How much testing should I pursue with my older cat?
After a long career in medical intervention
nursing and owning cats whereas other issues
for most of my life, I might not be manageable
wanted to ask for your or able to be corrected.
opinion regarding my 17year-old cat. The weight loss and
I have never been one heart murmur
to go overboard and do increasing in severity
excess testing on my are most likely both
pets or go to extreme due to the hyperthyroidism.
measures in their old I would definitely
age. Perhaps it is try and manage
because of my experiences that with medication on the human and methimazole can
side and some of the be inexpensively and
suffering that I have easily given on a daily
seen or learning to basis to bring that thyroid
accept old age realities value down into
but either way, I have been hesitant the normal range. Retesting after a
to pursue extraordinary measures. short time is important to make
My cat just had her annual checkup sure that the value is normal and and I said that other than losing a be adjusted if needed.
little weight, she was doing well. My As for the liver ultrasounds and
vet noted that she had a few teeth cardiac evaluation, there may well
with heavy tartar and that her heart be value to pursuing diagnostics
murmur had advanced a little bit. but less likelihood of doing something
The vet also noticed a slight weight that can restore normalcy.
loss and then suggested bloodwork. Neither pursuit would be putting
At first, I hesitated but on their her through a lot and might
suggestion I proceeded. I am glad actually provide some benefits
that I did. It turns out that my cat has and a healthier and longer life.
elevated liver function tests and is One needs to also weigh out the
hyperthyroid. Can any of the clinical costs and ease of managing the
findings be related? cat. After all, had your veterinarian
The next recommendations are for not done this initial bloodwork,
medical treatment but possible you might not even know of what
ultrasounds and cardiology workups. was found and can be addressed.
What should I do? Given her age, will Some cats are very compliant
there be any gain from this without with workups and treatments
putting her through a lot? whereas others are difficult.
I am glad your veterinarian was With your medical background able to persuade you to do the and knowing your cat better than bloodwork for your cat. Truthfully, anyone else, I am sure you will some things that are found can be make the right choices for your successfully addressed with simple cat.