Knoxville TN Animal Clinic, Knoxville Veterinarian

Just as it is with our ever-expanding waistlines, extra pounds on a pet don’t appear overnight. Successive weeks or months of a few extra treats a day, or a little less exercise, create the perfect storm for weight gain. The fact is, pet obesity is on the rise. Knowing what’s at stake for an overweight pet can help turn the tide and with a proactive, consistent approach, pet owners can have a direct impact on a pet’s overall health and longevity. 

One of the best parts of modern pet ownership is that so much is now known about caring for them. No longer forced to simply accept things we wish were different, we can affect change in our pet’s behavior, appearance, and overall health. Instead of shrugging off, say, bad breath, we can design an approach that not only works for owners, but also helps pets in the long run. If your pet’s bad breath clears the room, it’s time to help them through.

Cat owners are typically looped into the common potential health issues facing modern felines. In addition to heartworm disease, diabetes, feline leukemia virus (FelV), and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), hyperthyroidism in cats is increasingly prevalent. Characterized by weight loss, increased appetite/thirst, and vomiting or diarrhea, this condition must be promptly addressed. The good news is that once hyperthyroidism in cats is properly managed, a high quality of life is attainable.

Anatomy Details

Located within the neck, the thyroid gland produces a hormone that regulates metabolism. When too much hormone is produced, metabolism increases which explains why cats lose weight despite a voracious appetite. While this symptom is a red flag, many owners don’t automatically realize that it’s tied to something serious. 

Cats between the ages of 10-13 are commonly diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Blood tests and other diagnostics can help diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats, and rule out a series of other common conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, and cancer (all share similar clinical symptoms). We may also need to perform an electrocardiogram, chest x-ray, ultrasound, and blood pressure to gain a better understanding of a cat’s condition. 

Since a vast majority of cases are linked to a benign tumor on one or both lobes of the thyroid gland, it is critical to move quickly toward effective treatment. Prognosis is usually very good if caught early. 

Next Steps

Depending on the severity, hyperthyroidism in cats may be properly managed with medical treatment, close monitoring, and prescription diet. Medication taken twice a day for life can decrease the production of thyroid hormone. 

Injections of radioactive iodine can also decrease thyroid hormone levels in a shorter amount of time, but require a hospital stay. This is often the fastest and safest method to lower thyroid hormone levels. 

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland may be necessary in extreme cases. However, the elimination of the thyroid gland may result in serious health complications.

Every Step of the Way

Your team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital understands that hyperthyroidism in cats can be very challenging to face. Due to its effect on feline blood pressure, heart health, eye health, neurologic functions, and the kidneys, this condition must be closely observed. If we’re able to catch the disease early on, hyperthyroidism in cats can be effectively treated. 

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Your cat’s annual wellness exam creates the opportunity to catch health problems before they get out of hand. Early detection can lead to a better prognosis, affecting your cat’s overall health and lifespan. 

Remember, if you see any changes to your cat’s eating/drinking behavior, vomiting and/or diarrhea, poor coat quality, and weight loss, please don’t hesitate to call us at (865) 609‑0311. 

Pets bring endless amounts of unconditional love and joy, which makes it hard to resist bringing one into your home. They can also bring some unpredictable situations, however, that require a certain amount of preparation. Your friends at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital are here to give you some tips on first time pet ownership so you can enjoy a long and happy life together:

We’re number one in southern hospitality–a fact not lost on the pets we know and love. In fact, we probably go a little over the top when our four-legged friends are concerned. Pet friendly Knoxville is the place to beat when it comes to activities to share together, and we’ve got the low-down on how and where to start and end any summer day in town.

At Volunteer Veterinary Hospital, we love our hometown for so very many reasons. One of our favorites, though, is all of the pet-friendly spots in and around the city. If you are looking for something to do with your pet in Knoxville, here are some of our top suggestions:

Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria

One of Knoxville’s favorite spots for pizza and beers, Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria has a dog-friendly patio. Bring Fido on your next dining excursion to enjoy the tasty menu selections and hard-to-beat atmosphere. The taproom is open until 10 PM on weeknights and until midnight on weekends.

Are you and your dog ready for warmer weather? As summer approaches, you will want to make sure your pup is groomed and ready to play outside. Always have plenty of water for both you and your dog when heading out for adventure. Don’t forget to bring some interactive dog toys to keep your best friend active and healthy. To help you prepare for this beautiful time of year, the team at Volunteer Veterinary Hospital developed a list of durable toys that will last all summer:

Animals are truly amazing at adapting to vision changes. Dogs can learn to interpret their surroundings despite impairment simply because the eyes are not their primary sensory organ. That doesn’t mean that a blind or visually impaired dog doesn’t need a little help from their human companion, though. In fact, taking care of a blind dog comes with its own specific set of safety and comfort requirements. We can assure you that each and every one of them is well worth the time and effort. 

You know your male dog has one, but it’s easier or more comfortable to ignore it. That is, until your dog’s penis appears to be…stuck. Many dogs will go through their lives without needing any attention to their nether parts. But it’s just as common for dogs to get into a predicament known as paraphimosis, and it can become a real pet emergency. 

The short days and cold weather this time of year can have all of us feeling a little glum. Pets can feel the vibe, too, and sometimes are affected by a down mood, just like people. Volunteer Veterinary Hospital hopes to help pet owners recognize if their dog is depressed so that they can help man’s best friend feel better.