My cat is hyperactive. Are B-12 or Denamarin medications to blame?

I'm wondering if Portifoy is on aripiprazole or Abilify, and if this is causing adverse signs due to serotonin syndrome. I can't find any information on dosing in cats, but I would imagine that like most antidepressants hyperexcitability might be a symptom. Amitriptyline is another common medication that is used as an antidepressant in situations like this that can cause odd behavior. I'd recommend talking to your vet about whether or not you should continue the medications. While gabapentin can cause sedation I think it would be less likely to cause these symptoms.

Richochet is one handsome little guy! I'm sorry to hear that he's had so many behavioral changes since his methimazole dose has been regulated. The most common side effects from methimzaole include stomach upset (vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes), lethargy, facial itchiness, as well as some liver issues and changes in blood cell counts. Behavioral changes aren't documented as known side effects of this medication (I just double checked!), although excess vocalization has been recognized as a side effect. While we keep in mind that not all cats "read the textbooks," it would be unexpected for all of these behavioral changes to occur due to methimazole alone. Given your recent move and Richochet's age, it does stand to reason that anxiety from these changes or cognitive dysfunction (essentially kitty dementia) could be to blame here. I don't think it's necessarily wrong to give Prozac a try, but it's also important to note that it takes about 2 months for that medication to reach therapeutic levels. The other thing to consider would be discontinuing the methimazole (even temporarily) to see if his behaviors return to normal. Methimazole reaches a therapeutic level in about 2 weeks, so if you have to restart it, there's less of a time lag. Ultimately, I think there's going to be some trial and error involved here. Please remember that you should ONLY make any changes to Richochet's medications under the direct guidance of your vet. I hope that everything goes well!

The Denamarin should not be needed if her liver enzymes are normal. It is not for energy it is just to help support the liver. Giving it intermittently is just a waste of money. It won't hurt it but it's not necessary. I suggest you put her on a good supplement like this one. I think it will help her all around: ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5454-missing-link-recovery-detoxification-1-lb.aspx )

This is problem (called pica commonly) is sometimes related to anemic state or metabolic disorder (hyperthyroidism for example). Considering there is hyperactivity as well related to it I would recommend a check up and possibly a blood test to investigate further this clinical sign. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

You are correct that both of these medications are used to treat epilepsy in dogs. From the label of Pexion: "The pharmacological response to imepitoin (Pexion) may vary and efficacy may not be complete. Imepitoin is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to it, with severely impaired hepatic function or severe renal or cardiovascular disorders." However, I could not find information that hyperactivity was a side effect of this medication. It could be that Jasmine is feeling uninhibited on this medication and thus does not know how to control her hyperactivity. A common side effect of Epiphen (phenobarbital) is sedation, but this effect commonly wears of with continued used. I could not find information on the same effect when using Pexion. Not knowing your dog's complete medical history and particular reasons for choosing anti-epileptic medications, I cannot make specific recommendations for her. I would recommend discussing these effects with your veterinarian. You may consider a consultation with a board certified veterinary behaviorist, or medications used for anxiety instead of seizures. Common supplements used for anxiety include Zylkene and Comfort Zone Adaptil Collars or Diffuser.

Poor Willow! I'm sorry she hasn't been feeling well. Generally speaking, yes - it's perfectly fine for a cat to be on medication for hyperthyroidism as well as insulin for diabetes. These two illnesses are both common in older cats, so many cats are on treatment for both problems. But, it isn't normal for Willow to be acting tired and miserable since starting her thyroid medication - this indicates that something needs to be changed. Some cats get an upset stomach and don't feel well on the oral tablets, but may do better with a transdermal gel or other formulation. Other cats simply don't tolerate methimazole (the medication) well no matter what, so other treatment options may need to be discussed. In rare cases, we can see potentially serious side effects with this medication such as bone marrow suppression, which could also cause lethargy and weakness - so it would be a good idea to have blood work rechecked with your vet as well to make sure that this isn't the problem. I would recommend calling your vet today to discuss the issue and see what they would suggest as the next step.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear Katniss has been ill. Cerenia is an anti-nausea medication. Animals with vestibular disease often feel "motion sick" - having something similar to vertigo. So this is great for that. It also helps settle the stomach which helps with appetite. Mirtazapine is a true appetite stimulant. Even with both of these, the balance apparatus is very mad and so falling over may still happen. I recommend bringing slightly warmed wet food to his face a few times daily to encourage eating. If no improvement in the vestibular signs within a week, I recommend a CT scan of the head to look for inner ear infection or, heaven forbid, a tumor. Vaseline is ok for paw pads, though olive oil or coconut oil is even better. To be honest, most cracked paw pads are not painful and do not need treatment. I'd recommend an over the counter laxatone product for the hair balls, along with frequent brushing. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements can help with the dandruff. Best wishes to you and Katniss.