My hyperthyroid cat is panting, not eating. Should I stop her meds?

I'm sorry to hear that Cleo isn't eating as well as she normal does. Hyperthyroidism typically causes weight loss despite an increase in appetite, although rare cats may experience a decreased appetite. The change in Cleo's appetite alone may or may not be associated with hyperthyroidism. Other causes of this sudden lack of interest in food and lethargy could be related to a gastrointestinal virus, kidney disease, parasites, liver disease, among many other conditions. If she still isn't eating normally in the next day or two, Cleo should go to her vet for evaluation and likely blood testing. However, if she becomes experiences extreme lethargy, experiences profuse vomiting or diarrhea, or will not drink water, Cleo should go to the vet immediately. I hope this helps and that Cleo feels better soon!

Since it has been several months since her last bloodwork was done I would recommend bringing her in if this change in behavior is lasting longer than a few days and there haven't been any other changes in the household that would be causing her anxiety (such as new pets, people, etc.).

Yes I would stop the methimazole until you can have him checked again by your veterinarian. If he feels better off the methimazole then the methimazole dose may have been too high. They will check his blood work again for the thyroid level and for the pancreatitis. When changing diets I try adding just a small amount of new food at each meal until he gets used to it. Cats are fussy eaters but if he's still not eating it may be that Jojo just doesn't feel well and it wasn't that he didn't like the food. Once cats get regulated on the thyroid medication usually things smooth out and you'll have less problems. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Jojo.

Nutritional issues, metabolic disease and other underlying conditions could all cause the strange eating habits and hunger, and problems with the heart or lungs (as you mentioned) can definitely cause exercise intolerance and panting. It is a good idea that you're bringing her into the vet so she can have a complete exam. Your vet will also likely recommend bloodwork and some X-rays to help narrow down the possible issues.

Do not stop the blood pressure medication without first talking to the vet who is treating Tinker. It sounds like it may be helpful to run some lab work on her to see how well controlled her hyperthyroidism is, and see if that medication needs adjusted. If an adjustment in her dose of hyperthyroidism med is needed, then it MAY be ok to stop the blood pressure mediation once she's on a different dose, BUT DO NOT DO THIS without first talking to the vet who is managing her case. The other concern and possibility here is that there may be a separate issue going on such as cancer. The older they get the more likely we are to see multiple problems arise. Good luck with her! Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I recommend to have Tommy’s thyroid level rechecked. These are not normal signs from the medication and could inidicate that the thyroid level is now too high or it could be unrelated. That’s why you need to know what his levels are while on the medication. Have the blood sample drawn 4-6 hours after he takes the medication. Best of luck and please feel free to post any additional questions.

The heart condition is likely a sequel to the hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism speeds up the heart rate, and that increases the thickness of the heart muscle which will enlarge the heart. Please do not experiment with herbal medicines. Hyperthyroidism, if not controlled will cause the heart condition to worsen, so it is absolutely necessary to use medications that will work such as thyreostatic medication (the thyroid medications your veterinarian prescribed). The Furosemide will help your cat get rid of the fluid in her lungs. Please listen to your veterinarian. Your kitty can have a good quality of life with the correct medications. This is one case where herbals will not help.