Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I wanted to update Mona's friends on her thyroid dilemma. She's been on her transdermal thyroid medication twice daily for a few weeks. She vomited one day and would not eat so I was advised to reduce her medication down to once a day. She has not vomited since and is eating again.
I've had to slow down her eating because she gags and chokes if she eats too much without swallowing. It goes well if I feed her off my finger but I must admit that I find her 2 am and 5 am feedings a bit exhausting. Now I know what parents of newborns feel like!
It seems as though the vet isn't getting the response she hoped for so there will be more testing and an ultrasound done and if all looks good then Mona will fly to Vancouver for a radioiodine treatment at the Iodine Cafe http://www.iodi.....ecafe.com/
Mona's vet here will set up the schedule of the blood tests and ultrasound and will continue to consult with the vets in Vancouver. They recommend that Mona fly for her treatment because they've done this many times with cats and believe it's easier on the cat rather than driving and taking a ferry. I find those little float-planes can be noisy but the vet said she'll be sedated with gabapentin for the flight. Mona will receive an injection of radioiodine to destroy her thyroid and stay in the clinic for 4 nights.
I'm realizing that this decision is harder for me than the decision to amputate. I think it's because Mona will be gone for 5 days. I know she will be a perfect patient and they will fall in love with her. Everyone loves a tripawd!!
I will continue to focus on loving Mona and live the moment. I may start having an afternoon nap.
Hugs to all,
Kerren, Tripawd Kitty Mona, Eli
Oh Kerren! As hard and as stressful as all this is for you, keeping your humor intact is the best gift you can give yourself right mow to get through this.👏
Starting with the title of your thread...to the newborn reference...to might jist take a nap.....you are something else Kerren!!.👍👌😎🤪
Now, as far as the treatment and all the hoops ypu have to jump through for transporting her.....WOW, just WOW!!.
So is it one injection everyday or just one injection? Will they know during g the stay if the injection works or is it more of a delayed result?
When is it scheduled?
We know Mona will be just fine because...well...because she's Mona!! You KNOW all of Mona's tripawd family will be surrounding her with tons of pawsitive energy that heals her and brings her home to you safely and ready to est.....and sleep through the night♥️♥️♥️
Sending lots of love♥️
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
I have heard many good things about the iodine treatment. Im thrilled that you have these options to fly her. Long car rides alone are very stressful on them.
Keeping fingers, toes, paws, and tails crossed for you guys❤
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry 
Yowza this IS going to be quite an adventure for her! Oh my gosh I had no idea that this issue in cats even existed, or that there was such a place that could help treat it for good. The clinic looks amazing, so caring and smart and current on all the treatments that cats need at times like this. She is in great hands with them.
I would be worried too, can't blame you at all. Naps, chocolate and Eli are going to be great medicine while Mona is getting her own cure at the same time. You can do this Kerren! You are such a great mom to her and Eli. Hang in there and lean on us. (((hugs))))
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Fuzz sends hugs and love and is kinda jealous of Mona because he has never been on a plane...lol.. in this new Covid age, maybe see if they can facetime/skype/zoom with you so you can see and send video love to Mona over the course of time she is gone. It sounds promising that she was recommended and being sent for this treatment. I am glad to hear she is eating. I know Fuzz is so spoiled now with the kitten food and does appear to like the softer mushier textures ( I have resorted to mashing up his food as he seems to enjoy licking than chewing unless it is one he loves then he gobbles and growls) I know it is not preferred for added feline nutrients like the taurine you mentioned but in a pinch maybe human infant food would reduce choking. I picked up a few jars of chicken and turkey for Fuzz and he literally gobbled one jar down. It was first stages so just pureed chicken and broth or turkey/broth and was very smooth and almost runny That snack might help with middle of night feeding.
For now go as mentioned eat some chocolate , take a nap and I would add a glass or wine or bourbon and relax!
Melissa and Fuzz
Thanks for the love and support for Mona.
It's only one injection and cats need to stay a minimum of 4 days until they are at a safe and legal radiation level. This type of treatment is also used to cure people with hyperthyroidism.
After the injection, Mona's thyroid hormone levels start dropping and for 2-3 weeks her metabolism will be low so she will sleep more. After a month the thyroid levels and appetite will hopefully be normal.
Nothing has been scheduled yet because there are tests to do first and I suppose it would depend on kitty room vacancies. The clinic and staff seem to be very caring and loving. They take photos and make daily updates. I know Mona will do well because last year Mona and Eli stayed at a cat kennel where Eli hid in a box the whole time and Mona chose to hang out with the accountant in her office. I hope the staff at the Iodine Cafe will be able to give Mona some special attention.
Thank you Melissa for the advice on food - Mona is loving the mousse and doesn't choke if she eats a bit at a time. I couldn't find meat baby food (only fruit) but will try again. Good suggestion.
I've come to terms with this and am actually feeling good about the decision. It makes it easier because I know Mona will make herself comfortable at the "spa" (iodine clinic).
Kerren and Miss Mona 
I got a chance to look at their site....WOW! Looks like she will have top notch care❤
This will be so much less invasive than the surgery Minnie had. It was so stressful and i had to keep her crated for 2 weeks. I just about had heart failure fearing she'd rip her neck open 😱😱😱
This is going to be so much easier on both of you. And it looks like she'll be spoiled like a princess 💞💞💞
Hugs,
Jackie, Bo, Andy, Oscar, Phoebe, and the coolest feral tripawd kitty Huckleberry
Hi Kerren & Mona!
It sure sounds like quite an adventure is upcoming. Hoping for the best possible outcome here!
Quick question though, will this iodine treatment actually shrink her thyroid or just kill it? Does the body eventually reabsorb/break it down or ??? Yes, I know this might be a dumb thing to ask, but I am one of those courious sorts I guess. Since she is having swallowing issues, I hope the result is a quick and immediate aid to that!
Hugs and best wishes
-Dawna, Tuxedo, Lilly, and Angel Dazzle
Hi Dawna,
It's not a dumb question - I had a hard time wrapping my head around this. As I understand it the radioiodine is absorbed by abnormal thyroid tissue. It's expected the hormone level will reduce to normal levels. The first time cure rate is 98%. I read somewhere that her voice may change. As it is she doesn't say much. I hope Mona is a candidate and it's not something else going on.
Hugs for you and your kitties,
Kerren
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