Valencia Veterinary Imaging Specialists is coming to the SCV!

 Dr. Jason Francis, board certified veterinary radiologist, is moving his specialty practice to Santa Clarita. He’ll be open for diagnosis and treatment of hyperthyroid cats, starting March 8, 2016. This means that cat lovers who want a cure for their hyperthyroid cats (instead of giving them medication everyday) no longer have to travel to Orange County for the best treatment available.
Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormonal disorder in older cats. As a cat doctor, I see them almost everyday. One of my own cats, Rudi, had this disorder, and he traveled to Tustin, a long (and loud) trip that had to be done twice, as cats undergoing this treatment need to spend a few days in the treatment facility, before they rejoin their families.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism include rapid weight loss, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, increased thirst, and usually an increased appetite.  Left untreated, this disease eventually leads to heart failure and death. It is also a leading cause of high blood pressure and blindness in older cats.
While twice daily oral medication can block excess thyroid hormone in your cat’s blood, it doesn’t stop an overactive thyroid nodule from growing bigger. Over time a hyperthyroid patient requires more and more medication, eventually needing more medication than the cat can tolerate without side effects, if the cat lives long enough.
Only a handful of I131 treatment centers exist in California, performing the gold standard of a nuclear medicine scan using Tecnecium, to confirm the diagnosis and allow the radiologist to calculate the best dose of I131 for each patient, and then safely administer it. The goal is to normalize thyroid function, not to destroy it altogether.
Valencia Veterinary Imaging Specialists (VVIS) will be located at the far end of The Cat Doctor & Friends building. Dr. Francis will examine patients every Tuesday morning, and patients will be released to their families Thursday evening. If your cat is hyperthyroid, ask your veterinarian about this lifesaving treatment. Learn more at HyperTcats.com or call 661-254-9679 for an appointment or to ask questions. Please note that lab tests and a current set of chest X-rays will be needed prior to your visit.
Valencia Veterinary imaging Specialists is located at 26055 Bouquet Canyon Road Suite D, next to The Cat Doctor & Friends and behind Mac Pool and Spa. Look for the Cat Doctor & Friends sign.