THYROID CONDITIONS IN PETS

During the holiday season overindulgence in food can lead to the bathroom scales suggesting a Jenny Craig or Weight Watchers critical list patient. In pets, mild to severe swings in weight can be to a variety of reasons: overeating, under eating, lack of exercise, and metabolism issues. One common condition involves the hormones of the thyroid gland.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON THYROID CONDITION IN CATS? SIGNS?

Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid condition due most commonly to a benign thyroid tumor. Signs include one or more of the following: weight loss, increase in thirst & urination, hyperactivity, racing heart, change in personality, vomiting, and diarrhea.image.jpeg


How is it diagnosed? At what age?

A blood test where a thyroid level T4 is measured. Typically the condition is first seen in middle-aged cats.

Do owners have more than one option for treatment?

Yes. Oral medication for life (methimazole), surgery to remove offending gland, and a one-time radioactive iodine injection that cures the patient in most cases.

Are there risks with lack of treatment?

Yes, severe weight loss, heart conditions, and death.

WHAT IS THE MOST COMMON THYROID CONDITION IN DOGS? WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?

Hypothyroidism, an under-active thyroid condition. Signs include one or more of the following: weight gain, sleeping more, dull coat, symmetrical hair loss, seeking warm places, and thickened/darkened skin.  Occasionally facial paralysis of one side of the face is noted called Bell’s Palsy.

HOW is it diagnosed? At what age?

Blood test to measure thyroid levels of T4, Ft4 by equilibrium dialysis, and occasionally thyroid stimulating hormone levels. Patients on certain medications may have falsely low thyroid levels and that must be taken into account.  Typically middle-aged dogs develop the condition, although it has been seen as early as three years of age at this practice.

Are there any breeds of dogs that seem more at risk?

Golden Retrievers and Doberman Pinchers







What is the treatment for hypothyroidism in dogs?

Levothyroxine that replaces missing hormone

Betsy Sigmon, DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC

NC Chinese Lantern Festival

For interesting and inexpensive ways to create  toys for cats visit
https://www.purinaone.com/cats/enrich-feeding-time-for-your-cat-make-a-puzzle-feeder

In addition:
An empty box with or without a ball, toy, or catnip
Ping pong ball in an empty tissue box or bath tub
Paper bags

Pain Management: The Creature Comforts Difference

This past weekend, I took a road trip to Richmond and Williamsburg, Virginia to see an exhibit at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, stroll the light show in the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, 

participate in the “Tacky Christmas House Tour”,

visit Yorktown, and walk the streets of Colonial Williamsburg. 

Although I missed the Grand Illumination in Williamsburg that occurs the first Sunday in December, there were plenty of other beautiful and fun sightings.

My biggest question was which direction to go home?  I elected to take the Jamestown Ferry home via the Courtland, Virginia route. 

It brings to mind the many directions to approach pain. What is time tested versus new?

WHAT IS PAIN?

Pain is an unpleasant and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Pain is a constant concern of all pet owners during any dental, medical, or surgical procedure, as well as for age-related conditions.  In simple terms, it HURTS! As a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management, Dr. Sigmon’s objective is to promote the interdisciplinary approach to animal pain management by WORKING with experts all over the country in the area of pain management. 

SINCE PETS CANNOT SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES AND RARELY VOCALIZE PAINFUL CONDTIONS AT HOME, HOW DOES AN OWNER RECOGNIZE SIGNS OF PAIN?

Hiding, not eating, curled up in a corner, stiffness on rising, difficulty posturing to urinate/defecate, and guarding the back, abdomen, or limbs. In dental disease, rubbing the mouth, drooling, and dropping of FOOD are among those on a checklist that CCAH utilizes.

Creature Comforts offers the following options to lower pain.

SURGICAL AND DENTAL PRE-EMPTIVE PAIN CONTROL

_____Lidocaine gel patch 20 minutes prior to catheter placement

_____ Pre-surgical, Pre-dental pain medications tailored to your pet’s needs and thus decreasing depth of anesthesia as much as 20%

____Pre-emptive(interventional) pain medications during surgical procedure

____ Local blocks of surgical sites to further decrease depth of surgical requirements

____Injectable pain meds post operatively to allow your special pet to “snooze” or rest post-operatively

____ Oral pain medications dispensed and discussed at discharge 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE NEWER COMBINATIONS++ OF ORAL PAIN MEDS FOR DOGS?

1.      NSAIDS- rimadyl, previcox, and metacam (or generics) 

2.      GABAPENTIN (also for nerve pain, seizures) – may take up to 2 weeks to be effective

3.      AMANTADINE (also for Parkinson’s disease) 

++ Multi-modality (many different combinations) of pain medications using recommendations and recent developments of experts from veterinary research facilities

ARE THERE SOME HOLISTIC OPTIONS?

_____Diet management (ROYAL CANIN MOBILITY DIET) and weight control (cut intake 1/3^rd & add veggies)

_____ Omega 3 fatty acids 1000 TO 2000 MG PER 20 LBS, START SLOW

_____ joint supplementations injectable (Adequan)

_____ Dasuquin, Cosequin, oral, natural joint supplements

____ Rehabilitation, physical therapy-written plan, not just free play in back yard

____Acupuncture

____Herbal supplements

HOW MANY LONG TERM PAIN MEDICATIONS ARE APPROVED IN THE UNITED STATES FOR CATS?

ZERO. Currently all pain medications for cats used long term are considered extra-label usage.

 WHAT’S NEW ON THE HORIZON FOR PAIN MANAGEMENT IN 2015?

______Prozac

______Elavil or Clomicalm (medications prescribed for depression & anxiety)

______Capsaicin (think Liquid Heat home remedy)

______Resveratrol in red wine and how much pain control is new study

______Minocycline antibiotics

______Steroids

_____Tanezumab ( utilizes the immune system via monoclonal antibodies to attack a mediator of pain- nerve growth factor) – not on market , allowed 6 weeks of pain control from a single injection

_____Aratana –grapiprant

____Fentanyl patch or gel-Recuvyra fentanyl gel lasts 4 days (keep away from children

____Exparel (liposome encapsulated) and lasts 72 hours

Betsy T. Sigmon, DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC

Many thanks to Memphis Woodall's family for the holiday photos. Below are some of the door decorations from Colonial Williamsburg.