>>i just had my 21 year old at the vet for a geriatric exam. the blood work came back with a high T4, which means hyperthyroid.

>>what can i expect now? my vet recommended this gel i put on her ear and it's suppose to absorb into the blood to control it. i think it's called 'trans dermal gel'.

>>

>>my vet also felt her right kidney and says it's bumpy. he showed me how i can feel it and it felt bumpy. he also said he could not feel the left kidney. does anyone have thoughts on this also? he recommended a ultra sound to get a better check on the kidneys and the abdomen as well. 'smokey' has a history of a liver mass removed which is another reason he recommended the ultrasound. only thing stopping me there is $345.

>>

>>thanks for any input.



I have heard of the gel you are giving and it is supposed to work just fine.



The kidneys are another matter. Was your vet able to get a kidney function from the bloodwork? He should have been able to determine whether or not there is renal failure and how severe it is by the bloodwork, exam and given the age of the cat. Talk to your vet about going ahead and treating for renal failure without the ultrasound. Also discuss what can be expected in the event of abdominal problems and whether or not this can be treated at your cat's age. It seems a shame to spend money on an ultrasound if it's obvious that the cat needs treatment for renal failure and also that whatever may be found in the abdomen would not be treatable. If it is going to be something can can conceivably catch a problem and prolong the cat's life then it might be good to go ahead with the ultrasound. Your vet might be able to give you more advice if you approach it from this standpoint.



Good luck!
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