What are side effects of methimazole in cats?
The most common side effects include vomiting, anorexia, and tiredness, and usually occur within the first three months of treatment. Other, less common side effects such as gastrointestinal effects and mild changes in your pet’s blood cell counts are usually temporary and resolve with time.
Can thyroid medication make my cat sick?
Oral medication.
It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. Some cats develop side effects to methimazole, which may include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, fever, liver damage, anemia, and a decrease of white blood cells in the blood.
Can my cat stop taking methimazole?
Cats with heart disease may be too sick and fragile to anesthetize for surgery, but methimazole can be given until the heart improves and the cat is stronger. Methimazole may produce side effects in cats, including depression, vomiting, and lack of appetite. These signs usually resolve without stopping the medication.
How long does it take for a cat to respond to thyroid medication?
The iodine is taken into the thyroid gland and incorporated into thyroxine. The majority of cats have normal hormone levels within a week or two of treatment.
How do I know if my cat is getting too much thyroid medication?
Cats with too much thyroid hormone have a greatly increased metabolic rate, which leads them to lose weight despite having a ravenous appetite. Other symptoms can include anxiety, vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination.
How long can a cat live on methimazole?
The average life expectancy of a methimazole patient is ~3 years.
What are the final stages of hyperthyroidism in cats?
Over time, this progresses to increased blood pressure, severe weight loss, heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. The slow onset of signs means that cat owners will often miss these changes until the late stages of disease.
What is the best food to feed a cat with hyperthyroidism?
It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.
What should a hyperthyroid cat not eat?
It may be best to avoid:
- SOY-containing foods.
- BPA in canned food linings.
- Fish.
- Plastic food and water bowls (replace with glass, ceramic or metal)
- Storing food in plastic containers.
- Ultra-high or ultra low iodine diets.
How can I fatten up my hyperthyroid cat?
Canned foods are generally the best choice when seeking to provide a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet. Dry foods tend to be energy (read calorie) dense. Also, because starch is necessary to make the kibble, dry foods tend to have greater carbohydrate concentrations (carbohydrate > 25% on a dry-matter basis).