Cat Professional Releases 'Caring for a cat with hyperthyroidism'

Sept. 15, 2009 - PRLog -- Although Hyperthyroidism is a ‘new’ feline illness it’s now one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in cats since it was first diagnosed in 1979.  Recent studies suggest that 12% of UK cats in the ‘mature’ age bracket* are diagnosed with the condition each year with similar results reported in studies in Germany, Australia, Japan and the US.  If left untreated hyperthyroidism is a fatal illness although on a positive note it is extremely ‘treatable’ and many cats can be cured with appropriate therapy.

Thyroid conditions are fairly well documented in humans, with Oprah Winfrey recently revealing her hyperthyroidism diagnosis.  There are three main treatment options for cats with hyperthyroidism - medication, surgery or radioiodine (a form of radiotherapy). The last two of these are ‘curative’ treatments while those cats on medication need to receive this for the rest of their lives. Long-term medication can be daunting for cat owners however Cat Professional founder Dr Sarah Caney offers the following advice;

“Most cats are surprisingly easy to medicate while others will eat treatments which can be mixed with their food.  Some countries have also approved transdermal treatments which are creams which are applied somewhere that’s hairless such as the inside of the cat’s ear.  In all cases owners should work with their vets to find the treatment which best suits the needs of themselves and their cat”

Dr Sarah Caney is author of the newly published book ‘Caring for a cat with hyperthyroidism’, the eagerly awaited fourth title in the ‘Caring for a cat series’ which is sold internationally through the company’s website – http://www.catprofessional.com.   Like other titles in the popular series, ‘Caring for a cat with hyperthyroidism’ explains the science behind the condition and contains the invaluable ‘Glossary of terms used by vets’ which many owners have commented on in previous titles.  Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroidism are extremely varied and this is reflected in the length of the book which at 88 pages of full colour is packed full of information.  

Owners of cats recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism will find the case studies in the book extremely reassuring for the long-term outlook.  Dr Caney details one of the first patients that she treated and in the second case study owner Kathy Wilkinson writes about her experiences as the owner of seven cats who have been diagnosed with the condition over the last five years.  Kathy was also kind enough to review the book and had this to say;

“all I can say is how lucky the owner of a newly diagnosed hyperthyroid cat would be to have access to [the book]........this book is a must for every vet’s surgery and I will be nagging my practice to get a copy.  In fact, I think I will provide them with one as I think it is an absolute necessity!”

‘Caring for a cat with hyperthyroidism’ is available from £7 ($13.99US, €9.99) from Cat Professional’s website (http://www.catprofessional.com).  As with the other titles in the series it is available as an interactive eBook in addition to the soft-back version.  To celebrate the launch of the new title the company are offering 10% discount on all orders until the end of September - simply enter CPHYP09 during the ‘checkout’ process for the saving to be applied.

*  Mainly 9+ years

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Cat Professional is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist feline veterinary care and advice to both cat owners and veterinary professionals alike.