Pet of the Month! Roxanne!

Roxanne’s Story

Roxanne first came to us in 2022 having been earlier diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at her previous vets. She had already started thyronorm which is an oral medication to lower her thyroid levels given twice daily.

Roxanne’s blood thyroid levels were still high despite being on the thyronorm, so we had to keep increasing her dose. Her owner noticed a soft mass on the left side of her neck, given her condition it was suspected to be a goitre. A goitre is an enlarged thyroid gland.

A fine needle aspirate (FNA) was taken from the mass (a needle is inserted into the mass to extract a few cells) and sent for analysis. From the fine needle aspirate, the mass was identified as a thyroid tumour with the laboratory thinking it was most likely to be benign but risk of possible malignancy. Roxanne’s owner decided to have the mass surgically removed by James and after removal it was sent for histopathological analysis. Prior to Roxanne’s surgery her owner did have some concerns about her anaesthetic because she is an elderly cat, but Roxanne’s surgery went well, and she made a full recovery! The mass removed was later confirmed as a thyroid adenoma (benign thyroid mass) along with her parathyroid gland. Roxanne’s owner was delighted with this result!

Now Roxanne has stopped her twice daily oral medication for her thyroid since the mass has been removed.

We asked Roxanne’s owners a few questions about her:

What do you enjoy the most about Roxanne?

I enjoy that she is sassy personality. Without being mean she stands no nonsense from the other cats at home (her kids). I enjoy a very deep connection with her she comes to sit on my lap most evenings, also upstairs in the morning with my first cuppa. She’s not a greedy cat either. I love her name as I’m a sting fan. I also love how smart she is, she is a very bright cat.

How does Roxanne spend her free time?

Her free time is spent on the front windowsill where she has a thermal bed and fleece blanket. The sun rises on that windowsill too.

Tell us something about Roxanne from when she was younger?

Roxanne was a stray. Her and a sister were brought home by a friend’s daughter. I was regularly over at my friends and Roxanne and I took to each other on our first meeting. There were other cats already living with my friend and as she grew unfortunately they started to bully her. To be honest, I said to my friend I’d look after her if your daughter decides that the set up isn’t right for Roxanne!

Did you research her diagnosis?

No I didn’t research her diagnosis but I did ask a lot of questions when she was to have a possible life threatening operation. The team at Horner Vets were all very good, including the receptionists, vet nurses and vets. I wanted to make an informed decision and assess the risks fully. I didn’t want to lose her under anaesthetic as she was 17.

What advice would you give to other pet owners?
As for advice: I’m not sure that’s my place. My belief is they are ‘for life’ animals. We have had many cats and dogs in 40 years. Treat them with kindness and they will reward you.

Since surgery, has Roxanne’s personality changed?

She has done so well she pulled through and whilst I know she’s on the last bit of her life her quality of life is most important to me. She has now come off the medication and is even brighter and her normal self.