alfreda89: 3 foot concrete Medieval style gargoyle with author's hand resting on its head. (Burmese Basket)
alfreda89 ([personal profile] alfreda89) wrote2010-05-25 04:18 pm
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Hyperthyroid kitty will remain hyper....

It's official -- Merlyn is hyperthyroid, and cannot handle the one med they use for it. It's radioactive isotopes ($$$) or nothing. Considering I have not worked in three years, I am suspicious of using radiation to kill anything, and he's gonna be 15 in August, there will be no killing of thyroid. I just have to feed him to keep up with the burn, and live with him talking constantly. (They call it night yelling. My cat sitters will be thrilled.)

The biggest concern was shortening his life, but he's outlived his brother and older half-brother, so he's doing fine. I think of him as my Dorian Gray kitty. He looks like a teenager cat! Also, this can mask kidney problems. But he may not have kidney problems, just the thyroid problem. I plan to just love him, and not give him any more of the med that made him hurl constantly and me wash the bedding every day for a week.

[identity profile] apricot-tree.livejournal.com 2010-05-26 01:36 am (UTC)(link)
I totally respect your choice. Why put the kitty through more, if it won't help is quality of life and you can't afford it? But as a side note, I personally have had the radioactive treatment. Yes, they do the same thing for people who have thyroid cancer. And give them the same drugs afterwards. It was something I found highly amusing when I did mine. "Oh, my cat had that..." :)

[identity profile] alfreda89.livejournal.com 2010-05-26 02:08 am (UTC)(link)
Yeah, they said it was the same thing -- quoted me around $1000 for the procedure. I have friends who totally treat their animals with natural products, so I will definitely talk with them about it. Right now, I'm bleeding money, with no guarantee I will ever be able to work a modern job again (one requiring Windows Suite or running an electronic cash register) or qualify for SSDI. Haven't given up on anything, including new novels, but I think the Universe would consider this an irresponsible use of money at this time.

It's a b*&#@ being poor....

[identity profile] apricot-tree.livejournal.com 2010-05-26 04:16 am (UTC)(link)
It's difficult to have to even consider these decisions based on money. But your kitty has a great mommy who loves him. And, even if you had the money, it sounds its not be in the best interests of your cat. And there are no med options? I know there are several for people - or can they use a lower dose to get some effect but not make him sick?

[identity profile] alfreda89.livejournal.com 2010-05-26 05:35 am (UTC)(link)
No, he's in the percentage that reacts badly to any of the med at all -- so right now, no med options. But several herbal ones, so that will be next!