Can my hyperthyroid cat take methimazole once a day while I'm away?

Hello. Felamizole generally stays in the system for 12 hours, but it is not uncommon to increase the dose when an owner will be away temporarily. It is best to start the 5mg once a day several days before you leave to see if you notice any difference in Mia, but I have recommended this in the past. Resume the twice daily 2.5 mg dose once you get home. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

First, I would discuss your concerns with your vet and advise them that Tiffy is still showing signs of being hyperthyroid. Also remember that it will take at least 2-3 weeks for blood levels to change and clinical signs can take a while to improve once blood levels improve. It is most common to give the medication twice daily, but some people do give it once daily. So, if they have been on their current dose for more than 6 weeks without any improvement in their clinical signs, I would recommend discussing it with your veterinarian and discussing if increasing the dose or the frequency of the medication makes the most sense for your kitties. Good luck! I hope you can get your kitties feeling better, and i hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Luv Bug is so very fortunate to have you as an owner. I am sure that you are one of the main reasons that she is going strong at 17 years of age. Kudos to you for your consideration and compassion for your pet. In terms of hyperthyroidism in cats, there are only three real treatments on the market today. These are methimazole treatment, thyroidectomy surgery, and radioactive iodine treatment. It is believed in the veterinary community that radioactive iodine is the gold standard treatment today. With the information you have provided, I can offer you a few possibilities for future treatment: 1. Perhaps you can get the math him is all in a tablet form to crush it into a fine powder and then mix it with any palatable substance that she likes and then squirt it in her mouth with a syringe. This, however, may cause some behavior problems because she may not like this either. 2. If you are willing to accept the costs and all of the different parts that go with the radioactive iodine treatment, I say go for it because the success rate for that specific treatment is excellent. Thank you very much for your question and I know you will make the right decision on her behalf. Have a great day.

I think I know what you're asking - you're asking if you can put together multiple doses of methimazole in separate aliquots of butter, correct? According to Plumb's veterinary handbook, methimazole is supposed to be stored in a closed container, away from light and at room temperature. So I think it would probably not be a good idea to prepare your butter + methimazole "doses" ahead of time, since the butter would need to stay in the refrigerator to stay solid. If it's hard to medicate your cat, you might investigate having your vet order a compounded flavored oral suspension of methimazole. This is usually quite easy to give, and compounding pharmacies can make meds with virtually any flavor added, so pets will take them.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While it is not ideal to do that, if she has been getting that medication for a good bit now, doing it once daily instead of twice daily for 1 day should not affect things much. Have a good night!

These signs could be consistent with methimazole related side effects. GI upset and facial itching are some of the most common acute side effects in the first few months of therapy. I would recommend stopping the medication until you can talk to your vet about your concerns. Some cats can not take this medication and thus require an alternate method of treatment. If still eating and drinking that is good. If any of the symptoms worsen an ER visit is advised. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Felimazole is a treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. Missing one dose of this medication usually doesn't significantly affect the blood levels of the drug, so I would expect no negative effects from the missed pill. If you suspect that he's getting to be good at spitting out the pills once you give them (i.e. you find more around the house), talk to your vet about a liquid formulation of this medication, that might be easier for you to give. It also can be formulated as a topical medication that is rubbed inside the ear.