Dear Dr. Forsythe: My cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroid disease. I am worried that this type of cancer will get worse and eventually kill him. Please tell me how quickly thyroid disease progresses in cats.
Cat Dad
Dear Cat Dad: Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in cats. A benign adenoma presents in one, or more commonly both, lobes of the thyroid gland – this is responsible for the vast majority of cases. Fewer than 2 percent of cases occur as a result of a cancerous thyroid gland. Did your veterinarian specifically tell you the thyroid on your pet was a carcinoma? This is important information to know, because there are numerous successful treatments aimed at inhibition of thyroid hormone development. These remedies include medical therapy with a drug called topazes, surgery to remove the overactive gland, and radiation to destroy the hyper-functioning tissue.
It is important to control and stabilize this disease as soon as possible after diagnosis, and this can take some time and patience. Endocrine diseases often require adjustments to the medication dosages and retesting the thyroid levels before the pet is considered “under control.” However, once your veterinarian has provided the appropriate treatment, many cats do very well for a long period of time. Good luck with yours.
Dr. F
Dear Dr. Forsythe: I have reservations about giving my cat Taj chemotherapy for his GI lymphoma. I am worried that he will only get sicker. I don’t want to see him suffer. Even though I know most of the cancer in his stomach was removed via surgery, I just couldn’t live with myself if I chose to put him through a lengthy round of medicine that made him feel bad. Please tell me what you think I should do. He seems to be doing very well two weeks following the surgery.
Ann, his mom
Dear Mom: There are several protocols for lymphoma that work really well. Consulting with a board-certified veterinary oncologist (which is always a good idea), I discussed the Wisconsin Protocol, which involves IV chemo. In addition, there is a simple oral protocol that involves dosing two medications orally, and the outcome and chance for a disease-free period is still very good.
I have used Leukeran and Prednisolone tablets in many of these cats and seen wonderful improvements. Usually the cats’ appetites improve, they put on weight, stop vomiting, and enjoy an excellent quality of life for a prolonged period of time. You should speak to your primary care veterinarian and veterinary oncologist about this possible treatment, as it may be just the perfect thing for Taj. Best of luck and please let me know how he does.
Dr. F
