Christmas Card Day and Thankfuls!

Today we are posting our Christmas Card for you to pick up and we will be picking up our furrends cards and posting them on a special page between now and Christmas! And our Card will be available there as well.

Thanksfuls

 We have extra special thankfuls this week that Kozmo got diagnosed for his  hyperthyroidism so quickly. The thyroid gland produces hormones that affect the body’s metabolism, growth and development. The two most important hormones are tetraiodothyronine (thyroxine or T4) and triodothyronine (T3). Hyperthyroidism is more common in cats and is caused by an overactive thyroid gland with the resulting overproduction of hormones. 

Kozmo has always been a slim cat, and he was particularly affected by the extreme heat we had this last summer. When the weather got cool, he kept losing weight. One of the major causes for hyperthyroidism in cats is sub-standard food, food with lots of additives and environmental toxins. We always buy really good cat food (both dry and wet) and Kozmo is particularly fond of the perfect cat food - mice, so we don't think it is the food. In our case, it is most likely the abundance of radon gas in our area. Mining, Gold, Copper Silver and Urainium is part of the heritage and radon accumulates in those dark places that cats like to play and hide - both outside and inside.

Our previous tuxie (known on Nellie's blog as Hissy Old Licorice), had hyperthyroidism. So when Kozmo lost so much weight, and did not gain any of it back with the onset of the cool weather, it was time to take him in to the vet. 

Mom talked to the vet about Kozmo's symptoms (besides the weight loss he did not have the standard symptoms) so Mom specifically asked that they check his T levels first before trying any other tests. The vet agreed. 

The blood test came back telling us that YES, Kozmo definitely had Hyperthyroidism. Kozmo now will need to take 2 pills a day for the next month and go back for a blood test to see if his medications need an adjustment. Kozmo is 11 years old, the same age as Hissy Old Licorice's diagnosis. Licorice lasted until he was 18 (almost 19) just like Nellie so we expect that Kozmo will do just as well. 

We are also thankful that Timmy Tom Cat's Dad Pete wrote a whole page (Dad's Pill Magic) on how to get a cat to take their pills . We used his technique with Nellie (she had the most nimble of lips!) and we will be using his technique once again for Kozmo.  Kozmo wants to thank you all for all your Purrayers!

We are Thankful for you ALL!!!

We are pawticipating in Thankful  Thursday at Brian's Home! Please click on their badge to be taken to Thankful Central!