Hyperthyroidism and Lost Meow

[kithara]

I'm worried about my kitty. A few weeks ago he started to lose his meow - as of last weekend it is completely gone. He opens his mouth to cry, but nothing comes out. Last Tuesday I took a day off work to take him to the vet because he seemed to not be eating his dry food - I thought he had a sore throat. They couldn't see or feel anything wrong with his throat so they took blood and did a chest x-ray (which came up clear). Friday they called about his lab results and said he has hyperthyroidism. Apparently the normal T4 level is between 0.8 and 4.0 - his is 25.

They think the loss of voice is unrelated and he has been on antibiotics with no change. I also can hear his swallow - I can't decide if I am noticing because I am so worried about him or if he is swallowing more noticibly - it sounds like he's trying to swallow a hairball. I plan to have him treated with the radio-iodine shot for the hyperthyroidism, but it may take a few weeks to get him in to the specialist (www.hypurrcat.com). I could start him on pills, but we will be on vacation from the 20th - 27th and I am concerned that the pet sitter might not be able to give him pills twice per day and that he might have side effects that could go unnoticed while we are gone.

Should we take him back into the vet this week to have his throat looked at again? Should I start him on the pills even though we will be away? Should I consider boarding him at the vet even though he's never been kenneled (and will have to be kennelled for 5-10 days with the shot). I will be calling the vet later this morning, but I'm worried now. Any experiences or advice would help.

[kemorr]

Hyperthyroidism can definitely "change" a cat's voice - one of the more common complaints that bring hyperthyroid kitties into the clinic is that they sound different. However, I have never met a cat who completely lost his voice from hyperthyroidism and this, in conjunction with the difficulty swallowing that you are describing is a concern. I would definitely recommend further evaluation of this - as there may be something else going on with your kitty as well as the hyperthyroidism. Examining the throat (pharynx) can be difficult in cats - if a simple "look see" fails to show anything significant, more detailed imaging such as an endoscopy or CT scan of the area may be required.

As far as your upcoming vacation - I recommend boarding your pet at the vet. This way, if you choose to start the medication, they can monitor closely for any side effects or unintended consequences of the medicine (kidney values should be checked after starting) and they can also monitor your kitty's vocalising/swallowing problem.

Goodluck!

[kithara]

I spoke with the vet today and they were very concerned with his high t4 level. They want him in next Tuesday for treatment and seemed to think that this was severe and pressing. They only do intakes on Tuesdays and this week is already fully booked.

I'm still looking into it and I called for a follow-up to see if another week will be too long to wait, but I think I am going to have to miss part of my trip. I'm so worried about my little guy. Thanks for all your support.

[May27JnJ]

No advice. I just wanted to say I hope things get better for your guy!!

[sixlets]

Our one kitty has Hyperthyroidism, and she was diagnosed last year. We couldn't afford the more aggressive treatment, so we opted for the medicine. She currently takes 2 1/2 tablets of Tapazole daily-1 1/2 in the morning and 1in the evening. She has no problem taking the pills, and she has had no ill-effects from taking them either.

I'm thinking this went undiagnosed for a long time-Patches never could 'meow' like a normal cat-she kinda squeaks instead. In took many trial runs at getting the right combination of pills to work for her, but I'm happy to report that she is doing well now. She lives her life just as normal as her 'sister'.

I hope you can get more answers and get into sooner. I'll be thinking of you and your kitty-take care.

[Peppy]

I'm so sorry and I hope your little guy gets better. It sounds like you might have to miss part of the trip, but if that changes and you can go, I would suggest finding a pet sitter who can administer medication. I found a former vet tech who could do this on Craigslist. You might want to ask your vet--one of their vet techs might do something like this on the side. That way he can be medicated and someone will be looking out for him.

It's terrible that you have to wait an entire week for the specialist to see him. :( Good luck.

[jesvet]

25 is really high. I wouldn't wait to start treatment.

I'd also check with the specialist but the internal med docs I've worked with never go straight to the radio-iodine treatment without doing the pills first, because often other problems such as renal disease can be masked by the hyperthyroidism.

[kithara]

Thanks everyone for your responses. I've made arrangements with the specialist to bring Romeo in on Monday even though they won't begin treatment until Tuesday. They have a full panel of lab results and x-rays and did not believe that Romeo should go on medication first. They also said that he is in incredible condition considering his high T4 level with no signs of renal disease or heart damage. That makes me feel better.

I am still going on vacation, but I will drop him off on the 20th and pick him up on the 30th or 31st. I'm very hopeful that everything will go well and I feel very fortunate that we can afford this treatment and are in an area where it is available. I am also very glad that the vet we chose here was able to diagnose this from a visit about a lost meow.

Jesvet - if there are particular questions you think I should ask ahead of this, please let me know. I want to do what is best for my kitty - whether that be this shot or medication or something else.

[jesvet]

Sounds like they are doing great and I'm happy you are able to get him in very soon! If they did that workup and felt it was safe to go ahead and start I think you guys should be in good shape. Good luck!

[kithara]

Thanks jesvet. I'm still nervous about leaving him but I feel better about the whole situation. They do seem to have been very thorough in the labwork. I'm extremely relieved that we caught this before there was any other damage. I'll keep everyone here updated.

When I get back, I am going to take my other cat to the vet - just for a wellness check. I just feel the need to be sure she is alright.

[kithara]

My kitty Romeo was just dropped off at the apartment - he looks so much thinner. I guess that must be due to the radiation. I don't know. He seems so happy to be home. He wants to be so close to me, but I have to keep him mostly at arms length for the next two weeks.

He still doesn't have his meow back - mostly, I just here this clicking sound...best I can describe it is when I was trying to learn german and you make that noise at the back of your throat. And sometimes there is a very pitiful cry as well. He's walking around the house trying to cry right now. I'm still worried about this.

Jessvet: should I be concerned about his meow? I'll call the vet on Tuesday, but they didn't find anything else wrong at the exam or through blood test or through x-rays.

Juliet (my other kitty) hasn't come out to see him yet. I'm sure he still smells like vet.