My hyperthyroid cat is losing weight. Should I split meds to 1.25mg twice?

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.

Hi, thanks fir using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Madeline is super cute! Yes, that is absolutely fine to have the pet sitter give methimazole once daily (double the single dose to equal her twice a day dose) while you are away! Have a great weekend!

Kidney failure and hyperthyroidism are both known to cause cats to lose weigh dramatically, there is not much that you can do other than try giving Tia her food more frequently. you can try topping her food with some boiled chicken or tuna if she likes those, try to feed her at least 4 times a day.

Hi there. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism generally include things like weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive vocalization, and increased appetite or thirst. I would tend to agree with your veterinarian that if your kitty is not losing weight or having any other symptoms of a problem, there is no reason to change his medication dosage - although an increase may be needed in the future if he starts to have symptoms again.

If Rockie's thyroid level is controlled, then his weight should remain stable. There is a special diet for treating hyperthyroidism, but it is used instead of medication NOT in addition to treatment. I am attaching more information about it below. https://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3348 If Rockie is still eating more than normal and losing weight, then his thyroid level may not be controlled yet, so it would be worth rechecking that blood value. You can certainly discuss a diet change with your veterinarian. If Rockie is on an adult food, he may do better on a senior food. And if he is on a dry food, he may do better on a canned food. Both of those changes may help him maintain his muscle mass. But I suspect that making sure his thyroid level is controlled should be your first step. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using 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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Symptoms of hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) in cats are: weight LOSS not gain, increased thirst and urination, increased hunger and vocalizing especially at night. They can have heart murmurs and arrhythmia. The side effects on not treating is heart disease and weight loss. I recommend treating if her T4 is above the high end of the reference range. Please feel free to post her blood work results. I hope this helps and I wish Sofi the best!