Shadow

Veterinary Report

This is to certify that I, Dr Ben Farrugia, a Veterinarian representing the Australian Animal Protection Society and Clinic, has diagnosed a problem(s) with this shelter animal, namely:

Shadow has a few health conditions that will require ongoing veterinary care once she is adopted.

Shadow has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which is a common disease that occurs in our older cats. Most older cats develop an overactive thyroid, which then causes them to eat more but lose weight. An uncontrolled overactive thyroid can cause high blood pressure, liver disease, sudden blindness as well as heart disease. Luckily this condition is very easily managed with medication, which Shadow has been started on, and repeat blood work shows no signs of liver or kidney disease. Shadow will need to continue on these medications long term, and to will require regular blood work performed to ensure she is on the correct dosing.

During her stay we noted that she had a number of dental problems including feline resorptive lesions. They are very common and in fact, studies have shown that once cats reach middle age, at least half of them will have one or more resorptive lesions near or under the gumline, with the number of lesions increasing with age.

Resorptive lesions start as small holes in the structure of the tooth, which progress in size until they cause large defects. They are not the same as caries (or cavities) in humans, which result from bacterial acids eroding the enamel (usually due to a sugary diet). Feline resorptive lesions are caused by the cat’s own cells (called odontoclasts) destroying the tooth from underneath the enamel. Affected teeth are very sensitive, and if the nerve is exposed they can be intensely painful. Often the crown of the tooth snaps off, leaving a painful retained root in the jaw.

Signs that Shadow may be suffering from resorptive lesions in future include reluctance to chew, chewing on one side, drooling, pawing at the mouth, lethargy or bad breath. However, many cats will not show their discomfort until the pain becomes unbearable. Visible defects in the tooth, localised inflammation, swelling of the gum to cover the lesion, or an area with increased build up of tartar may be seen. Small lesions are often only detected under anaesthesia.

Shadow has had several teeth extracted that had resorptive lesions. 

Treatment usually involves extraction, as fillings are ineffective (the resorptive process simply continues inside the tooth structure underneath the filling. Despite years of research, veterinary dentists still do not understand what exactly triggers the cat’s odontoclasts to attack its own teeth – this makes it hard to recommend any effective preventative measures.

To help with these ongoing costs, the shelter will provide ongoing support with thyroid and heart check ups, and provide medication for these conditions at a significantly discounted cost. This however does not cover any additional dental work, and if Shadow was to require further dental work later down the track, this will need to financially covered by the adopter.

The estimated cost of medications for his thyroid medication is $50 for approximately 50 days, however this could change if he needed any dose adjustments. Blood work is estimated at $100, which she is due for in 3-4 months (approx mid January 2022) and if still well controlled, may not require additional blood work for another 6-12 months after that. If Shadow was to develop heart disease, the estimate cost of heart medication is $10 for approximately 3 months, again can vary depending on what dosing changes he may require.