Experiences with Transdermal Methimazole for Treating Feline Hyperthyroidism

Transdermal methimazole is a widely used treatment for feline hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormones, leading to an overactive metabolism. This medication is well-tolerated, is usually applied to the skin, and can be a simple and effective way to manage the condition in cats. However, it's important to monitor your cat for side effects and to work closely with your veterinarian to adjust the dosage as needed.

For more information on pet treatments, you can check out my Quora profile where I delve deeper into various treatment options and share valuable insights from my experiences.

Has Anyone Used Transdermal Methimazole?

Unfortunately, I haven't personally used transdermal methimazole. Nonetheless, I can share what I've learned from others who have tried it, along with my own experiences.

Effective Treatment with Minor Side Effects

Cats generally respond well to transdermal methimazole, though some veterinarians may not discuss long-term side effects with pet owners. One of the key long-term concerns is the potential negative impact on the liver. For this reason, if possible, treatment with radioactive iodine may be a more long-term solution. Radioactive iodine treatment is pricey upfront, but it can save on ongoing medications and regular blood tests to monitor thyroid levels.

Personal Experience with Kiwi

I administered transdermal methimazole to my cat, Kiwi, for a few years via the inner part of her ear. This method was often more convenient than administering a suspension through her mouth. Kiwi hadn't exactly enjoyed the treatment, but it only took a few seconds each day, an interval easily tolerated by the feline. However, her ears took on a pale color with a slight yellowish hue. The formulations used for this treatment have improved, and newer products may not have the same side effects.

To mitigate these issues, I occasionally cleaned her ears with a cotton swab dipped in witch hazel. It's reassuring to know that the newer formulations have likely improved on this aspect. For the most part, Kiwi seemed fine with the treatment, and her thyroid levels remained within normal ranges for the duration of the treatment.

Results and Conclusion

For as long as Kiwi was on the transdermal methimazole treatment, she showed excellent results. However, she fell ill with a highly aggressive tumor in her jawbone, which was unfortunate. Despite this setback, Kiwi didn't seem bothered by the treatment, and her ears remained unirritated. She had virtually no objection to having the gel applied to her inner ear flaps.

Kiwi's condition prompted by the nightly scavenging of trash and consumption of bread was clearly linked to hyperthyroidism, and the medication helped her quickly return to normal. Kiwi was not the typical thin thyroid cat; she was a chunky girl, which made the diagnosis even more relevant.

While the treatment kept Kiwi alive for several more years, we had to say goodbye to her at 16.5 years old due to the tumor. Her sibling, who lived with her, lived until nearly 21 years old; a testament to the effectiveness of thyroid treatment in cats.

In conclusion, transdermal methimazole can be an effective treatment for feline hyperthyroidism, but it's important to be aware of potential side effects and to monitor your pet closely. If possible, consider options like radioactive iodine, as they can be long-term solutions with fewer ongoing complications.