Question Details
Hyperthyroid And Constipation
by hetesd0 - March 16, 2010
I have a 17 year old f/s scottish fold that has several issues:
She was vomiting frequently and improved with z/d diet. She is also on tapazole for hyperthyroidism. Lactulose for the bowel issue. Her stools are not hard - on the contrary they are usually somewhat soft but formed. When she is in the middle of a constipation episode she will also vomit and become inappetant. Her pulse is weak and her tongue is red around the edges with a white thin coating which I consider normal, Underside of tongue is somewhat congested looking. She is restless at night and seeks heat during the day.
I'm thinking she has deficient heat and qi and kidney yin deficiency. I was thinking she just doesn't have enough qi to move her bowels. The signs that don't fit deficient heat are a softer stool since I would expect hard and seeking warmth during the day. Please help clarify and herbal recommendations. Thanks.
Replies
by naturevet
March 16, 2010
Hi again,

There are lots of Spleen, Stomach, and peristaltic issues here, in the form of the vomiting, constipation, inappetance and soft stools. Were the stools also soft off lactulose? If so, then the Spleen is an especially important consideration. Given that all feline hyperthyroidism starts as Spleen and Stomach deficiency with Damp accumulation, we shouldn't be surprised to see it here. Sometimes even hot animals will seek to support their 'cooking pot fire' by seeking warmth.

How are lab values, however? Any renal azotemia? If so, then the seeking of heat in an uncontrolled hyperthyroid animal can also suggest depleted Kidney Yang following damage to Yin (Essence). So knowing if the T4 and azotemia is under control is important in making our interpretations. Off the cuff, Er Xian Tang is a good formula for many animals in this stage.

I'm guessing, however, that this is not an advanced Stage IV case, and that the purple red tongue suggests the cat has Damp Heat due to Spleen deficiency. In this case, I would use San Ren Tang since it addresses constipation; damp heat; vomiting; and agitation.

Hopefully this analysis makes sense to you. Good luck with the case!

Steve

by hetesd0
March 16, 2010
No major lab changes as of yet. The hyperthyroid is under control with the tapazole and other than isosthenuria the renal values are normal. I will try San Ren Tang - Thanks. I'll try not to be too much of a bother. I am trying to put to use what I have learned in the 1st session from the time to heal. Thanks again.
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