Feline Hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland, located in the cat's neck, plays a very important role in regulating the body's metabolic rate. Feline Hyperthyroidism, an over-production of the thyroid hormone, is a fairly common disease of middle aged or older cats. The thyroid gland enlarges, but the change in the gland is most often non-cancerous.

Signs of Hyperthyroidism Weight loss even with ravenous appetite High blood pressure Increased heart rate Enlargement of the thyroid gland Increased thirst and urination Hyperactive behavior Behavioral changes, aggression Unusual calling, crying out Oily, matted, unkempt coat, hair loss Rapid growth of claws Diarrhea and vomiting Muscle weakness

Only about two percent of hyperthyroid cases are cancerous. The most common symptom of hyperthyroidism is weight loss, usually concurrent with an increase in appetite. (See inset for the full list of symptoms.) There can also be secondary complications such as high blood pressure and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy.

Diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is usually through palpation of the thyroid gland itself. If the veterinarian can feel the gland, the disease is very likely. A blood test is then performed to confirm the diagnosis. Even if the thyroid gland is not palpable, the veterinarian may recommend the blood test based simply on the patient's physical symptoms.

There are three treatment options for hyperthyroidism. (Before any treatment is begun, a complete workup should be done to evaluate the overall health of the patient. Blood chemistry, urinalysis, x-rays, blood pressure, ECG, and cardiac ultrasound may be recommended.)

• Radioactive iodine therapy is the most effective way to destroy all of the abnormal tissue. This option would require a one to two week period of hospitalization. This therapy is only performed at veterinary facilities licensed to administer radioactive materials. (We now have a local facility that can perform this therapy.) Recurrence of the disease is uncommon after radioactive iodine therapy.

• Surgical removal of the thyroid gland is a very good option. The patient will receive medication to stabilize the symptoms before surgery is performed. This generally takes several weeks. The veterinary surgeon will then remove the affected lobe(s). The cat quickly returns to normal. Recurrence occurs in about five percent of the cats which have the surgery performed.

• The third option is oral medication. This type of treatment is most appropriate for the cat which is a poor surgical risk due to other health problems, an exceptionally old cat, or when there are financial limitations. The medication, methimazole, controls the effects of the overactive thyroid gland by tying up the excess thyroid hormone. There can be some side effects with the use of this medication. This is not a cure, only a method of controlling the disease. The medication will be given daily for the rest of the cat's life.

The prognosis for a cat diagnosed with hyperthyroidism is usually positive. These treatment options give the patient a very good chance of returning to a happy, healthy lifestyle.

Ticks
This has been a very heavy tick season here in central Ohio. The weather has been just right for a healthy tick population. As always, prevention is your best medicine. Keeping your pets out of tick-infested areas is your first line of defense. Ticks are generally found in areas where the grass or weeds are not mowed. Don't allow your pets to go into areas that are not kept mowed. As your pet brushes up against tall grasses and weeds, ticks will transfer onto them. They migrate down to the skin, find a place to attach, and begin to feed. Check your pets as soon as possible after exposure. If the tick is not attached, it will be easier to remove. Removal of an attached tick is a little harder. The main concern is to not rupture the tick's body. Some the diseases carried by ticks are found in their body fluids. Rupturing the tick allows these fluids to be absorbed through the dog's skin. Grasp the body of the tick right at the dog's skin level with a pair of tweezers, and back the tick out gently. Clean the area thoroughly. Generally, if you don't jerk the tick out or pull the tick sideways, the head of the tick will come out with its body. Should the head break off, it rarely causes any harm; clean the area well and watch for any sign of a localized infection. You can apply a small amount of a triple antibiotic ointment if you would like. There are several "spot-on" products that help control ticks on dogs and cats. Speak to your veterinarian to find out which product is best suited for your needs.

Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes have been recognized as a carrier of disease for many years. Again, reducing our pet's exposure time to mosquitoes is our first line of defense. Keep your pets inside during the time when mosquitoes are most active. Reduce mosquito breeding areas in your yard by making sure there are no areas of standing water. Look for any water-holding containers and turn them over, dispose of them, or drill holes in them to allow the water to drain. Be sure to turn over children's wading pools or wheelbarrows when not in use. Do not allow water to stagnate in bird baths. Cleaning clogged roof gutters is not only good for the gutters, but will remove another source of standing water. Mosquitoes will lay eggs in any area where there is standing water.

West Nile Virus is a dangerous and frightening disease: however, this disease does not affect dogs and cats. Much research has been done in this area and although it has been found in dogs and cats, it does not cause any clinical symptoms.

Heartworm disease is a concern for owners of dogs and cats. It is carried by the mosquito and is a fatal disease. If you choose to use the new "spot-on" product that is advertised as being able to kill and repel mosquitoes, please DO NOT stop using your heartworm preventive medication. The product has not been proven to repel mosquitoes for a full month (the recommended re-dosing period). Heartworm disease is out there, waiting for the next unprotected pet. Don't let it be yours.

Fleas
Not so very many years ago, fleas were a very serious problem for our pets every year. Dogs and cats suffered through flea season with a variety of painful skin conditions, and many got tapeworms from the fleas. But fleas need not be a concern any longer. There are many excellent products available in today's market to control flea infestations. Our pets can now enjoy the summer season along with their families. The dreaded annual fight against fleas can be a thing of the past. No more sprays, collars, powders, baths and dips. No more fogging the house. We used a full arsenal of products, but never fully defeated the "enemy". They always seemed to find a way to survive and re-infest our pets within a few days. Speak with your veterinarian today to determine which flea control product is best for your pet. Stop the "itchy season" before it gets started.

There are quite a few products available today that can control a combination of pests. Your veterinary clinic carries a full line of these items and has a knowledgeable staff ready to help you decide which would be your best choice.

How about you?
Results of a survey done by the American Animal Hospital Association

• The majority (80%) of pet owners value the companionship that they get from their pets. In return, they feel the love and attention they give to their pets are the most important things they can give them.
• 58% of pet owners consider themselves their pets' mom or dad; another 28% consider themselves their pets' playmates and friends.
• Nearly one-third of pet owners spend more time with their pets than with family or friends.
• Most pet owners (89%) believe that their pets understand all or some of what they say.
• Over half (53%) believe that their pets would come to their rescue if they were in distress.
• Half of pet owners say that they celebrate their pets' birthdays, and almost 80% give them presents for their birthdays or holiday occasions.
• Almost seven out of ten pet owners talk to their pets on the telephone or through their answering machines when they're not home.

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