Tarkyn

ARTHRITIS

Tarkyn has been diagnosed with arthritis. Recent studies show that 90% of cats older than 12 years will have arthritis, but often people attribute this to ‘getting older’ or ‘slowing down’ which is not the case. Arthritis pain in cats is chronic, and can certainly affect their quality of life.

Tarkyn has been started on an anti-arthritis injection called Solensia. This injection has been a game changer for the veterinary field in managing arthritis pain in cats. It is $105 per month through our clinic and will be lifelong.

This is an ongoing condition and should be closely managed ongoing by your regular veterinarian.

DENTAL DISEASE

Tarkyn was noted at time of admission to have dental disease.

Unfortunately this is common finding in many cats, with 80% of most cats developing some degree of dental disease by the age of 3. Tarkyn will undergo a COHAT (comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment) under general anaesthetic. Tarkyn may also have some diseased teeth removed. 

There is a possibility that Tarkyn may need a repeat teeth clean under general anaesthetic at some point in their life, however the more proactive you are with their dental hygiene, the less likelihood of this occurring.

SKIN DISEASE

Tarkyn has been diagnosed with allergic skin disease. This can be the result of fleas, or a food allergy or they can be allergic to their environment such as grasses or pollens.

This has been currently controlled with a combination of medicated shampoos, and good quality flea control.

Skin disease of this nature requires life-long management, and in Tarkyn’s case is currently managed with the aforementioned treatments.

RENAL DISEASE

Blood and urine testing has determined that Tarkyn has kidney disease. This is very common in older cats as their kidneys are very sensitive and can be easily damaged as time goes on.

At this point in time, Tarkyn has been diagnosed with Stage 2/4 of kidney disease.

We are currently maintaining Tarkyn on a renal disease called K/D. This comes as a wet and a dry food and will be lifelong, average cost for this diet is $7.7 per day. 

Kidney disease is progressive, and cats need to have lost ¾ of working kidney function before any changes are seen.

There is no cure, only supportive care, however, the average life expectancy for cats in stage 2 kidney disease is 1152 days.

Tarkyn will need repeat blood testing, urine testing and BP every 6 months, but sooner if you believe he is more sick.

Signs of worsening kidney disease include weight loss, drinking more water than usual for them, vomiting and lethargy.

If you are worried Tarkyn’s kidney disease is worse, please see your regular veterinarian.

LUMP ON HEAD

During his time in shelter, Tarkyn developed a mast cell tumour on his head.

This has been treated with surgery and has come back as benign.