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Hello
I'm new to catsite. I have 1 cat and take care of 2 others who live at a farm by my house. The farm is a historic landmark in my town and run by a handful of volunteers. One of the farm cats , Dusty, shows signs of a thyroid condition. He's painfully skinny despite having a huge appetite, drinks water like there's no tomorrow, has a bad coat despite being brushed several x's/week, dry skin, a raspy meow and he urinates excessively. Despite these symptoms, he is an active, friendly and seemingly happy cat. We have no idea how old Dusty is but he is definitely not a young cat. He's lived at the farm for a couple of years now ...his previous owner really didnt take care of him.
Dusty had his annual check up last week . The vet detected a heart murmur and noted that he has lost 1 lb since his visit one year ago. The vet ordered a thyroid test. I have to explain that this farm is run by volunteers..it's not a working farm ..just a neighborhood attraction . Paid for 100% through fundraising efforts..so $ is very tight to say the least.
I was just informed that his test came back ...one level was normal the other slightly elevated. Not sure what levels they're referring to
as I was not the one to take Dusty for his exam..another volunteer did. I was told the vet said we could wait and see what happens..if his symptoms worsen then we can try meds. I can't imagine waiting for his symptoms to worsen..I mean the poor thing lost a lb and like I said, he shows every sign of a thyroid problem. I'm afraid Dusty's situation is being down-played because of the concern over funding. I think I will call the vet myself and really explain the behavavioral symptoms he displays on a daily basis and see if he really feels not treating him is an acceptable option.
Anyway..sorry to ramble on...just wondering if any of you have experience with treating a cat for a thyroid condition.
I want to do right by Dusty.
I'm new to catsite. I have 1 cat and take care of 2 others who live at a farm by my house. The farm is a historic landmark in my town and run by a handful of volunteers. One of the farm cats , Dusty, shows signs of a thyroid condition. He's painfully skinny despite having a huge appetite, drinks water like there's no tomorrow, has a bad coat despite being brushed several x's/week, dry skin, a raspy meow and he urinates excessively. Despite these symptoms, he is an active, friendly and seemingly happy cat. We have no idea how old Dusty is but he is definitely not a young cat. He's lived at the farm for a couple of years now ...his previous owner really didnt take care of him.
Dusty had his annual check up last week . The vet detected a heart murmur and noted that he has lost 1 lb since his visit one year ago. The vet ordered a thyroid test. I have to explain that this farm is run by volunteers..it's not a working farm ..just a neighborhood attraction . Paid for 100% through fundraising efforts..so $ is very tight to say the least.
I was just informed that his test came back ...one level was normal the other slightly elevated. Not sure what levels they're referring to
as I was not the one to take Dusty for his exam..another volunteer did. I was told the vet said we could wait and see what happens..if his symptoms worsen then we can try meds. I can't imagine waiting for his symptoms to worsen..I mean the poor thing lost a lb and like I said, he shows every sign of a thyroid problem. I'm afraid Dusty's situation is being down-played because of the concern over funding. I think I will call the vet myself and really explain the behavavioral symptoms he displays on a daily basis and see if he really feels not treating him is an acceptable option.
Anyway..sorry to ramble on...just wondering if any of you have experience with treating a cat for a thyroid condition.
I want to do right by Dusty.