sarah5
19-10-2013, 09:30 PM
Hi all
My 19 year young boy was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 6 months ago as I had noticed he had smelly breath and drinking more water (I only went in as I thought he needed dental work doing). I was given the tablets (Fortekur?) but trying to get him to take the tablets made him incredibly distressed so I decided at his wonderful old age I would see how he went unmedicated, with the aim to let him go gracefully (I do realise that decision not to medicate might be a bit of a debate).
Now 6 months on and I am noticing some changes in my beautiful Harvey. He has gone from a very sleepy and sedentary OAP to one who goes in and out the cat flap like a yo yo, spending ages outside just chilling in the garden. He drinks loads but does not eat much cat food and is definitely losing weight but would not say he looks 'ill' as yet. His breath is FOUL, I can smell him as soon as he jumps up, and I have noticed he is starting to breath funny at times - deep heavy breathing, like he is gasping a little, but only occasionally. He is also often sick.
Now then, my main worry I think is the breathing - I know how awful the ending can be for a cat with hyperthyroidism and difficult as it is to talk about it, I do NOT want that for him and most definitely want to euthanise before he is in any pain.
At what point should I let him go? Is the breathing difficulty a sign that the hyperthyroidism is starting to set in?
I am sorry to ask questions on here, I know the vet is really the best place to ask but I am extremely reluctant to get him into the basket and distress him any further, just like my decision not to pill.
Thanks in advance for any advice.
My 19 year young boy was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 6 months ago as I had noticed he had smelly breath and drinking more water (I only went in as I thought he needed dental work doing). I was given the tablets (Fortekur?) but trying to get him to take the tablets made him incredibly distressed so I decided at his wonderful old age I would see how he went unmedicated, with the aim to let him go gracefully (I do realise that decision not to medicate might be a bit of a debate).
Now 6 months on and I am noticing some changes in my beautiful Harvey. He has gone from a very sleepy and sedentary OAP to one who goes in and out the cat flap like a yo yo, spending ages outside just chilling in the garden. He drinks loads but does not eat much cat food and is definitely losing weight but would not say he looks 'ill' as yet. His breath is FOUL, I can smell him as soon as he jumps up, and I have noticed he is starting to breath funny at times - deep heavy breathing, like he is gasping a little, but only occasionally. He is also often sick.
Now then, my main worry I think is the breathing - I know how awful the ending can be for a cat with hyperthyroidism and difficult as it is to talk about it, I do NOT want that for him and most definitely want to euthanise before he is in any pain.
At what point should I let him go? Is the breathing difficulty a sign that the hyperthyroidism is starting to set in?
I am sorry to ask questions on here, I know the vet is really the best place to ask but I am extremely reluctant to get him into the basket and distress him any further, just like my decision not to pill.
Thanks in advance for any advice.