Search Results for: blog hyperthyroid disease in cats

Ask a Pets Blogger: Helping Pets with Flaky Skin

My cat has terrible dandruff… at least I think it’s dandruff! She’s always got flakes on her skin and in her coat. What can I do to clear this up? This is a conversation I get to have often at the cats-only boarding facility where I work. As part of our check-in process, we give each cat a quick brushing with a very fine-toothed comb. Our goal is to check for fleas, but we often end up talking to owners about skin and coat care… and dandruff. Dry skin can be a seasonal problem, especially in the winter months when … Continue reading →

Ask a Pets Blogger: Hunger Strike!

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I have a seventeen year old cat. She’s pretty healthy for her age, but lately she’s been refusing to eat. Any ideas? When pets aren’t feeling well, they can be REALLY good at hiding it. So one of the first signs many pet owners notice is appetite changes. A call or visit to the vet may be in order here, to try to figure out why she isn’t eating. Some questions your vet may ask: How long has your cat gone without food? Is your cat experiencing vomiting or diarrhea? Is your cat going to the bathroom regularly and without … Continue reading →

Hypertension in Cats: Causes

The most common causes of high blood pressure in cats are kidney disease and thyroid issues. Why does kidney disease cause hypertension? Normal aging may lead to changes in kidney size. As kidneys shrink, it becomes harder for blood to filter through the organs. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure as blood gets backed up. At least one study has found that approximately sixty-five percent of cats with age-related kidney failure also have high blood pressure. Why does hyperthyroidism cause hypertension? When the thyroid is over-producing hormones, many organs are affected — including the heart. The heart … Continue reading →

Hypertension in Cats

Although high blood pressure in humans can often be tied to stress, stress usually isn’t a factor in cats with hypertension. Often, cats who have high blood pressure suffer from kidney disease and/or thyroid disease. Symptoms of high blood pressure can include: Sudden or gradual blindness. High blood pressure can cause the retina to detach in the eye. Owners may notice that a cat has dilated pupils that do not react to the light, blood in the front of the eye, or difficulties navigating around furniture. Behavioral changes. A cat with hypertension may be restless or awake at odd hours. … Continue reading →

Treatment Options for Hyperthyroid Disease in Cats

If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, don’t panic. Approximately 98% of all hyperthyroid issues are benign! Treatment for this disease is usually very successful; affected pets can live a long and healthy life with proper treatment. There are three basic courses of treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. Your veterinarian can help you pick the best treatment based on the age and health of your cat, chances for complication, and budget. Radioactive iodine treatment is the most effective way to handle hyperthyroid disease in cats. The cat is injected with radioactive iodine that destroys all abnormal tissue and essentially … Continue reading →

Hyperthyroid Disease in Cats

At the cats-only boarding facility, I see a lot of guests who are taking a medication called methimazole — enough that I looked up the medication to see what it treats! Hyperthyroidism is relatively common in older cats, and owners have a variety of treatment options available. The thyroid is a gland in the neck that helps regulate the body’s metabolism. When the thyroid overproduces hormones, the entire body can be affected. The heart may beat (and pump blood) faster, eventually causing high blood pressure and other problems. The cat may have an insatiable appetite, yet still lose weight. Digestive … Continue reading →

Demodex Mange

Just thinking about microscopic creepy crawlies makes me itchy all over! But when my dog Lally was having her most recent allergy attack, one of the causes I feared was demodex mange. Demodex is a skin infection caused by a microscopic mite. Symptoms can include: Red, itchy skin Bald, weepy patches — especially around the eyes and mouth Lesions on legs and body Leathery skin Thick ear discharge (especially in cats) With Lally’s itching — especially around the eyes — maybe you can see why I was concerned. The demodex mite is fairly common — most dogs and cats carry … Continue reading →

Skin and Coat Care for Senior Pets

Did you know that the skin is the heaviest organ in your pet’s body? It can account for an average sixteen percent of your pet’s total weight! What does the skin do? Prevents water loss Allows us to perceive touch Allows swelling after injuries Protects against impact and friction injuries Protects against damaging UV rays Helps regulate body temperature Acts as the first line of defense against germs, bacteria, parasites, and other disease-causing organisms. Skin and coat care is important for pets of all ages — but especially for the senior pet. Taking care of your aging pet’s skin and … Continue reading →

Diary of a Cat Care B&B: Neither Rain, Nor Snow…

I’ve been living the mailman’s creed lately: neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor hail will keep me from my destination. The Pacific Northwest has been hit with a pretty big snow system over the last week or two (feels like years at this point). In my neck of the woods, we had more than a foot of snow. In other places where I’ve lived (like Vermont), that much snow isn’t out of the ordinary. Around here, they just aren’t set up to handle this much of the white stuff. To make a long rant about snow short, it’s been … Continue reading →