Mandy a 13 year old desexed female domestic short hair cat was presented to us with a ravenous appetite and weight loss.

On examination, Mandy had a normal heart rate and was clinically underweight with significant muscle wastage. There were no other abnormalities evident. Mandy was booked in for blood and urine tests.

Results of her tests showed that she was in good health for an older cat but had developed an overactive thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism). 

Just like in people, the thyroid gland that sits in the neck sets the basic metabolic rate of the body – it’s our internal clock. Once overactive, the body burns up energy faster than it can be replaced by eating food. This causes weight loss and increased appetite. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to weakness, heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), blindness and kidney damage.

The initial treatment of choice for hyperthyroidism involves daily medication with tablets. As Mandy’s owner was unable to administer tablets to her, the treatment chosen for Mandy involved removing her overactive thyroid gland.

Mandy’s delicate surgery involved removing the enlarged thyroid gland whilst preserving the closely attached parathyroid gland. The procedure took about 1 hour to complete and was highly successful. Mandy’s thyroid level is now normal. She is putting on weight and has no need for medication.

Chester is a 6 month old domestic shorthaired cat who presented with a history of vomiting for 4 days. Initially he was able to keep some food down but progressed to vomiting all his food up almost immediately after eating.

On exam he was quiet for a kitten but still moving around the consult room well trying to jump off the table during the exam. He was clinically dehydrated with a normal temperature. On abdominal exam a sausage shaped mass was felt and appeared to be painful when it was palpated.

Based on the history and presenting signs, exploratory surgery was considered the best option.

Chester was admitted to hospital and started on IV fluids to help correct the dehydration. His electrolyte balance was assessed to ensure correction as required. He was anaesthetised and taken into surgery immediately.

The surgery confirmed an intussusception and was treated by resecting and removing the affected portion of intestine followed by re-attachment of the intestines.

Chester recovered from the anaesthetic well and was provided with pain relief as he needed it and was also started on antibiotic therapy to ensure no subsequent infection occurred following the intestinal surgery.

His fluid therapy was continued for a further 48hours until he was able to drink and keep his water down. He started on food soon after and was discharged 3 days after admission back to his normal bright kitten-like self.

Postoperative checks were performed and he had an uneventful recovery.

Note:
Intussusception is an invagination or telescoping of one portion of the intestine into the lumen (or centre) of an adjoining portion of intestine. This causes a blockage in the intestinal tract which stops food and water from passing through.

The incidence in puppies and kittens is 80% (i.e. 80% of the number of animals affected are puppies or kittens).

The exact causes are unknown but certain conditions can increase the risk of occurence. These include – enteritis (viral or bacterial), intestinal parasites, foreign bodies, previous abdominal surgery or an intestinal mass.

It is a life threatening condition and without surgery will lead to the eventual demise of the patient.

Routine veterinary care of puppies and kittens (e.g. vaccinations and treatment of intestinal parasites) will eliminate many predisposing factors.