13264 Pond Springs Road

Austin, Texas 78729

(512) 258-2024 - Voice

May 2004 Pet of the Month: Bernard

Pictured above is Bernard lounging around in our cat condos in Bogart's Bed and Breakfast.  Bernard is a 15 1/2 year old cat that has been a patient of Dr. Percival for the past 8 years (or so).  He is very special to Dr. Percival in addition to being a very important part of his own family.  He has been in his share of scrapes and scuffles, according to the scars on his ears, but he is always willing to purr for you when he gets a good scratch or pet on the head.

Two years ago, Bernard had begun to lose weight and didn't seem to be acting like his normal self.  A general health profile showed that he was not keeping enough potassium in his system and a thyroid test showed that he was hyperthyroid.  Hyperthyroidism is a condition of extremely high metabolism that will cause a cat to lose weight even though they are eating well.  It also causes an extremely fast heart rate.  Without treatment for this condition, a heart attack or malnutrition can occur.  Potassium is very important for the heart and other muscles to function properly.  After discussing treatment options, we determined that Bernard would feel best if he received a potassium supplement and a medication for his thyroid disease daily.

Bernard has to have his potassium and his thyroid checked frequently to maintain the delicate balance of appropriate supplementation, but once this balance was achieved, he was back to his normal self.  He still enjoys going outside and chasing critters.  He also enjoys the company of his other two feline friends, Pencil and Baby, as well as his human companions.

If you would like more information on feline hyperthyroidism or potassium disorders, feel free to contact me at kpercival@CatHospitalofAustin.com

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