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Old December 10th, 2009, 01:36 PM
Mikey&Simba Mikey&Simba is offline
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Hyperthyroid cat - weak hind legs ;_;

My Simba, 14, diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago with hyperthyroidism, is on Methimazole, 1 tab am, 1/2 tab pm doing ok with that dosage. Occasionally needs Cyproheptadine(sp?) 1/4 tab am to encourage eating. His weight is relatively stable at 8 lbs, but I've been noticing that HIS HIND LEGS ARE BECOMING WEAKER AND WEAKER. What causes this and can anything be done to help my sweetie.

I just lost my cat, Mikey, 5 days ago from cancer and cannot have my only other cat leave me now :sad:
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Old December 10th, 2009, 02:12 PM
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sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
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Has Simba had a check-up recently with blood work and a urinalysis?

What does he eat?

Arthritis might be a possibility, as something like 80-90% of cats over the age of 12 have it to some degree. Would definitely be a good idea to mention this to Simba's vet if you haven't already.
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Old December 10th, 2009, 02:45 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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So sorry to hear about Mikey

I've no experience with cats, but I do want to send you and Simba and a

Mikey
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Old December 11th, 2009, 10:19 AM
Mikey&Simba Mikey&Simba is offline
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Thanks!

Simba's last Vet visit was 1 month ago and had all tests and does not have arthritis. He is showing the same symptoms as all the cats I know that had or have hyperthyroidism. Eventually their hind legs become weaker and weaker. I guess I'll be taking him to the Vet the beginning of January.

Re his diet - he eats raw food, Wellness Core and sometimes, if his appetite is bad, Gerber's Stage 2 Turkey.

Just received the baby scale so I can weigh him and I'm happy to report he now weighs 9 lbs. - up from his lowest weight of 7 lbs!
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Old December 11th, 2009, 10:28 AM
Mikey&Simba Mikey&Simba is offline
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To Hazelrunpack and Sugarcatmom

Thanks so much for your kindness at this difficult time for me.
I'm posting a photo of Mikey.
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Old December 11th, 2009, 02:10 PM
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sugarcatmom sugarcatmom is offline
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Mikey sure was a beautiful kitty. Very elegant in his perfectly fitted tuxedo jacket. My condolences on his passing.

As for Simba, the reason I ask about his lab work is because hyperthyroidism can mask renal disease, and renal disease can sometimes cause hind-end weakness (for a variety of reasons). How well is Simba's hyperT controlled? Is he well hydrated? I'm a bit concerned about his appetite issues.

It probably would be a good idea to take him for another check-up when you can, but in the meantime, would you be able to get a copy of his latest lab work?
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Old December 11th, 2009, 03:02 PM
Mikey&Simba Mikey&Simba is offline
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Hi again -
I have lots O'lab test results.
In looking at them, I see that his T4 is 7.3 (10/19), down from 8.1.
Have increased his Methimazole dosage - will be retested in beg Jan.
His ALT is high, 134 as well as his BUN 47; his CRE is normal - 1.6

He is on daily Calcitiral, .3mg so there is some renal prob., right?and LIXOTINIC vitamin and mineral supplement

Do you need anymore info??
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Old December 11th, 2009, 07:22 PM
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hazelrunpack hazelrunpack is offline
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Mikey was a beautiful boy He had Siamese eyes! Thanks for sharing his picture!

I hope you can figure out what's ailing Simba and get him on the road to recovery
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Old December 17th, 2009, 09:37 AM
Mikey&Simba Mikey&Simba is offline
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homeopathy? any suggestions? experiences?

Simba had a visit to the Vet yesterday. I was told that it is common for cats w/hyperthyroidism and some kidney issues to lose muscle mass in the hindquarters. When I asked why - he didin't seem to know.

Simba will have blood work done in two weeks to check his T4 and kidney function.

I hate giving him the cyproheptadine to get him to eat a decent amount of food, but I have to because he can't continue to eat his favorite, partially cooked ground turkey. It has too much protein for him. He is allowed his 1/2 jar Gerbers Stage 2 turkey baby food.

Does anyone know about homeopathy?
I was reading about it and yesterday I gave Simba one pellet of 30 Nux Vomica - it seemed to calm him.

I also have Bach remedies - Mimulus and Impatiens to mix w/water.
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