Eden Vets April Newsletter
Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a hormonal disorder associated with excessive production of thyroid hormone. In more than 70% of cases, this is caused by a benign growth of both thyroid glands. In a minority of cases (1-2%), it can also be caused by a cancerous growth. This disorder is more common in middle to older aged cats and rarely occurs in cats less than 7 years old
What are the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism?
– Weight loss despite an increased appetite
– Increased thirst and urination
– Diarrhoea
– Hyperactivity/Irritability
– Unkempt fur
Hyperthyroidism is usually diagnosed from clinical signs combined with a simple blood test. A thyroid screen is also included in our “Feline Health Screening Package”
There are 4 treatment options available which can be discussed with one of our vets:
Radioactive iodine – a single treatment can cure 95% of cats. This method is associated with fewer complications. Candidates for radioactive iodine therapy need to be treated with oral medications for a short period prior to surgery to check for possible complications that could arise following treatment. After the treatment the cat is required to be hospitalised for a minimum of approximately 2 weeks.
Surgery – removal of the thyroid gland(s). Our vets can discuss the benefits and risks of this option with you.
Diet – lifelong administration of a diet low in iodine, known as a therapeutic diet. This needs to be the sole food fed so the cat cannot hunt; therefore, this is suited best to an indoor cat.
Medication – requires lifelong administration, usually in the form of an oral liquid or tablets given once or twice a day.
Regular blood tests are required to monitor the response to treatment. Hyperthyroidism can also unmask other conditions, such as kidney disease so regularly monitoring is very important.
If you are concerned your Cat may have an overactive thyroid, please call us to book an appointment with one of our vets on 01270 439289.
Meet a member of the Eden Vets team
We would like to introduce you to: Stephanie Duddy – RVN
Steph is a Practice Nurse at here at Eden Shavington.
Steph trained in a busy small animal practice in cheshire where she qualified as a registered veterinary nurse. Steph then furthered her career by joining a busy referral practice in Runcorn. Steph gained experience with neurological patients in her role, and this is where her passion for rehabilitation first started. After 5 years she left and joined a specialist physiotherapy practise in cheshire. She learnt a lot while she was there and thoroughly enjoyed looking after the geriatric patients and helping them be as comfortable as possible. She learnt how to use the laser therapy machine and how to manage osteoarthritis and joint pain.
Steph joined the nursing team at Eden as our Practice Nurse in January 2023. Steph loves running a wide variety of specialised clinics such as Weight Management and Mobility/Arthritis clinics.
Steph is passionate about helping Geriatric pets with their mobility issues and rehabilitation of musculoskeletal issues.
Steph is also working towards a Certificate in Canine Rehabilitation alongside a Canine Arthritis Management advanced practitioner course.
We also run nurse clinics at our Sandbach Branch.
For more information on our nurse clinics please see website Consultations – Eden Vets>> or contact the clinic
Eden Vets highlight of the month…
CAT NEUTERS AT SANDBACH
We have some very EXCITING NEWS!
From Monday 5th May, we will be able to neuter cats at our Sandbach Branch.
If Sandbach is closer to you, then please feel free to book your cat neuter at our Sandbach branch.
For information about neutering and prices head to our website HERE>>
Also don’t forget if you are signed up to our Pet Health Plan>> then you also get a 10% discount.
To book contact us on 01270 439289. We look forward to seeing you all!
Also this month we need to say Congratulations
Congratulations to RVN Becky who recently achieved a postgraduate certificate in Transfusion medicine!
Becky’s knowledge ensure we stay current with the science behind transfusion medicine and our protocols are updated to the best they can be!
Well done Becky!
Our Nursing team are committed to continued professional development – keep an eye on our future newsletters to celebrate our wonderful nursing team here at Eden.
Easter opening hours at our Shavington and Sandbach
Good Friday – Emergencies Only
Saturday 19th April – Normal Opening Hours
Easter Sunday – Emergencies only
Easter Monday – Emergencies only
Tuesday 22nd April – Normal Opening Hours
Please ensure to order any repeat medications with plenty of notice, you can do this by visiting our website>>, telephoning the surgery or emailing prescriptions@eden-vets.co.uk
Eden Vets Star Patient of the Month
This week’s star patient is Freddie who presented to us with a swelling by his anus which was identified as a perineal hernia with bladder herniation. This is a condition where straining has stretched the muscles of the perineum and caused them to part, allowing abdominal contents into the space next to the rectum. It is most common in entire male dogs, with the testosterone contributing to muscle weakening and prostate enlargement causing excessive straining to urinate and defecate. During Freddie’s initial appointment a new heart murmur was also noted.
Freddie was referred to Ginnie for surgical repair of the perineal hernia and castration, to stop testosterone production thus reducing prostate size. In addition, a heart scan showed that Freddie’s heart disease was significant, and general anaesthesia posed a greater risk of deterioration.
Perineal hernias are not usually urgent to repair, unless the bladder is implicated. It was decided to stage Freddie’s procedures: first he underwent general anaesthesia for castration and a procedure to attach his bladder to his abdominal muscles to prevent re-herniation. Freddie was started on medications to support his heart and to try and shrink his prostate. Staging was to enable two shorter anaesthetics rather than one long one, in the hope of minimising pressure on Freddie’s heart, and allow medication to strengthen it, but also to prevent a repeat bladder herniation.
Freddie recovered well from his surgery and revisited Ginnie two weeks later for a repeat anaesthetic and repair of the perineal hernia. Freddie’s prostate had shrunk in response to castration and medication, his heart was more stable and coped well with his anaesthetic, and his surgery went very well. He recovered quickly and was discharged the next day on pain relief.
We are so happy that Freddie has come through all his surgeries successfully, he is a lovely patient and was a firm favourite with all the staff!
