Bonnie, >From what my vet has told me about Tapazole and Kidneys (as well as what I found on the "Ask Dr. Mike"website: http://www.vetinfo.com/ceffect.html ----- The primary problems with methimazole are gastrointestinal irritation, liver disease and anemia due to adverse effects on the bone marrow. Of these effects the bone marrow suppression is the most severe when it occurs. Kidney disease is not a direct effect of methimazole but successful treatment of hyperthyroidism will sometimes cause problems in a cat that has pre-existing kidney failure. The kidneys try to induce high blood pressure to keep up blood flow when they are damage. Hyperthyroidism aids this process and seems to actually mask kidney disease in some cats. When these cats are successfully treated for their hyperthyroidism there is a drop in blood pressure. In a few cats with kidney failure this will be enough of a problem to cause a sudden worsening of the kidney failure they already had. It is important to monitor for this effect whenever treatment for hyperthyroidism is undertaken, regardless of the treatment method (methimazole, surgery, radioactive iodine therapy). ----- I'm so glad the epogen seems to be helping Fu. I'm keeping you both in my prayers.
Kat (Mew Jersey)
