactivity – yes – and whether he had been experiencing increased appetite – all yes.
After further research on my side, I realized that he had been exhibiting additional symptoms of the disease for years – oily fur, increased matting, irritability, restlessness, and, most notably, unstable heartbeat. So, when the blood test returned positive, I was not surprised. I was surprised, however, to learn of the severity of the condition. If left untreated, it would cause him to wither away to nothing and eventually die.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine problem in cats worldwide. It occurs when a tumor (98% are benign) within the thyroid gland causes an overproduction of the thyroid hormone. However, this causes virtually every organ system to get out of whack, can cause serious heart problems, and will eventually lead to death if left untreated.
There are 4 main treatment options:
1) Medication, which he would be on for the rest of his life, requiring routine bloodwork every 6 months. This option unfortunately does not cure the disease, it only attempts to maintain it and get it under control. Plus, Bradley’s bloodwork showed decreased levels of white blood cells, and the medication holds a high risk of lowering his levels even further.
2) Special food, which also does not cure the disease, and requires routine bloodwork. However, cats on this special food must maintain a strict diet of only this food. Even nibbling on grass would disrupt the effectiveness.
3) Removal of the thyroid gland (not very common). The vet strongly advised against this option as she had seen a case where surrounding glands had been damaged and, of course, the anesthesia is risky.
4) Radioactive Iodine Treatment. This treatment has an extremely high success rate and doesn’t just manage the problem, IT CURES IT! Almost all cats (95-98%) who undergo this procedure are completely cured of the disease and no longer require special medication or diet. It requires no anesthesia, eliminates the tumor, and is administered through injection. Cats who undergo this procedure also have a higher life expectancy than with other treatment options. Bradley is also a great candidate for this procedure as he is still relatively young (around 10 years old) and is likely in the early stages of the disease.
The treatment is $2,500 which is very pricey for almost everyone right now, including myself. I am hoping to raise as much as I can toward this cost so that Bradley can enjoy many more happy, healthy years.
Losing him prematurely would be devastating to me.
If you cannot donate, I ask that you please share his GoFundMe on your social media and send along some positive thoughts for my best boy.
Thank you so much.
Organizer
Riva Dambitis
Organizer
Laval, QC