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Healing Vibes For My Little Cashman!
- Thread starter Tbag
- Start date
- Status
Tbag
Adult Guinea Pig
Hi folks, I'd like peoples opinions on how I should proceed with my little fuzz man!
Since my last post he has remained in stable condition and has even put a bit of weight on - it's been a slow crawl but we're up to 1070g! Better but still a way off the 1200g he should be.
My vet and I have been re-looking into baseline thyroxine levels for GPs a bit more since nothing else has presented itself as the cause for the weight loss. The lab who ran his bloods said above 66 was high, @jenniferanneharris vet said over 38 was high and my vet has found another reference for over 41 being high. Cash's levels were 63 and if I recall rightly Haven was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at a level of 60.
My vet is willing to experiment with thyroid meds on a 'response to treatment trial' using drugs normally prescribed for cats (Vidalta and Felimazole) but says there is a percentage of cats who react badly to the treatment so there is a risk. So she says since he is putting on weight himself and not losing any more it might also be a good idea to wait it out another month or so before trying any meds.
What are people's thoughts? Personally I'm not inclined to risk him on the meds just yet as he is improving but it's always good to talk things out!
Thanks!
Since my last post he has remained in stable condition and has even put a bit of weight on - it's been a slow crawl but we're up to 1070g! Better but still a way off the 1200g he should be.
My vet and I have been re-looking into baseline thyroxine levels for GPs a bit more since nothing else has presented itself as the cause for the weight loss. The lab who ran his bloods said above 66 was high, @jenniferanneharris vet said over 38 was high and my vet has found another reference for over 41 being high. Cash's levels were 63 and if I recall rightly Haven was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at a level of 60.
My vet is willing to experiment with thyroid meds on a 'response to treatment trial' using drugs normally prescribed for cats (Vidalta and Felimazole) but says there is a percentage of cats who react badly to the treatment so there is a risk. So she says since he is putting on weight himself and not losing any more it might also be a good idea to wait it out another month or so before trying any meds.
What are people's thoughts? Personally I'm not inclined to risk him on the meds just yet as he is improving but it's always good to talk things out!
Thanks!
jenniferanneharris
Senior Guinea Pig
Hi Tbag, i am so sorry, have been busy with Honor as she has been poorly with Pneumonia so not been on here in a few days. Haven is on Vidalta tab's... She has 1 tablet crushed in 5ml of water, I shake well and give her 0.2ml once a day.
It's a personal risk really, I would maybe ask for start with a small dose and increase, that's what John my vet said. Haven is stable and slowly gaining weight on the tabs at that dose (she weighs much less at just over 700g). So maybe start with a small dose and work up. But you can always see if he will gain weight without? I guess any meds can be a risk, i suppose that is why its best to start low and increase....but you have to do what your comfortable with. Its totally your choice!
Feel free to PM me any time. x
It's a personal risk really, I would maybe ask for start with a small dose and increase, that's what John my vet said. Haven is stable and slowly gaining weight on the tabs at that dose (she weighs much less at just over 700g). So maybe start with a small dose and work up. But you can always see if he will gain weight without? I guess any meds can be a risk, i suppose that is why its best to start low and increase....but you have to do what your comfortable with. Its totally your choice!
Feel free to PM me any time. x
jenniferanneharris
Senior Guinea Pig
Thanks, hope its of some help . I know Haven is due to have her levels checked soon while she has her lump removal op...will be in a few weeks time aprox... So i will keep you updated on Haven in hope it may be of some use to you. x
. I know Haven is due to have her levels checked soon while she has her lump removal op...will be in a few weeks time aprox... So i will keep you updated on Haven in hope it may be of some use to you. x- Status