"Sammi" Herbst visited Heritage Animal Hospital, Ltd. For her annual physical exam and vaccination boosters having recently moved to New London.
Her heart rate was found to be 260 beats per minute, her thyroid gland was enlarged and she had a moderate amount of tartar build up with two damaged teeth.
Upon further discussion it was learned that she had vomited intermittently and had lost some weight recently. It was decided to postpone vaccinations at this time and to work up her medical problems.
Laboratory analysis of blood samples revealed elevated liver enzymes as well as elevated thyroid function. This confirmed our suspicions of hyperthyroidism due to a thyroid tumor.
"Sammi" responded well to medication with Tapazol. After several dosage adjustments, her heart and liver both improved. We also continued to monitor kidney function as hyperthyroidism may mask
underlying kidney disease which may become evident as the thyroid function is suppressed. As medication does not stop tumor growth, further treatment with radioactive iodine or surgical excision of the
tumor was discussed.
A surgical solution was decided upon using new techniques to preserve parathyroid gland(a small gland responsible for calcium
metabolism) recently learned by the veterinarians at Heritage. This new technique helps avoid serious consequences of prior thyroidectomy techniques.
Within one month after successful surgery and no medication, "Sammi" had gained weight, ceased vomitting, and had become a much more mellow and happy kitty.
