Category Archives: cats

Remember, Remember the 5th of November, is just around the corner.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November.

73% of owners say they have a pet who’s scared of fireworks – (Zylkenepet.co.uk)

Up to 50% of dogs may be affected by fear of fireworks – (adaptil.com)

Cats like routine and a quiet environment, unexpected noises will upset a cat – (feliway.com)

The above statistics show that your pet is not the only one with a fear of fireworks but carry on reading and we will help you care for your pet every step of the way, making it as stress free as possible throughout the fireworks season.

Noise effected dogs

 

 

Every year we receive a number of phone calls and visits from worried owners, who are concerned about their pets reaction to fireworks. Both cats and dogs can suffer from noise related phobias around this time of year, the most important advice is BE PREPARED in advance.

Unfortunately for pets it now seems to be fireworks ‘season’ rather than night. We’ve put together a list of things to be aware of :

  • Make a den for your pet to hide in, if they are worried.

  • Make sure you & your family act normal – pets will pick up on your anxiety.

  • Walk your dog early to ensure it doesn’t get spooked.

  • Check microchip details are kept up to date.

  • Shut all windows & cat flaps.

  • Stock up on some news toys and treats as a distraction.

  • Do not punish your pet, if they are worried.

 

If you have more than one pet, ensure that each of them has their own hiding place and if that is where they prefer to be, don’t force your pets out. Make sure your curtains are closed and turn up the tv or radio a little louder than normal. Be aware that very stressed pets can become aggressive so please take care if your pet is showing signs of anxiety.

 

Fireworks and your pets

 

 

If you have a nervous pet or you know they are anxious around the fireworks period we have a variety of different options available for you.

For more anxious dogs, there is an innovative new product to treat canine noise anxiety. A fast acting gel that can be given at home and tailored to the timing and duration of the noise event. The get can be given at home and can be used as part of an existing canine behaviour modification programme. It is easy to administer from a syringe and ensures the correct dosage for your dog.

The syringes are a Prescription Only Medicine for use in severely affected dogs suffering with anxiety.

nutravet2018..

Nutracalm supplement’s are available at all of our surgeries, for both cats and dogs. It has been specially formulated by vets to naturally calm anxious pets and reduce unwanted or unruly behaviour in dogs and cats. Nutracalm helps reduce stress, calms behaviour, is fast acting and easy for pet owners to administer.

For cats – FELIWAY is a synthetic copy of the feline facial pheromones used by cats to mark their territory as safe and secure. By mimicking the cats natural pheromone, Feliway creates a state of familiarity and security in their environment. This comes as a plug-in or a spray. Feliway should be started 2 weeks before firework season for maximum effect.

Remember, Remember the 5th of November, is just around the corner.

  •  For dogs – ADAPTIL is a product that contains a Dog Appeasing pheromone. It is a copy of a pheromone that a bitch (female dog) releases to comfort her puppies and should help to reassure and calm your dog. It comes as a plug –in, a spray or a collar. Adaptil should be started 2 weeks before firework season for maximim effect.

Zylkene

For both dogs and cats – ZYLKENE is a supplement derived from milk proteins that can help to make your pet feel more relaxed. Zylkene is palatable and easy to give; simply mix with food or give as a treat, just once a day. It is lactose and preservative free. These supplements should be started at least 1-2 days before any fireworks are expected.

As our blog above explains, we have a wide range of products to help your pet through the fireworks season. Please contact our team before the fireworks start and they will be able to discuss the best product to help you and your pet. Don’t forget to download your fireworks soundtrack and start playing it weeks (even months) before fireworks start to help prepare your pet for the noise.

 

 

Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived be the first to read it here.

Feline SOS!

Feline SOS!

Feline SOS! Knowing when your pet needs to be seen as an emergency is an important decision for many pet owners. Our Autumn News will provide you with some great advice on how to spot a feline emergency. Hopefully this is something that will never happen to your pet but it is worth being aware that sometimes there may be no obvious injuries but this doesn’t mean its not an emergency.

 

Lily

 

 

Wasps and bees will be getting slower during the Autumn season and although their stings rarely cause serious issues, they can be very painful. Swellings can appear quickly on paws if your cat has been batting them about, or mouths if they tried to eat them! Autumn Alert, gives you some top tips on the range of pet care challenges that we must be prepared for.

 

 

picture credits wonderfuldiy.com

 

 

So what are the signs of arthritis in my pet?

 

Our Autumn Alert news includes the signs of arthritis to watch out for, the common causes plus it compares a healthy and arthritic joint side by side to help you understand the aches and pains that arthritis can cause. Although this painful condition cannot be cured, most pets will benefit from at least one of the wide range of treatment options we have available. If you have noticed your golden oldie slowing down why not contact us today to discuss how we can help your pet.

 

Picture credits getupandgodog

 

Please get in contact with our friendly team if you would like further information on keeping your pets happy and healthy this Autumn.

 

 

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Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

Stress And Your Cat.

 

  • Is my cat stressed?

  • What is causing my cat to feel stressed?

  • How can I help my cat?

 

Just like humans, cats can get stressed out. While stress in cats doesn’t always materialise in the ways you might expect, if you know what to look for, it’s not too difficult to spot an anxious mog. It is important to keep an eye out for signs of stress in your cat; a stressed cat is an unhappy cat, and recent studies have shown that chronic, ongoing stress can cause stress-related diseases in cats, including skin problems and UTIs.

Is my cat stressed?

Cats are notoriously good at hiding their emotions, but it isn’t impossible to spot signs of feline anxiety. If your cat is displaying any of the behaviours listed below, you may find that the culprit is stress:

  • Unusual toileting behaviour. Many stressed cats express their anxieties by urinating outside the litter box (or in the house, if your cat is an outdoor cat), or worst still in your shoes or handbag.
  • Over-grooming. Cats groom themselves to self-soothe, so a cat that’s over-grooming may be under stress. A sure sign of excessive grooming is bald or thin patches of fur, which can be anywhere they can reach, most typically on their belly’s, the inside of their legs or their sides.
  • Of course, some cats are just loud. You know your cat – if they’re meowing and calling to you much more than usual, they could be trying to tell you something.
  • Excessive scratching. Cats often scratch themselves more than usual when they’re feeling stressed. If your cat’s up to date with their flea treatments, doesn’t have an allergy and is still scratching like mad, this could be a sign of stress.
  • Cats aren’t always the most sociable creatures, but neither is it usual for them to be hiding themselves away all of the time.
  • Lack of appetite. Decreased appetite in cats can be indicative of many different issues, including stress. This is definitely not a sign to ignore.
  • Just like humans, cats can lash out when they are under stress, both at humans and other animals.

 

Stressed cat

 

What is causing my cat to feel stressed?

If you can tick off more than one of the symptoms above, you may find you have got a stressed moggy. While anxiety in cats is reasonably common, it’s not normal, and the first step is identifying any possible causes for your cat’s stress. The most common causes of stress in cats usually boil down to one thing: change. Think hard to see if you’ve made any recent changes to your home or routine which might have affected your cat more than you think.

A big change for cats is the presence of new animals in the home; if you’ve brought home a new cat or another pet, this can be a major cause of stress for other pets. New family members, such as a baby, can cause feline stress too. The key thing here is to make sure your cat knows he’s still your number one; lots of love, attention, and cuddles are in order here. Be sure to make sure your cat still has lots of space, too – if you’ve introduced a second cat, make sure their food bowls are kept apart, and try to keep a separate litter tray for each cat, the ideal rule of thumb being to have one litter tray per cat plus another in your home. Importantly ensure they all have plenty of water, ideally in different containers, my cat loves to drink from pint glasses and I have learned the hard way to be very careful where I put them!

Other changes in your life can equally affect your cats. Moving to a new home may be just as stressful for your puss as it is for you; by keeping blankets, toys and furniture around that your cat already knows well, you can help to ease this transition and make your new house feel like home again. Even changing jobs could be the cause of your cat’s stress; cats are creatures of habit, and anything which changes your daily routine can throw a cat off. Try to keep your day as consistent as possible, and find a routine that works for you both going forward.

 

 

How can I help my cat?

If you can pinpoint the cause of your cat’s stress, you’re already halfway to fixing the problem. There are some more general ways that you can help your cat to feel calm and to prevent your cat from getting stressed in the future, too.

A simple option is to try a synthetic pheromone diffuser or spray such as Feliway. When a cat marks its territory, it releases facial pheromones which make the cat feel happy, calm, and relaxed. Synthetic copies of these pheromones are available as plug-in diffusers and sprays that you can use around the house to help your cat feel calmer. These products might not work for cats who have a deeper cause of their anxiety, but for many it may just do the trick.

It is also worth ensuring that your cats have as much space as possible. Don’t overcrowd your home with pets, and make sure that your cat always has somewhere quiet to retreat to if they are feeling overwhelmed or stressed. If you have got the space and you live in a safe enough area, getting your cats outdoors can do wonders for their mental health. Cats are naturally active, outdoorsy animals, and getting out into the wild is really how they love to spend their time.

A happy cat is a healthy cat.

If your cat is getting stressed, try not to beat yourself up about it. It is impossible to avoid all stress triggers all of the time; as a pet owner, all you can do is your best to make your pet’s life as happy and healthy as you can. If you have tried all of the above suggestions and your cat is still displaying the symptoms of stress, we would advise it is important to take them for a veterinary check-up to rule out any medical causes of their symptoms and to make sure that your cat’s anxiety isn’t making them ill.

 

If you have any concerns about your cat, do not hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to get help and bring calm back into your home.

 

Blog and images supplied by Zoetis.

Written by Gemma Hopkins BVETMED, CERTVC, MRCVS

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer Newsletter.

Heat Stroke And How To Prevent It In Your Pet

Heat Stroke And How To Prevent It In Your Pet

Our Summer Newsletter has arrived, it includes a few tips to keep your pet fit and well at this time of year. Keeping Cool! Paddling pools may help keep dogs cool and they should have free access to water at all times. Heat stroke is a common, and serious problem, learn how to avoid it here.

 

Heat stroke

 

 

Insect alert!

Bees and wasps are tempting to play with for both cats and dogs but will deliver a nasty sting if provoked! These are painful and can cause sudden swellings on faces or paws. Most stings will benefit from prompt veterinary attention. Find out some of the other hazards to watch out for in our Summer News.

 

Picture credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service

Picture credit: USDA Agricultural Research Service

 

Guinea pigs can live in or outdoors

but it is important they have enough space to run and play. Our Summer Newsletter discusses some of the things you need to be aware of to keep your piggies happy and healthy. They are susceptible to mite infections, the signs to watch out for are included here.

 

It is important to check them at least once a day.

It is important to check your guinea pig at least once a day.

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Summer Newsletter, if you have any questions on the items mentioned contact our friendly team for further advice.

 

Don’t forget to find us on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to our You Tube for more top pet care tips and videos.

Picture Credits Pintrest

Helping Children To Cope With The Loss Of A Family Pet

 

Helping Children To Cope With The Loss Of A Family Pet

 

Losing a family pet may be one of the first deaths we experience as children. Children should be told the truth about their pet, and from someone they know. The death of the pet should be explained in honest, simple language that they will fully understand. If possible the child should be warned if their pet is terminally ill or if euthanasia is going to be performed so that they can ask questions, prepare themselves for the loss and say their farewells. If your child wishes to be present at the time of euthanasia or to see the pet’s body afterwards, then please discuss this with your vet who will be able to offer advice. It is important to allow time for discussion at this very sensitive time; be prepared to show your feelings and talk about the animal’s death. Children may want to make some mark of remembrance to their dead pet. If burial of the body is not possible they may want to bury a momento, such as their pets toy or lead, in a favourite spot and plant some bulbs or flowers. Some children may want to draw pictures or write poems. This will help them grieve and come to terms with the loss. Children who can grieve and then let go of their grief will be better prepared for future losses in their life.

picture credits Facebook

picture credits Facebook

 

Grief

Pets are considered to be a big part of our family and an integral part of our lives and we may mourn at their death as if we have lost a human friend or member of the family. The depth of emotion felt is often unexpected, but when you consider the friendship that may have been lost, the feelings of grief are not surprising. Each of us experiences the grieving process in a unique way. Often the first reaction is disbelief. It may be hard to accept that our animal is no longer with us. The house feels so empty and it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that your pet will not be coming back. The feelings of loss may be particularly deep if you have depended on your pet for emotional support. You may feel very sad and low for a while. Sometimes the loneliness is magnified by a lack of understanding from others. Some people may lose confidence and feel anxious about other animals that are in their care. It helps to share your feelings with a friend, a member of the veterinary staff or someone else who has had a similar experience. The PetSavers charity also offer a Pet Bereavement Support Service: 0800 0966606, their experienced team offer a sympathetic ear for recently bereaved pet owners.

Companionship

The pets in our lives are treated the same as a family member and they are very special to us. There are many different ways that animals contribute to our lives. Pets can bring us immeasurable rewards in the form of companionship, protection, relaxation, exercise… to name but a few. When grieving for your pet remember all the good times that you have been through together and focus on these.

 

Nothing can prepare you for the loss of a pet, through death or enforced separation, grieving is a sad and difficult experience for any pet owner. We’ve put together this blog with the help of PetSavers to help you come to terms with the loss of your pet.

 

Euthanasia ….

We are responsible for the animal during its lifetime, and we are also responsible during the time of illness and death. It is natural to feel guilty when considering euthanasia. Sometimes we may feel angry that the animal cannot be saved and often think… ‘If only I had done… things could have been different’. It is important to discuss your concerns with our experienced team, who will be able to advise and guide you. This should re-assure you that the decision you have made, whatever the reason for euthanasia, has been the most appropriate one.

Picture Credits Pintrest

Picture Credits Pintrest

 

Grief

Pets are considered to be a big part of our family and an integral part of our lives and we may mourn at their death as if we have lost a human friend or member of the family. The depth of emotion felt is often unexpected, but when you consider the friendship that may have been lost, the feelings of grief are not surprising. Each of us experiences the grieving process in a unique way. Often the first reaction is disbelief. It may be hard to accept that our animal is no longer with us. The house feels so empty and it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that your pet will not be coming back. The feelings of loss may be particularly deep if you have depended on your pet for emotional support. You may feel very sad and low for a while. Sometimes the loneliness is magnified by a lack of understanding from others. Some people may lose confidence and feel anxious about other animals that are in their care. It helps to share your feelings with a friend, a member of the veterinary staff or someone else who has had a similar experience. The PetSavers charity also offer a Pet Bereavement Support Service: 0800 0966606, their experienced team offer a sympathetic ear for recently bereaved pet owners.

The Future …

After a while you will feel more able to direct your energies towards the future. Some people will soon want to fill the gap left by the loss of their pet. Other people may not be ready to get another animal for some time and may feel as if they are betraying their deceased pet by investing time and love in another one. Only you will be able to decide when you are ready to introduce a new animal into your household. We should understand that a new animal does not replace the pet that has been lost but brings into the home a new presence that fills the emptiness. If you do not feel ready to get a new pet, why not visit a local animal shelter and offer a few hours of your time helping to care for the homeless animals that need exercise and an extra cuddle.

PetSavers Logo

This blog has been written and supplied by PetSavers, this charity that raises funds for studies into the prevention, treatment and/or cure of illnesses and conditions affecting our pets, so that they can enjoy longer, fuller and healthier lives. You can help to support the charity by visiting www.petsavers.org.uk they also offer an e-newsletter to keep you updated with their latest news. If you, or someone you know is struggling to cope with the loss of their pet please offer them the PetSavers Pet Bereavement Service: 0800 0966606.

 

Cats and ticks

What Are Ticks And Do They Infest Cats?

 

What are ticks and do they infest cats?

 

A recent study found that 6.6% of cats in the UK are infested with ticks. So what are they, how can you protect your cat, and what is the best tick treatment for cats?

Where are ticks found?

Ticks are closely related to spiders, with adults having eight legs. They feed on blood and attach to their hosts by anchoring into the skin using their mouths. They are most commonly found in areas of grassland and woodland shared by deer and livestock but can also be brought into urban environments by small mammals like hedgehogs. This means that cats can be exposed in a wide variety of environments.

 

Cats and ticks

What are ticks and do they infest cats?

 

Will ticks make my cat ill?

When ticks bite, redness, swelling and irritation can occur – and sometimes these areas can become infected with bacteria. Cats appear to be relatively resistant to the effects of Lyme disease, but can suffer from other tick-borne diseases such as anaplasmosis, which may require treatment. Infected cats may develop a high fever and raised lymph nodes, so if your cat appears unwell, or if there is a visible reaction at the site of a tick bite, it is best to take your pet to the vet for further advice. The good news is that potentially fatal tick-borne infections such as Babesia felis and Cytauxzoon are not present in the UK.

Are ticks on cats a health risk to people?

Ticks found in the UK can transmit infections such as Lyme disease to humans. People are usually exposed to ticks by walking through pastures, fields and woodland. It is advisable to check yourself every 24 hours if spending time in these areas, and to also use tick repellent spray on skin or clothing. Because cats do visit areas inhabited by wildlife infected with Lyme disease, it is also the case that they may bring infected ticks into homes and gardens. Although owning a pet does not directly increase the risk of Lyme disease in humans, preventing the spread of infected ticks is another good reason to use preventative products on your pets.

 

How can I keep my cat safe from ticks and tick-borne diseases?

Ticks can be managed by physical removal or the use of preventative products.

Physical removal of ticks

As the bulk of tick-borne infections in the UK are thought to take at least 24 hours to be transmitted after tick attachment, pets should be checked every 24 hours and any ticks should be carefully removed. However, this may be easier said than done, as some cats spend long periods of time away from home, and others may not be entirely cooperative!

 

Tick remover

A green tick twister.

 

Rather than sticking to a rigid daily regime of tick checking, do so while grooming or stroking your cat. Run your hands over their body, especially around their face, neck, legs and feet. A tick will feel like a small lump on the skin, and may vary in size from 1mm-1cm. They can be removed with a tick hook, using a simple ‘twist and pull’ action. A fine pointed pair of tweezers can work too, with a ‘straight pull’ technique being used. Crushing the tick with your fingers or a pair of blunt tweezers will increase the risk of disease transmission. Traditional methods to loosen the tick such as the application of petroleum jelly or burning are also best avoided, as these are likely to stress the cat and tick alike.

If in doubt, visit your local Young Vet’s branch, and a vet or nurse will be happy to remove the tick for you and demonstrate the best techniques for you to use at home for tick removal.

 

What are ticks and do they infest cats.

What are ticks and do they infest cats.

 

Use of tick prevention products

The use of products that rapidly kill or repel ticks is useful in reducing tick-borne disease transmission, and also the number of ticks that have to be physically removed. These days, a number of different highly effective preparations should be available from your local vets. If applied correctly, the best tick treatment for cats offer up to a 100% success rate in killing ticks. However, it is still important to check your cats for ticks regularly.

 

What if my cat is travelling abroad?

There are different ticks and tick-borne diseases abroad that are not present in the UK. It is very important, therefore, to treat cats travelling abroad with an effective tick prevention product before, during and after travel. In addition, you should check your cat at least every 24 hours while abroad, and remove any found with a tick removal device. Finally, it can be beneficial to get a vet to check your cat for ticks on return to the UK.

 

If you are concerned about ticks on your cat, do not hesitate to contact our friendly team for more help and advice.

This blog and images have been written and produced by Catdialog team.

Spring alert!

Spring alert!

Spring alert! 

Lilies are beautiful but very toxic to cats. Chewing the leaves or grooming pollen off their coats can lead to severe kidney failure. With Easter just around the corner, our Spring Newsletter discusses the common items in your home that are toxic to pets and the signs of poisoning to watch out for.

 

Spring alert!

 

 

 

Why is worming your pet so important?

 

Many puppies and kittens are born infected with roundworms because they cross the placenta and are also in the milk. Infected adult dogs can show few signs but younger animals can become very poorly. Our Spring Newsletter explains the different types of worms your pet can catch, and which worms can be transmitted to humans!

The good news is worm protection is automatically available in all of our Pet Healthcare Clubs, and becoming a member could save you up to £127 a year! Why not join today and spread the cost of your pets healthcare across affordable monthly payments on a date that suits you!

 

 

Worms are the worst!

 

 

Caring for your elderly cat.

 

Our Spring Newsletter offers some great advice on what to watch out for in your elderly feline friend.  Cats can become more vulnerable to illness in their twilight years, so we have to be super vigilant to ensure they don’t suffer in silence. Regular health checks are a good way of keeping your cat in top shape and picking up medical conditions early on, when they are easier to treat. Spot the signs of arthritis in your older cat.

 

Tabby cat in grass

 

 

We hope you enjoy reading our Spring Newsletter, if you a question on any of the articles mentioned don’t hesitate to contact our friendly for further advice.

Don’t forget to find us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up to date with our latest news and pet advice.

 

Spring alert!

Spring alert!

 

 

Our Winter News has arrived!

Winter weight worries!

 

Winter weight worries!

 

Our staff here at Young Vets understand that when the cold winter weather hits, the lure of a cosy sofa and central heating can conspire against us, leaving both pet and owner prone to putting on a few unwanted pounds. This is a problem because while it is all so easy to gain weight, loosing it isn’t nearly so easy! Our Winter Newsletter explains how to monitor your pets weight, looking for a waist line and the problems that obesity can lead to.

 

Overweight pets

Festive alert:

Pieces of string, tinsel and bones from turkeys should be kept well out of reach to avoid an intestinal blockage and the possible need for life saving surgery. Our Winter Newsletter offers advice on how to avoid a Christmas calamity and keep your pet safe during this festive period.

 

 

christmas cat

Does your golden oldie slow down when the cold weather hits? 

Cold winters can make your pet’s joints stiff and painful. Our Winter Newsletter explains which joints are most susceptible to arthritis, the signs to watch out for and the things you can do to help your pet if they are getting a little stiff in their old age. Ever considered a Doggy Swimming Pool – believe it or not – these places are becoming more and more popular and they are great for burning calories whilst not stressing out sore joints. Contact our friendly team if you think this could be beneficial to your pet!

 

nutraquin-web-banner

Have you ever wondered where fleas go for a winter holiday? 

Sadly, the answer is – your home! Did you know that once the weather starts to cool this can be the worst time of year for flea infestations. Our Winter Newsletter explains what invites them into your home and what makes it seem like they appear out of nowhere. If you don’t want any extra visitors in your home over the festive period contact our friendly team to get protection for your pet and your home.

 

Our Winter Newsletter has arrived, it is jam packed with advice to help you and your pet avoid a Christmas calamity over the festive period. If you have a query on anything mentioned give our friendly team a call and they will be able to help you.

 

Our Autumn Newsletter has arrived!

Autumn Alert!

 

   We are pleased to announce our Autumn newsletter has arrived – Autumn Alert!

 

Autumn Alert! 

Older pets will often feel the cold in their joints; becoming sluggish and stiff. Don’t ignore these signs, since arthritis is generally the underlying problem. This can cause significant pain but often our pets are very bad at letting us know just how sore they are.

 

brentford vets puppy

 

Rabbits – What’s up doc?

Our Autumn newsletter discusses the signs to watch out for in your pet rabbit. From feeding to infectious diseases, its all included. We love seeing rabbits here at Young Vets so if you have any queries on the article please don’t hesitate to get in contact!

 

Autumn news

Autumn newsletter.

 

Wasps and Bees

are coming to an end of their summer lives and are often pretty slow, which makes them irresistible play things for dogs and cats. Our Autumn newsletter explains the signs of a sting to watch out for on your pet.

 

Our Autumn newsletter has arrived! It has lots of practical advice to keep your pets happy and healthy this Autumn 2018.

Don’t forget if you like what your reading and want more top pet tips give us a like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter and subscribe to our You Tube channel for free pet advice!

hyperthyroid cat signs 1

How is your teenage cat behaving?

 

Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in teenage cats, sadly sometimes, their symptoms are missed and referred to as just ‘old age’. Overactive thyroid gland (another name for the condition) is something we see quite regularly in older cats, the good news is diagnosis is fairly simple and there are different treatment options available to suit the individual patient.

 

hyperthyroid cat

 

 

Some signs to watch out for in your cat include :

Vomiting

Dull coat

Change in attitude

Increased thirst

Having ‘Accidents’ around the home

hyperthyroid cat signs 7

Thyroid glands are found in your cats neck, either side of the wind pipe. The glands produce a hormone which controls the body’s metabolism, which is why owners commonly report weight loss as one of the first symptom’s they notice.

Thyroid-Gland-in-Cats

If you cat is showing some or all of the above signs – Don’t panic. The first thing to do is book an appointment with your local vets, The vet will be able to give your cat an all over health and weight check. To diagnose an over active thyroid gland we recommend a blood test, results are prompt and usually back from the lab the next working day.

hyperthyroid cat signs 1

 

 

Results day : Once the diagnosis has been confirmed there are two types of treatment that we offer here at Young Vets :

  • A daily dose of medication given at home (usually tablets) to stop the overproduction of the hormone. If choosing the medication from home option, the owner will need to ensure that the cat is receiving the specified dose at regular intervals (the same time each day).
  • An operation to remove either one or both thyroid glands. We would often recommend 14 days of medication prior to surgery to help stabilize the hormones but following on from the surgery, medication would cease. A speedy recovery is usually followed and the patient can go home either the same or following day.

 

  • If left untreated it can lead to blindness, heart conditions and in extreme cases even death.

 

Following either treatment option, your cats progress will need to be monitored regularly by yourself and your veterinary surgeon but there is no reason your cat should not continue to live a happy, healthy life.

 

If you have concerns over your teenage cat do not hesitate to contact your local Young Vets surgery to discuss your cats case with one of our experienced veterinary surgeons.