Hyperthyroidism/Hypertension and Cleo

[krazyaboutkatz]

I may have missed some previous threads about Cleo because I didn't even know that she was sick. I'm so sorry to hear this. Hopefully the medicine will help make her more comfortable so she can continue to share many more years with you. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

[TopCat3]

I may have missed some previous threads about Cleo because I didn't even know that she was sick. I'm so sorry to hear this. Hopefully the medicine will help make her more comfortable so she can continue to share many more years with you. Please take care. (((HUGS)))

Thank you KAK. No you haven't really missed anything. Cleo had her dentistry and you saw that thread, where I said she had mild hyperthyroidism and high BP. This visit was just a checkup and revealed further info. She isn't exactly sick, just ageing, along with me. She's coping well with her condition and responding to medication. Hopefully we have many more happy times ahead. Thank you for the hugs, they mean a lot.

P.S.how is Starr now after his surgery?

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

I'm glad to hear the hyperthyroidism is under control, but sorry to hear about the kidney failue and high blood pressure. Tubby had CRF (Chronic Renal Failure - kidney failure) and someone mentioned once that cats with CRF are more likely to suffer from high blood pressure. Evidently it wasn't a problem for Tubby since my vet never mentioned it, but that's what I've heard.

Also, Tubby lived a good 3 1/2 years after first being diagnosed with CRF, and it actually wasn't his kidneys that took him in the end, so I'm sure you will have many years left with Cleo.

Like Jen says, this is a time of mixed emotions. You're glad to know you're doing everything you can for your baby, but it's hard to face the fact that they are getting old and the end is getting nearer than we wish to face. It's a chance to spoil spoil spoil as much as possible and take every opportunity to let Cleo know who loved she is.

{{{hugs}}} to you and gentle skritchies to Cleo. She will have to be brave in the next months and years as the vet visits will become more frequent.

[TopCat3]

Thank you so much, Tubby & Peanut's (and Crackerjack's!)Mom for your kind and encouraging words. I just called the vet for the final blood results, we were waiting on the red/blood cell count. They're normal, so blood marrow is fine. Vet says Cleo's hyperthyroidism is only very mild and the kidneys are in the early stages too, albeit that kidneys don't show up until they are considerably impaired, still the blood/urine results show that it isn't so very far advanced at this stage. We're going to try some different kidney diets, Hills prescription k/d and maybe the Waltham one, along with her wet food, go easy on the protein etc. The main concern is the high BP and we'll get that checked again in a couple of weeks once she's been on the Norvask for a while, see if it's bringing down the BP

And Smokey the Elder - I asked about dissolving the Norvask and refrigerating and it isn't recommended due to possibility of chemical breakdown. So I'll just have to keep chipping away - literally!

Thanks everyone for your support and kindness. It is hard to accept the ageing process, even in ourselves never mind our babies. Lots of spoiling on the cards...

[kb2yjx]

Hi!! Can you get a pill spiltter?? It sure would save your fingers and would give you a nice cut of the pill especially if the pill is scored. Sandra

[TopCat3]

Hi!! Can you get a pill spiltter?? It sure would save your fingers and would give you a nice cut of the pill especially if the pill is scored. Sandra

Thanks for the suggestion. I do have one in a pill container, but the Norvask is so small and odd shaped, a rectangle with the corners cut off, that it won't hold in place in the tray -it shifts as you close the lid to cut it, ended up with irregular segments and lots of powder. Will check out a pharmacy see if I can get a better one. The things we do... Also thanks for the diet info. I'll be looking into these next week.

[kb2yjx]

I found with weird shaped pills, to hold them in the spiltter AS LONG as possible even with a wire and SLOWLY push down on the splitter. Sometimes I get lucky and get a good split pill!! GOOD LUCK!!! Sandra