Physical examination found mildly labored respirations as
a result of chronic sinusitis lesion, an enlarged left thyroid gland, dental tartar and gingivitis. Radiographs revealed small liver disease and hyperthyroidism.
With multisystemic problems, T.J.'s therapy was going to be like walking a tight rope from one problem to the next. Correction of one problem could cause some of his other problems to worsen.
Short term medical therapy for his thyroid tumor was instituted to evaluate if he was a candidate for surgical removal of the affected
gland. He also received antibiotics and fluid support for his sinusitis and concern over his kidney and liver function.
His kidney and liver functions stabilized and a special diet was
started in an attempt to dissolve his bladder stone as well. Within 2 weeks after being examined it was determined that he was ready for thyroid surgery.
The cancerous thyroid lobe was removed and dental procedures also done to avoid additional anesthesia. Everything seemed to be going well until about 10 days after the surgery when T.J. seemed to
have difficulty seeing. Upon presentation he was completely blind with retinal detachment in both eyes.
A blood pressure check (which in cats needs to be done with a
doppler pressure monitor – a more sensitive machine than that used in human medicine) was ordered. His blood pressure was quite high at 280 MMHg. Normal is around 160 MMHg. Norvasc, a human
hypertensive drug was prescribed and a referral to a veterinary ophthalmologist was made. In addition, T.J. was taken off his special urinary diet, which is higher in salts.
Three days later with the ophthalmologist, T.J. was found to have made a dramatic improvement.
Eight months after his initial visit T.J. is fully visual with a blood
pressure of 145, gaining weight, and leading a pampered life.
He will always need his daily blood pressure medication and is
currently on Cosaquin for arthritis as he begins his second set of nine lives!
T.J. Ashauer
