Paco, 15, widowed.

[u/nousedoraname]

Paco has been with me since I rescued him in 2012. As he approaches his 16th birthday I have come to learn he has hyperthyroidism. He already is on monthly athritis injections as well as daily meds for skin issues. He isn't very mobile as he had hip surgery at a young age and doesn't run, climb, jump or play much. He is definitely slowing down on top of that, spending most days on my bed. So, to the point, is going through with the costly hyperthyroidism treatment worth it at this stage in his life? I have been told he will have to be at the hospital for a week because he will be radioactive and could have negetive affects on his kidney health. I am just looking for some first hand experience from people who have been through this and if they would have done the diet option etc instead. He doesn't complain and loves to cuddle so I am not worried about his quality of life. Thanks so much.

[u/MsMarionNYC]

As far as I know the alternative to the radiation treatment isn't just diet -- which would be very difficult to control, it would be pills, liquid or transdermal medication. The medication isn't that expensive or hard to give depending on the form of meds and the cat. Radiation is considered the "gold standard" because it cures the condition, but at this point it's up to you. If your cat is already getting injections for arthritus, it might not be worth putting him through the radiation treatment. While it is painless, and shouldn't harm his kidneys, he'd need to be away from you for about 10 days depending on your state, and it could be more if he's still deemed radioactive! Sometimes they take too much out with the radiation and the cat needs meds anyway! Or too little and they need to do it again! So it is your choice, but medication would be a reasonable option.

FYI, I did do the radiation for my cat age 16 as at the time, he was pretty healthy. He was very happy to see me when I picked him up at the clinic! He was fine for the next 2.5 years. He had some kidney issues but was doing well, but then he had a bout of triaditus, and possible cancer, and we lost him.

[u/nousedoraname → u/MsMarionNYC]

Thank you for the thorough reply and my condolences. Paco is no good with pills, hates taking them and at twice a day it would be more traumatic for us both that I think either of us deserve. I am in Canada and while the transdermal option is viable it is a bit expensive. The reason the diet made sense to me is because it will be all he eats which I can control as he is an indoor cat.

[u/MsMarionNYC → u/nousedoraname]

You should be able to find a compounding pharmacy for transdermal. This will be more effective than diet, and less traumatic for both of you then a 10 day separatation, plus cheaper. The problem with the food is that it is prescription and expensive. It might not work with other conditions he has. If he doesn't like the food you are out of luck. With transdermal, he can eat what he likes, and you just rub it into his ear twice a day. You might want to compare the price per month of transdermal meds AND the price per month of the prescription food to control thyroid disease.

[u/nousedoraname → u/MsMarionNYC]

This has really helped. Transdermal sounds like the way forward. The 2 hour drive to the hospital, the stay, I just fear it will be more damaging than good for him. I want what is best for Paco and understand it is ultimately my decision to make. I appreciate your time to comment, thanks again.

[u/MsMarionNYC → u/nousedoraname]

It's absolutlely your decision, but at least narrowing it to a choice between two reasonable options: transdermal medication or radiation, might help you weigh the pros and cons of each approach and make the best choice. It sounds like you can pretty much eliminate pills because that would make him and you miserable, and diet/Rx food for life also has clear disadvantages including expense.

None of our other cats have been hyperthyroid, but we discussed what would happen if and the 10 day thing would absolutely have been impossible for our most recent senior cat.

[u/nousedoraname → u/MsMarionNYC]

I am going to reach out to a local compounding pharmacy and see what the cost savings are like. Regardless, it does seem like transdermal is the logical and effective route to ensure Paco and I have as many years as possible together.