I read your recent article about hyperthyroidism in cats. my mother has a 17 year old Maine Coon cat that weighs six pounds and displays many of the symptoms such as ravenous eating, (as much as 25 times a day), and roaming around night and day crying, etc.). the thyroid test came back yesterday from the local vet as a Level 3, considered normal. are there any other possibilities of disease or brain damage that would explain these symptoms and their correction?

Thank you for your time.

Based on the number value that you give for the thyroid test, I am figuring that your veterinarian ran a T4 blood test. the normal range for this test is 0.8 to 4. the T4 test can be used to diagnose hyperthyroidism, but T4 levels tend to fluctuate in the blood stream. this can lead to inconsistent results. It is possible to have a normal value and still be hyperthyroid. A more accurate test is the free T4 by dialysis. If the T4 test comes back in the high normal range and the cat is exhibiting symptoms of hyperthyroidism, the free T4 is recommended. There are also other thyroid tests that can be run that are even more definitive. I personally have acceptable results with the Free T4 by dialysis, but if there is still any doubt, other tests can be considered.

I think in your case it would really be worth your while to pursue the free T4. the symptoms you describe are very typical of hyperthyroidism. Also, don’t delay in getting this done, because if he is hyperthyroid, then his heart is working over time. Maine Coon cats are known for being prone to cardiomyopathy which is a disease of the heart muscle. Hyperthyroidism could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I realize at seventeen years old your mother’s cat has lived way beyond the normal life expectancy, but if the problem were hyperthyroidism, he might respond favorably to treatment.

Please stay in touch. you can contact me with your comments at or you can write me at Dr. Dara Johns, P.O. Box 224, Valparaiso, FL 32580.

I have had fatigue, constant neck pain and headaches, blurred vision, and overall have just felt so horrible almost every day that I can barely get through the day. I have had fleeting chest pains the past couple of days. The other symptoms have been going on for several months. I did an internet search and the only thing that seemed to match is high blood pressure. I haven't had it checked lately because I don't have insurance and have not been to the doctor. I also have type 1 diabetes. (I am 26)

well i have a feeling that it isn't high blood preasure not that your bp wouldn't be high at this time though. you know you can always go to your local drug store and most have an automatic blood preasure cuff near the pharmacy so you can check it for free that way.

i think you may have hyperthyroidism.
check out these symptoms.
if you think this could be it you really need to have it checked with blood work.
webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/hyper…

What is Propylthiouracil?

Propylthiouracil prevents the thyroid gland from producing too much thyroid hormone.

Propylthiouracil is used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or Graves’ disease.

Propylthiouracil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Propylthiouracil?

Do not use propylthiouracil if you are pregnant. it could harm the unborn baby.

Propylthiouracil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. do not use propylthiouracil while you are breast-feeding a baby.

Propylthiouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Propylthiouracil may cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms: low fever, itching, nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Propylthiouracil?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to propylthiouracil, or if you are breast-feeding a baby.

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests:

• liver problems; or
• a blood disorder

FDA pregnancy category D. do not use propylthiouracil if you are pregnant. it could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Propylthiouracil can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. do not use propylthiouracil while you are breast-feeding a baby.

What are the possible side effects of Propylthiouracil?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop taking propylthiouracil and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• fever, sore throat, headache, body aches, flu symptoms
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), unusual weakness
• dry cough, trouble breathing; or
• severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash

Propylthiouracil may also cause severe liver symptoms. Call your doctor at once if you have any of these liver symptoms:

• low fever, itching
• nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite
• dark urine, clay-colored stools; or
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, vomiting
• dizziness, spinning sensation
• mild skin rash or itching
• mild joint or muscle pain
• decreased sense of taste; or
• hair loss

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect Propylthiouracil?

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially:

• digoxin (Lanoxin, digitalis)
• theophylline (Elixophyllin, Theo-24, Uniphyl)
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin); or
• a beta-blocker such as atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic), carvedilol (Coreg), labetalol (Normodyne, Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal, InnoPran), sotalol (Betapace), and others

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with propylthiouracil. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Propylthiouracil?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

How should I take Propylthiouracil?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Propylthiouracil can be taken with or without food.

Use propylthiouracil regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Propylthiouracil can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often. Visit your doctor regularly.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Propylthiouracil?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, joint pain, fever, sore throat, itching, rash, swelling, loss of appetite, numbness or tingling, and feeling restless or drowsy.

What happens if I miss a dose of Propylthiouracil?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Sourced from everydayhealth.com

Tags: Propylthiouracil.