We are holding another blood donation drive at Pet's Choice on the Saturday 2nd February 2007. If anyone is interested in their dogs donating blood please have a look at the criteria in 5th October news update.

If your dog fits into the category we would really like to hear from you. Please contact us on 01952 201369

Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid gland) usually affects elderly cats. The most frequently seen signs are:

               Increased appetite

               Weight loss

               Increased vocalisation

               Sometimes an increase in water intake

               Increased levels of activity

Diagnosis of this condition usually involves checking the blood pressure, heart rate and taking a small blood sample to test the thyroid levels.

If it is not treat it can lead to secondary problems including heart failure, kidney failure and loss of sight due to the increased blood pressure.

There are various treatment options for this condition which include surgical removal of the enlarged thyroid gland or long term medication. There can be problems associated with the surgery and many cases the option of medical management is preferable.  

As is sometimes the case, we had a rather sad outcome. Although the operation site settled down very well, the cat stopped eating and we discovered an enlarged lymphnode (gland) behind the jaw on the same side as the eye we removed. This enlarged very rapidly as was a sign that the tumour we removed was cancerous. The cat was again in discomfort and losing weight rapidly as it was not eating.

We decided not to operate again as the cancer was probably already spreading to other organs and so had to euthenase (put to sleep) the cat. At least we could prevent any further suffering but none the less this is never a nice decision to have to make.

Rhian Jones are Veterinary Nurse attended an award ceremony by the feline advisory bureau (FAB) in London today. She received the Silver award on behalf of the practice, this award was in recognition of our "cat friendliness".

There were eight gold awards and 15 silver awards, presented for the cat friendly practice competition. This competition was open to all veterinary practices in the UK and those pracitces norminated by their clients then went forward for judging by the FAB panel members. The practices were judged on their facilities, staff knowledge and "catitude".

We are very proud to have received this award which has placed us in the top 23 practices in the country- the only practice to receive this award in Shropshire.