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Smokey's Meds

Smokey

Smokey was diagnosed with hyperthyroid, and liver disease(2 to 3 weeks ago). She was initially prescribed methamazol (2 a day) and denamarin (1 a day). The beginning of this week we cut down the methamazol to 1 a day because we think she is allergic due to excessive scratching and grooming. Does this sound correct?
Another thing is the past 2 days Smokey has thrown up her denamarin. The first day she threw up the pill with a hair ball. This morning however, it was just the pill and the pill pocket. The weird thing is, I gave her the denamarin last night at 8pm. At 9pm I gave her the methamazol and some wet food. I went to bed at 11pm and she haden't thrown up yet. I woke up at 5am and I saw the threw up, but it was just the denamarin and the pill pocket. No methamazol or food was present in the vomit.
The Dr. told me this morning to try feeding her, an hour later give her the denamarin, an hour after that feed her again. Does this sound correct?

• Veteran Advisor David says:

  August 29th, 2008 at 10:50 AM

  Hi,

  Methimazole must be given at least daily (usually twice daily). Approximately 15% of cats will experience a side effect of some kind. The usual side effects are: lethargy, loss of appetite, and vomiting. If one of these side effects occurs, medication is typically discontinued until the symptoms resolve.

  Medication is then restarted at a lower dose and gradually increased to the correct dose. These side effects do not generally recur if gradual changes are made.

  Facial itching is a more serious side effect. This side effect also resolves with anti-itch medication and discontinuation of methimazole. Cats who have this side effect can be expected to have it again if medication is restarted, so another form of treatment should be used. Facial itching occurs in less than 4% of cats on methimazole.

  There are other alternatives to methimazole but you will need to discuss these with your vet.

  Denamarin is a liver supplement for dogs or cats containing S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) and silybin. When liver function is compromised, the exact cause can often be difficult to determine. Supporting the liver, regardless of the cause, is essential if function is to be improved. One potential side effect of Methimazole is liver dysfuntion and so your vet is just being cautious here and providing a supportive care for your pets liver. It is unlikely for denamarin to cause vomiting and i would put this down to the methimazole.

  It often takes a while for cats to get used to methimazole but most in my experience dont suffer side effects at all or at least not for long

  hope that helps

  David

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