Opening A Can Of Worms

[pastafreak]

...when you go to the Vets. :-(
I just had a call from the vet, they want to investigate for thyroid disease. Said an unkempt appearance is often a symptom of the condition. I had a barrage of questions...has his appetite increased...is he drinking more...is he more active...has he lost weight? Hes always eaten loads...but definitely more since he's been the only cat. And how do you measure how much water they drink...I hardly ever see him drinking.
He apparently has a bit of a heart murmer, and an enlarged thyroid on one side. Something else to spend money on...in the new year.

[emmie]

but they are worth it.

[murraymints]

a money maker !

[pastafreak]

I'll have the tests done...when I can better afford them. I felt a bit stupid saying " I'll have to do it later cos I've just had all the expense of a holiday"...and then there's Christmas.
hmmm...

[emmie]

never rains cat and dogs, but it pours,

[albaqwerty]

I thought a thyroid test was just a simple blood test?
(expensive when it comes to vets tho)
Hope kitty will be ok x

[pastafreak]

Yes...a blood test. But they want to check kidney function as well...and I suppose investigate his heart. Poor boy :-(.

[Islay]

Hardly a money maker murraymints!
Oh dear but you would be happier knowing he is fully healthy, i would hate to think that my vet did not investigate everything whilst the animal was there.

[Mamyalynne]

Hope all turns out well Pasta, always something isn't there.

[wolf63]

How old is he Pasta? The thyroid and kidneys could just be 'old cat' ailments.

The fur on Frankie's back is in poor condition - but that is because he is too fat to reach round there.

[shoota]

Get a second opinion - unscrupulous vets make work where there is none.

[pastafreak]

He's 10 now Wolf...and these problems are common to older cats.

Shoota...the problem with second opinions is more tests...

[Patsy33]

I feel for you Pastafreak. Ask at Vets how much blood test is going to cost then work it out from there..

[dmbhunt]

My cat started to drink a lot I was convinced he maybe was diabetic and took him to the vet, they quickly noticed that his Thyroid was enlarged and he was given daily medication. I was warned of the time that quite often heart problems arise with thyroid issues and that proved to be the case A couple of years later although of course he might well have developed heart issues anyway. I was aware of the need to get the matter dealt with promptly as I also have thyroid issues. He was well medicated until the end and survived with his thyroid problems for five years before passing away at the age of 17. Bizarrely I had always kept an eye on his water consumption and was particular about the level of water in his dish when it was replenished, that is how I picked up the problem in the first place. It is a very common condition and cats but one which is easily treatable, but can be hugely detrimental if left. I speak only from my own experience I'm not qualified to comment in a professional capacity. Hope this helps.