Jun 5, 2012

Two Cats Tuesday: An Update on Pimp's Health

Happy Two Cats Tuesday, Cuteheads! As many of you who follow along know, Pimp has hyperthyroid. That means his metabolism is basically always in overdrive. This, as you can imagine, is not good for a kitty's organs and heart.

We found out a couple months ago and he's been eating Hill's Prescription Diet y/d food to treat it. I know many of you have your reservations about the food, but I have to say... it's working! The great thing about the food option is that he doesn't need any medication or radiation treatments -- he just eats. Which he does quite well, thank you very much!

Fine. I'll go to the vet. But I'm not happy about it.
Last weekend we went back for his second follow-up visit, which was after eight weeks of eating the food. During his first follow-up, our fabulous vet checked all his levels and ran a bunch of tests and he was almost back to normal range again for his thyroid levels -- amazing after only a month!

So this visit, I fully expected him to be right back to normal (he started out at 11.1 and normal is 4.0 or less). He was at 4.5 last time.

Did mom just call me a stinker?!
Here's the thing: That stinker ate some of Moo's food the day before his vet visit! And he's only supposed to have his y/d food. Even a few bites of food with iodine in it (any regular cat food) can spike his thyroid levels. I hoped it wasn't going to mess with his test results, but wasn't so sure.

So we went to the vet.

First of all, let me just say that Pimp was the BEST boy! He usually pees in the waiting room and poops in the exam room. That's his routine. Last time we went, he had the nerve to pee right when we parked, while we were still in the car! My brand new car. It happens, I know. But the bad part was that the vet needed some pee to run a test... and he had left it all in my car.

So this time, I came prepared. I had a syringe she gave me last time just for this (so I could get some from inside the carrier before cleaning it up if he went) and towels and paper towels.

But we didn't need them! He held his pee like a good boy and the vet got some like normal. First time he hasn't peed in forever!

Good boys even take supermodel portraits in the exam room. 
He did three tests: His internal organs test came back great. His pee test came back great. (Yay and yay!) But we had to wait for the thyroid levels test to come back from the lab to know those results.

And, shoot. They were 5.1. His levels have gone up. The vet really thinks it was because he got into Moo's food, and I do, too. But we're going back in four weeks again to re-test... and I'm making EXTRA sure he doesn't get into any other food but his until then.

All paws crossed his levels go all the way down to where they're supposed to be!

53 comments:

  1.  
    Yes, she did call you a stinker. BOL
    I'll keep my paws crossed.
    *woof*

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  2. Okay, Pimp!!! Just keep out of Moo's food, and you'll be better in no time!!!

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  3. So, I have a question - how do you keep the cat's food separated?  I'm having problems keeping the kitten away from my elderly baby who takes arthritis meds in her food.  Have to watch her like a hawk.  I hate to keep all the food bowls up and away from them while I'm gone.

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  4. Well outside of the Boo food that sounds terrific.  Our favorite Vet just left here and went to work for Science Diet so she could have an impact on cat health everywhere.  Way to go Pimp!

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  5. That sounds fantastic, Brian! I visited there last year and toured their facility. It seemed like a great place to work and do great things to help animals. If only it wasn't in Kansas! ;)

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  6. There is so much controversary over pet food these days one doesn't know what to feed a cat anymore.  Let me just say that our first cat (50 years ago) was on HIll Prescription Diet (canned) for 18 years of his 19-year-life,   One of my other cats also thyroid problems.  The vet put her on a liquid medication that we just rubbed on the inside of her ear.  It was a piece of cake to give her meds - she lived another 5 years due to the meds.   Maybe ask your vet if there are alternatives to the food so you wouldn't have to worry so much about him getting into his brother's food,.  Just meowing here - not trying to  tell you want to do!

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  7. I too have heard mixed reviews on y/d but I agree with you - no meds no radiation and if y/d works what a GREAT thing! If it doesn't, well, then, time to look at alternatives but SO worth a shot! Pimp you be a good boy and DON'T EAT MOO'S FOOD! Moo you better guard your food! BTW it was Two Cat Tuesday -  I have to admit Pimp is a bit my favorite (I am in total love with his nose) but I missed seeing MOO!!!!!!!!!!

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  8. Neyatep www.essentialgrain.comJune 5, 2012 at 8:40 AM

    I'm glad your boy is doing better. I'm still wondering though if the diet we have out cats on would work for him. Making a stew out of chicken and veggies and organ meat is so basic that I don't see how that couldn't help him. I know it certainly had made a difference in our kitties. We also supplement with nutritional yeast, calcium, lecithin and vitamin C and add salmon oil to their stew. With the recent addition of coconut oil their coats are even softer and shed less.  Maybe you could just try some coconut oil as well? It heals soooo many things!

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  9. Oh, no. We have that problem with the food too.  Hobbes wants to eat the expensive prescription food and Grace wants to eat Hobbes food.  Ugh.  I think they do this to drive us nuts! 

    I hope the levels go back down again.

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  10. I was just wondering yesterday how Pimp was doing so I was very glad to see this update. Even though his results came back higher at least it was only a slight increase & not off the charts. I, too, have read different things about this cat food but it is worth a try & I hope it keeps working for Pimp. He is one cool cat.  Love his photos! 

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  11. The thing with that is that it's the iodine that he can't have, and from what I understand, it's in about everything. He can't have any people food either -- only his. And I hate to sound lazy, but this is so easy. I don't think I'd have time to cook for him. I hardly cook for me! ;)

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  12. Amazing; Pimp AND the food ordeal. It will be interesting to see if just that one meal caused the high levels. With such dignity the Pimp endures....and I love how he peed in the car instead of the office!

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  13. Pimp you are so handsome and yes you do endure things with dignity! (even when Mom puts funny hats and you and such)  I  hope you and Moo and all of the cuteheads have excellent health!!!  Stay out of Moo's food!! :-)

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  14. Thanks for the Pimp update! What a good boy he was at the vet. Sending hugs and nose boops to that lil stinker. ;) Don't eat MOO food, Pimp!

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  15. Great pictures of Pimp!! And glad he's doing better! :)

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  16. Super pimpin'. The fact that everything else was normal probably does mean it was the food sneaking.

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  17. Absoluteserenity123June 5, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    So glad he was good at the vets, mine is a nightmare, screaming all the way and there might be wees or poos out of terror too. Last time he was good, he was a bit overwhelmed and tired from all the screaming, thank goodness! Pimp I know how you feel, I have the opposite thyroid condition,hupo,  life long extrremely low thyroid function, I have to take thyroxine in exact amounts, just increasing the iodine wont help in an extreme condition. Best of luck to you Pimp, and only eat the right food! Best Whiskas Louise

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  18. Wow, that is terrific about that food that treats hyperthyroid. I just read a post this morning, saying that the food wouldn't work.So I am so excited to hear that it does. Wish I had known about it back when our kitty Holly had Hyperthyroid. Pimp, we are so glad to hear that you are doing well on that food. Good news.

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  19. Bad Pimp for eating Moo's food. But I'm glad everything else was good. I hope it sorts out for the next visit.

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  20. Hey Pimp......no more eating Moo's food.  
    I'm sure next time he'll be just fine.
    Your momma takes such good care of you!!
    You are loved!!   And so is Moo!!  <3

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  21. Fingers and paws crossed for Pimp!  All my cats (and Sassy, the dog) are special needs kids.  5 of the 7 are on special diets, so I know what its like to try and keep them eating only their own food.  Keep up the good work!

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  22. So glad for Pimp! Thank you for the update - you know there are lots of cuteheads out there following his troubles and tribulations.

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  23.  Ooh Pimp!  These tests are such a nuisance but you just be a good boy (well, you are!) and please don't eat anymore Moo food.  Your levels need to come back down but it is so difficult seeing Moo have 'other foods' but it for your own good.  We want to see you live a very long happy, healthy.  My Sgt. Pepper had a lot of those tests but his was his kidney values so on meds for quite awhile until levelling out.  He was nearly 17 cat years.  You just eat well baby boy!  Purrs from the fosters - Paulie and Mary and I hope they stay well because they would not be good like you to get to the vets.  Paws crossed and love also to mom and Moo.

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  24. Pimp, have you lost some weight around your face my darlin'?

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  25. He's always had a bit of a protruding "snout," but it is more defined now that he's a little thinner. Pimp says to think of it like a George Clooney chin. ;)

    The vet says he is a good weight, though -- and he actually gained a pound since his last visit!

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  26. Still a gorgeous gentlecat! Sending best wishes and happy thoughts to you and your kitties! And do keep us posted :)

    ~ Kieli ~

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  27. Gorgeous, absolutely gorgeous! Godspeed little one...

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  28. My cat also has a thyroid problem. He is 17 yrs old and he is on a Renal Diet (Medi-Cal) but he also eats the Iams for Seniors +.

    He is on medication as well. Felimazone once a day. It's a pill that I place in a pill pocket. Or you can get a chewable version that is another name and topwo flavors. My cat liked the chicken one. They are more expensive than the pills. The pills are inexpensive and are working great. He actually got tests done too today and his level is right there in the normal zone. Very good.


    Speak to your vet if you want to try him on this pill. Thyroid disease can be dangerous.

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  29. I'm sorry, I was not done my message. I had to add in the first paragraph but then I lost my cursor. Weird.

    I wish all the best to Pimp. He is a gorgeous cat. He looks a lot like a cat I catsit. Does he have some Bengal in him? He looks big and muscular and his face is long like a Bengal.

    He is beautiful and I hope he gets the normal levels next time!

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  30. He is such a handsome, magestic looking cat!!

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  31. So glad he is doing better! Are you considering doing the pill once he is well enough for it? 

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  32. I could never, ever pill Pimp consistently. We'd have zero relationship and he's always be under the bed. :( He is THE WORST with medicine. I do want to look into the radioiodine or radiocat or whatever it is called though. 

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  33. He is a big cat, and I've always thought maybe he has a little of something mixed in there. He is long! 

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  34. Thank you! I am glad his other tests came back OK. We have to run all them again once his thyroid levels are normal to make sure there's nothing hidden, but the vet really feels like nothing else should show up.

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  35. Pimp is doing his best to get better for all of you! :)

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  36. I have a hard enough time with only two! :)

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  37. I'm going to watch him extra-hard to make sure he only eats his food!

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  38. The vet said it definitely could have -- even just a few bites. Crazy, huh?

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  39. I was going to update on last Tuesday, but we hadn't gotten the last results back yet, so I waited for today. I'll keep you posted still! And he says thank you for the compliments!

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  40. I posted this same answer on Facebook earlier. We have it down to a science! :)

    I moved their bowls to different places to separate them. They used to eat side-by-side, but now Moo eats in their old spot and Pimp eats in the kitchen. They just know where they eat now. When I fix up the bowls on the counter, they each go right to their spot and wait! Pimp (usually, grrrr) doesn't even have any interest in Moo's food, he really likes the y/d. I leave it out for a little and keep an eye on it and then pick up Moo's food after about 20 minutes and he's come back a few times and I know he's had enough. He's on a diet, so this is a good thing for him! And that way Pimp won't eat any. Sometimes I leave Pimp's food out all day, but if he eats a lot fast, then I pick it up, too, so Moo doesn't get an extra meal in (he likes Pimp's food too!). Moo can eat Pimp's, but Pimp can't eat Moo's. AND Moo has to eat some of his own so his levels don't drop below normal. It's a bit of a process, but have it down pretty good. 

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  41. I'll show my mom a stinker... -Pimp

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  42. Pimp the Stinker ... the cutest stinker in tabbydom!!! >^.^<  (BTW, love the bracelet that the Queen of Cute has on, and would love to find out where she got it!!!)

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  43. The pill can be given in a pill pocket and it's a trat at the same time. This would help regulate his thyroid. This is worth a few times under the bed. He will get over it.m trust me.

    I mix the greenie (pill inside) with other treats he likes. He eats them all. You don't have to pop it in his mouth. You just place it on the floor. Hopefully he likes treats. Greenies pill pockets come in chicken, salmon and duck for cats with allergies.

    It will help him and keep hm healthy. My friend died of thyroid problems. He had stopped his meds. I assume it's the same in animals. Ask your Vet if only the diet is suffice.

    Good luck.

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  44. My message about greenies and the pill has a couple of typos I couldn't correct. Silly but I can't stand spelling mistakes.

    I bet Pimp does have some Bengal in him. He has large paws too and his long face is like a Bengal.

    Gorgeous!!

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  45.  That's what  I meant - the radiation type therapy - I thought it came in a pill. I would definitely be considering it since a one time treatment makes it easier. My mom did it when she had thyroid issues and besides the fact that she couldn't touch anyone for a few days she said it wasn't a big deal. I assume Pimp would be at the vet's to make it easier.  Willis loves pill pockets. Except when there are pills in them! He will eat them all as a treat but refuses to touch the one with the treat in it. Luckily he is very healthy!

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  46. Oh, he LOVES treats! But he is too smart for this. I know because we've tried. It worked like magic the first few times I gave him the pill... and then he got smart and refused to eat them. He is a smart, smart boy.

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  47. Yes, that's what I'm going to consider. Our vet is looking into it for me. He'd have to go to a specialty place for it - they don't do it there. And his poop would be radioactive afterwards for a few days! 

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  48. I hope you saw on Facebook... I posted a picture of Moo to make up for it! :) 
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150995546882628&set=a.405826912627.184591.45275747627&type=3&theater

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  49.  i'm trying to figure out a way to tie in a spiderman joke there but I got nothing! I will keep Pimp in my thoughts that he keeps getting better.

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  50. My Stone does that too. He'll eat the greenie pill pocket but then I'll see the pill beside him so I just add more treats around it and he gets to it or I just pop it in his mouth and he's not the easiest to do this. He keeps his jaw tight but I manage to open it and drop the pill.

    Too bad. He has to take them. I would think that the fussing over giving him a pill is better than exposing him to radiation.

    Speak to your vet see what he or she says. And also I mentioned the flavoured medicine. It's not a pill it's a soft treat. Or there might be medicine in form of a cream you just rub inside the butterfly of his ear.

    I'm just thinking that radiation might screw up his body. Meds can give the same results too for sure but my Stone has been well for several years.

    All the best to Pimp.

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  51. Hey Dorian!! I have some experience of how one pet eating another pets food can REALLY mess things up.

    Years ago, I had a cat and a parrot, and the parrot kept sneaking and eating the cat kibble, which drove my cat crazy!!! Things finally hit the wall one night & I had to interrupt a fight between the two when I found my kitty cornering the parrot & hitting him on top of his little green head. The next day, I got really worried because the kitty started looking and acting sick, and I had no idea why. I decided I was going to watch him really closely for a few hours, and them take him to the vet if he didn't improve. A couple of hours after that, I heard him retching horribly, and ran in to find him puking bird seed uncontrollably. I guess he decided that he could play the same game as the parrot & teach him how it felt to get his food stolen, but in the end, I suspect my parrot never let him forget the outcome of that little trick!!

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