Hyperthyroidism in Cats - Natural Treatments

If you have an older cat with increased appetite, but also with weight loss then they likely have hyperthyroidism. This is a very common cat disease, primarily affecting middle aged to older cats. In this article I will explain what hyperthyroidism is, going over the most common signs and causes. I will then cover your options for treatment, including the most effective natural solutions.

This is a disease that occurs only in cats. Your cat will usually be over the age of 10. She will have an increased appetite, but will be losing weight. Her coat will be sparse. She may be urinating more often. She will have evidence of muscle loss. You may be able to feel an enlarged thyroid gland beside her Adam’s apple. Her heart rate will be elevated (greater than 200 beats per minute).

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland enlarges and produces an excess of thyroid hormone. This speeds up your cat’s entire metabolism, producing the signs of weight loss, increased appetite, elevated heart rate and often high blood pressure.

The disease is diagnosed based on a veterinary exam, and in many instances enlarged thyroid glands can be palpated on either side of your cat’s trachea (windpipe). High heart rate, and elevated blood pressure point towards hyperthyroid disease. A chemistry panel measuring thyroid hormone (T4) can confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism.

One of the safest and most effective ways to treat your hyperthyroid cat is with radioactive iodine. Your cat will be given one dose of radioactive Iodine that selectively targets the abnormal thyroid cells. It requires a specialized licensed facility, and can only be performed at a few referral practitioners.

Surgery is a potential option, but based on the risks of hypocalcemia, and anesthetic concerns in older cats, it is seldom performed.

Most cats are treated with a conventional medication called methimazole, but the medication has drawbacks. First medication must be given at least daily, usually twice a day- and this can be a challenge. 15% of cats have some type of side effect, typically GI ( vomiting, diarrhea, innapetance). Some can have allergic type reactions ( ie facial scratching). A small percent will have serious liver disease, and some can have their bone marrow affected ( this happens in 2-4% of cats on medication).

Carnitine is a supplement that has been found to be effective in reversing the signs of hyperthyroid disease in people. The starting cat dose is 250 mg a day.

Bugleweed Lycopus europeus) and Melissa (Melissa officinalis). These are two herbs that have been used in combination to combat the effects of hyperthyroid disease. Bugleweed has been shown to decrease thyroid hormone levels in rats 24 hours after administration. The standard dose is 1 drop per lb of body weight of the tinctures given twice daily.

Nat Mur is a homeopathic used for thyroid hormone reduction. Alternate practitioners’ favor Nat Mur 30C as the remedy of choice. In fact a clinical trial with this homeopathic gave impressive results, treating the hyperthyroidism in many of the cats. Give 1 tab every 12 hours and assess the response after 30 days.

This very common cat disease, hyperthyroidism, has some fairly classic signs of increased appetite, with accompanied weight loss that all cat owners should be aware of. The cause is due to overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland, and the diagnosis is fairly simple with a blood test measuring T4. There are 3 primary conventional treatments, but the most common one ( a drug called methimazole), produces side effects in 15% of cats, some very serious. Fortunately there are a few specific holistic options for you to consider, and they have helped many a hyperthyroid cat.

Dr Andrew Jones

Buy your herbal supplies at www.IHerb.com and use coupon code SOH771 and get $5-$10 off.

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Does Your Pet Need Neutraceutical Supplements? YES

Does your pet need a neutraceutical?


I suggest YES, and here is what I advise:





Most of our pets eat ‘off the shelf’ commercial pet food that is somewhat less than ideal, or that contains toxins or ingredients from questionable sources.

Even if you are making your own pet food at home, it's still not easy to guarantee it contains everything your dog needs, or that all of the ingredients are free from hormones, pesticides or toxins. I do strongly advocate making your pet’s food at home, and as long as you offer your pet a variety of foods, your pet will do well.

So, the question is – do you need to provide nutritional supplements for your pet?

No, not for your pet to survive. For your pet to thrive, to give your pet an extra advantage over food, environmental and genetic problems, yes.

If your pet is currently suffering from allergies, arthritis, skin problems, digestive issues, heart disease, cancer, or any of the host of health problems pets have today, supplements can and have helped countless pets, something I saw in my practice on a daily basis.

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Probiotics
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The number of neutraceuticals is MANY, but in my experience there are a specific ones which are FAR more important than others.

Probiotics are one of those...

Lactobacillus (Probiotics). These are the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines and help control yeast and harmful bacteria, as well as helping with digestion and intestinal health. These friendly bacteria are destroyed whenever antibiotics are given, and can also be flushed out of the system if your dog has diarrhea. I recommend using probiotics for 1 week following any antibiotic usage.

Azodyl is a natural probiotic product for the reduction of the toxins that increase in Kidney failure (azotemia) in dogs and cats. These probiotics metabolize and flush out uremic toxins in the bowel. They slow down uremic toxin buildup in the blood and helps prevent further kidney damage. I have been using this very successfully in both dogs and cats with Kidney failure. The Azodyl dose is 1 capsule per 10 lbs daily, to a maximum 4 caps per day.

Probiotics are increasingly being used for dogs with allergies. These beneficial bacteria play a role in normalizing the overactive immune system. You won't see an instant response, but you may see some marked decrease in allergic signs after using probiotics for 4 weeks. You can dose lactobacillus at 1/4 capsule per 10 lbs of body weight twice daily.

P.S. My Dog and Cat Supplement contains proper levels of probiotics, which are tested prior to the supplement being formulated to ensure that they are ACTIVE. 

It's not just enough to buy a probiotic

You need to know that it's in the RIGHT amount, and that it is STILL active.

You can get probiotics for your dog or cat in my supplements, and get a TRIAL bottle for 50% OFF here:  





Click on the image for more information and to order






Click on the image for more information and to order

Heal Your Pets At Home! Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones

Cancer Treatments for Pets

Cancer in our pets is the most feared diagnosis among pet owners. I myself worry about lumps on my pets, or the days when they seem more tired than normal.

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Natural Options
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Veterinary Secrets Revealed contains a COMPLETE selection of ALL the natural cancer solutions.

What works, What Dose, and HOW to give it.

Get your copy: http:/www.vetsecrets.info
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Metronomic Chemotherapy
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Conventional treatment is often the only option when you are dealing with a serious, advancing type of cancer.

Cancers such as spleen tumors ( hemangiosarcoma), lymphatic tumors ( lymphosarcoma), or those linked with vaccine injections, fibrosarcoma.

Conventional treatment usually means high doses of very toxic drugs, chemotherapy.

But in certain situations, chemotherapy can be given at much lower doses, more frequently, and free of the more serious side effects.

Most chemotherapy drugs kill ALL fast-growing cells in the body, including white blood cells, hair and intestinal cells.

Metronomic chemotherapy works differently in that the drugs remove the blood supply to the tumor, leaving healthy cells untouched, but stopping the cancer from growing.

It may not eliminate the tumor, and in fact traditional chemotherapy seldom does that with our pets, but it puts the cancer into a remission giving your pet a quality of life.

Big advantages of this type of chemotherapy is that is us less expensive, easier to give in practice, and comes with little to no side effects.

Here is some more specific information from veterinarycancer.com

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Veterinary Studies
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In veterinary medicine, there have been several studies published that give promise to the principle of metronomic or anti-angiogenic therapy. In dogs with incompletely resected soft tissue sarcomas, Elmslie, et al. [J Vet Intern Med 2008;22(6):1373-9)]showed that the use of low dose daily cyclophosphamide (cytoxan) and piroxicam (feldene) extended the time to recurrence over patients treated with surgery alone. In addition, Lana, et al. [J Vet Intern Med 2007;21(4):764-9]showed that in patients with hemangiosarcoma, the use of metronomic chemotherapy was associated with survival times equal to that of MTD chemotherapy.

Dr. Robert Kerbel (Toronto, Ontario) is one of the leaders in anti-angiogenic and metronomic therapy. He has recently suggested that the clinical benefit and impact could be greater if the therapy were initiated at earlier stages of malignancy. Therefore, at the Animal Cancer and Imaging Center, we recommend standard MTD chemotherapy combined with low dose metronomic therapy for many tumor types such as osteosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. For other tumor types, metronomic chemotherapy may be the primary modality of therapy or will start after standard therapy has ended. We will discuss with you in detail what is the optimum use of this therapy for your pet as your pet’s individual condition and general health other than the cancer may have a impact on the schedule of treatment we utilize. It must be kept in mind that the laboratory and clinical research with metronomic chemotherapy administration is ongoing but extremely promising.

P.S. Discuss this with your veterinarian if your pet is diagnosed with cancer. I was not aware of it while in practice, but I would have considered it for many patients.

P.P.S. My book contains elaborate information on holistic cancer options. A great resource to have, and it costs less than most veterinary exams.

http:/www.vetsecrets.info

Heal Your Pets At Home!
Best Wishes,
Dr Andrew Jones

DISCLAIMER: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. Dr Andrew Jones resigned from the College of Veterinarians of B.C. effective December 1 2010, meaning he cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make specific medical recommendations for your pet.

Treating Your Diabetic Cat at Home Holistically

Cat diabetes is increasingly being diagnosed, and currently it affects more than 1 in 400 cats. Diabetes is very treatable, and does not need to shorten your cat’s life span. This article will go over the signs of diabetes in cats, along with the various suspected causes. I will review the most common solutions, focusing on the lesser know natural solutions that you can use to treat your cat for diabetes at home.
Most pet owner’s first suspect that their cat has diabetes as their cat is drinking and urinating much more than normal. This may be accompanied by increased appetite, but also weight loss. Occasional there is noticeable leg weakness, or dropping down on the rear legs. Some people notice a sweet smell to the breath. If not noticed early, your cat may become very ill with a condition called Ketoacidosis. This requires immediate veterinary treatment.
Diabetes is a result of the pancreas not producing enough insulin to allow the body to utilize blood glucose (sugar). This results in high blood sugar levels causing increased drinking and urination. Some cats are genetically at risk of developing diabetes. Cats that are obese typically are on a high carbohydrate dry cat food, are at higher risk.
If you suspect your pet is diabetic, have this confirmed by your veterinarian. Most cats begin with insulin, but with some diet alterations may come off insulin therapy. Ask your veterinarian about Glargine (brand name Lantus) Insulin – it is longer acting and better at regulating difficult to better at regulating difficult to regulate diabetic cats. The insulin injections can be given at home, and at the same time each day. Your veterinarian will show you how to give injections – they are not painful and usually not even noticed. The proper type of insulin, dose, and frequency of administration needs to be determined by your veterinarian.
If your cat is to have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), you’ll need to be able to recognize it, and respond quickly. This usually happens within an hour of giving the insulin injection. Your cat will be weak, trembling, dazed and may begin to shake or seizure. If you suspect this, immediately give a sugar boost. Have corn or maple syrup on hand and give 1-2 tablespoons. Rub it on the gums if he cannot swallow, then take him to your veterinarian immediately.
Recent studies have shown that cats benefit greatly from higher protein, lower carbohydrate diets. These resemble diets that they would eat in the wild. Changing to a less than 5% carbohydrate, high protein canned food is the single most important change to make. Eliminate the dry kibble, and only feed canned. Some commercial diets in this category include: Wellness Chicken or Turkey; Fancy Feast Chunky Chicken or Chunky Turkey; Nature’s Variety Organic, and raw, frozen diets. This gives your cat the greatest chance to come off of Insulin Therapy. I am finding that we can control diabetes in about 50% of diabetic cats by only feeding a higher protein canned food. One big additional point is that a change to a high protein canned food often means you’ll need to lower insulin doses to avoid hypoglycemia ( low blood sugar). Discuss this with your veterinarian.
Chromium is a supplement that makes the cells more receptive to taking up blood glucose (sugar). It may help to lower the dose of insulin. The dose is 25 mg per 10 lbs of body weight daily.
Diabetes affects the other cells in the body, damaging tissue and organ cells. Antioxidants limit this damage. Vitamin E (100 IU per 10 lbs twice daily) and Vitamin C (100 mg per 10 lbs twice daily) are two common antioxidants I would suggest.
One increasingly effective supplement helpful in treating cat diabetes is fish oil. It is a source of omega 3 fatty acids, and fish oil may increase insulin sensitivity. A feline dose is one regular strength capsule per 10 lbs of body weight given once daily. This equates to 1000mg of fish oil daily.
Cinnamon is a tasty spice has been shown to help regulate blood sugar- it is also a potent antioxidant. The active ingredient is called MHCP which mimics insulin to improve blood sugar regulation. The dose is ¼ of a teaspoon per 10 lbs daily.
You should now be able to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, and know what to do if your cat is showing these symptoms. You’ll now have an understanding of what causes diabetes in cats, and be able to take some proactive steps in preventing it in your cat. Most importantly you can now use a few of the holistic solutions to decrease and potential stop your cat from needing daily injections of insulin.

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