View Single Post
  #3  
Old August 9th, 2009, 09:46 AM
Dr Lee's Avatar
Dr Lee Dr Lee is offline
Senior Contributor - Expert
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: East Coast
Posts: 1,060
With the treatment of hyperthyroidism, the methimazole (tapazole) can lead to a loss of some appetite. With that said, one of the biggest concerns is that when hyperthyroidism is initially diagnosed the kidney enzymes may be artificially suppressed on the blood test. This means that the enhanced fluid through the kidneys secondary to the hyperthyroid, reduced the kidney blood levels to be lower than what they realy are. For this reason, in some patients, when the hyperthyroidism is address (without any over suppression nor any adverse reaction to the medication itself) we will then see clinical signs of kidney disease such as loss of appetite. In order to know where the kidney values really are, we need the thyroid levels to be back to normal again.

Because both kidney disease and hyperthyroidism can lead to hypertension and hypertension can not only lead to further kidney disease but also to further clinical signs of not eating etc... routine blood pressure is always a good idea.

With some level of kidney disease being common with hyperthyroidism (due to age and hypertensive issues, etc...) starting a kidney diet (whether it be home made, commercial or prescription) and/or utilizing supplements like Fish oils (Omega 3 fatty acids - DHA) can be helpful.

As far as medication options. There are two great alternatives to pilling with methimazole. Methimazole can be compounded into a tuna or other flavored liquid to be placed either in the mouth or on the food. Also it can be compounded into a topical cream that you would rub a small amount (usually 0.05 - 0.1cc) onto the inner side of an ear twice a day. Regardless of how you have the formula prepared, remember that methimazole will behave within a human just as it will in a cat.

I hope this helps.
__________________
Christopher A. Lee, DVM, MPH, Diplomate ACVPM
Preventive Medicine Specialist With a Focus on Immunology and Infectious Disease
myvetzone.com
Reply With Quote