What food encourages an elderly cat to eat?

[Gillian Harvey]

Thats the one my Poppy was on, Neomercazole, she didnt do all that well on it if I remember rightly. Neomerc was the drug that used to be prescribed before Felimazole, and then Vidalta, came on the scene.

[Millys Mum]

Neo mercazole? Vidalta is the same drug as that. Neo mercazole tablets are alot bigger than felimazole or vidalta so if hes hard to pill it may be better trying a different version

[JackSpratt]

Neither - he's put Jack on a Carbimazole based tablet that he's had good responses from in other cats. I can't remember the name at the moment, but will get it on Monday.

[Desley (booktigger)]

Ah right - did the vet give Felimazole or Vidalta? Hopefully once they have come down, he might be able to gain some weight.

[JackSpratt]

His thyroid readings were double what they should be. I'm going to ask for a print out when I con someone into giving me a lift for the medication on Monday. (Or walk, depending on the weather and if I'm up to it.)

[Desley (booktigger)]

What did his test results come back as? IT is likely the hyper-t causing his weight to be an issue, so he might be able to gain weight once it is under control.

[clarenmax]

Yeah the blood tests are the pricey bit with Hyper-T, to start with its another blood test after about a month, then regularly thereafter to make sure the level of treatment is right, as the tyroid levels can drop too low, and therefore need to stabilise.  AFter that its every 3-6 months or so, Max's were more regular at 3 months as we were contstantly testing his kidneys too as the two hand in hand were harder to deal with.

[JackSpratt]

Will take that into account, but I think my vets are likely to base how well Jacks doing on my observations....I worry a lot so they know at the first sign something's wrong I'd be on the phone harassing them!

[Desley (booktigger)]

As I said on e-mail JS, it is the blood testing that is the main cost, I priced it up last week with Sam's diagnosis to see if it was worthwhile putting him through the op - it is worth asking for it on prescription, but dont forget to check what your vet charges - mine only charges £5, so it would be worthwhile me asking for a prescription if he needs another months dose, although it is only a few pounds cheaper

[Janeyk]

Pepper is on Vidalta atm but I asked my vet about the two and she says she prefers Felimazole, used to prescribe the former but finds Felimazole (newer drug) is easier to stabilize them on.  Although I have to say I suppose it depends on what your vet prefers/suits cat best etc.  If Pep's T4 is still raised in 2 weeks he's going onto Felimazole.

[JackSpratt]

Just pricing up - not too costly at all, really is it? Thankfully.... (Obviously, I'd find a way even if it was, but it's a relief to see it isn't!)

Thanks Gillian. Will read the FAB sheet now.

[Gillian Harvey]

Usually Felimazole http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Dechra_Veterinary_Products/Felimazole_2_5_mg_Coated_Tablets/-40418.html

or Vidalta http://www.noahcompendium.co.uk/Intervet_Schering-Plough/Vidalta_10_mg_tablets_for_cats_and_Vidalta_15_mg_tablets_for_cats/-47185.html

Here's the FAB info sheet about hypert http://www.fabcats.org/owners/hyperthyroidism/info.html

[JackSpratt]

Jack went for his blood panel today and apparently has an alarmingly large thyroid gland. He's currently lying on his back doing his otter impression behind me not too bothered by the whole thing....

I'd like to know a bit more about the condition so if the vets suspicions are right I'll be a bit more organised about the whole situation.