Full Answer
What to expect after radioactive iodine treatment?
You can expect to live a fairly normal life after radioactive iodine treatment but your life will probably not be exactly as it was before your procedure. For most people, this means that you can expect to live at 80-90% of your 'normal'.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Long term side effects of radioactive iodine treatment vary depending on:
- your age
- other medical conditions
- your dose of radioactive iodine
How do you clean after radioactive iodine treatment?
- Avoiding physical contact with other members of the household, including sleeping alone
- Flushing your toilet twice after every use
- Washing your hands frequently with decontamination soap
- Avoiding cooking for others
- Using plastic gloves to cook
- Keeping all clothing and linens separate from the rest of the household
What are the risks of radioactive iodine treatment?
- Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. ...
- Sleep apart from adults by at least six feet (a separate bedroom is recommended) and avoid sexual activity.
- Avoid sleeping in the same bed with a pregnant woman, infant, or child for a period of six to 23 days. ...
How much does radio iodine cost for cats?
The cost of any treatment for feline hyperthyroidism is significant. The cost for radio iodine therapy is generally a total fee of $1400 - $1450, depending on the I131 dosage required for your cat's treatment. This includes the radio iodine itself, the cost of hospitalization, food, litter, and monitoring.
How effective is radioiodine for cats?
Radioiodine Treatment:Radioiodineis safeand effective with curerates approximately 95 - 98% with one treatment. Catscan receive a second treatment, if necessary. Radioiodine treatmentavoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs.
How long does it take for iodine to kill thyroid cancer?
Radioactive iodine therapy can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to fully eliminate all papillary thyroid cancer cells. When you return home after receiving radioactive iodine, you need to take into account a number of precautions to prevent radiation exposure to others.
How long after iodine treatment can you travel?
Travelling after radioactive iodine treatment This could happen up to 12 weeks after your treatment. To avoid problems make sure you take a certificate from the hospital, or a letter from your doctor, telling about the treatment you have had.
How long do cats live after iodine?
Catssurvive on average over 5 years after treatmentwith radioactive iodine. In comparison, the average survival time with medication or with surgery isonly 2 years.
How long does a cat live with hyperthyroidism?
Most cats that are diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and are treated only with medical management will live an average of 3-5 years before dying of either heart failure or kidney failure. But, those 3-5 years can be good quality years.
How long does it take for a cat to change behavior?
Your cat's behavior will change within a few weeks . Some cats require 2-3 months for all the clinical signs to return to normal. Your cat will become calmer, gain weight, better grooming, vomiting will stop, and less drinking and less urinating.
How to diagnose hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed based on a combination of history, physical exam findings and an elevated thyroid level. Most cats with hyperthyroidism have a palpable thyroid nodule.
Which tissue in the body is the only one that concentrates iodine?
The thyroid gland is the only tissue in the body that concentrates iodine. The gland cannot differentiate between normal iodine consumed in food and radioactive iodine (I131). Radioactive iodine is given as a single SQ injection. After the injection, the radioiodine is concentrated in the hyperactive abnormal thyroid tissue thus destroying it. The normal thyroid tissue has typically become inactive during the hyperthyroid state so it is spared from the effects of I131 and will become active again a few weeks after treatment
When are cats released from Sage?
We will admit cats on Tuesdays and they will be treated that day. They will typically be released on Friday afternoon. While they are at SAGE, they will be fed twice daily and receive routine care such as litter change, water, cage clean-up. We also play videos and music during the day. They are in an isolated area that only our radioiodine technicians are allowed to enter so it is a very calm and quiet environment.
Is methimazole safe for cats?
Methimazole is a good option for treatment but has a higher likelihood of side-effects and requires twice daily administration. Routine monitoring will be required for life because often the dose needs to be escalated. If the thyroid levels are not well controlled, then the cat is more likely to have chronic kidney effects.
Is radioactive iodine safe for cats?
It is a one-time subcutaneous injection and has no side-effects. There is much less monitoring required long-term. Overall, this treatment is less expense than methimazole over the lifetime of the cat and it has also been shown to have the longest survival rates.
How to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism can be treated medically, surgically, or with radioiodine. Medical treatment consists of administration of methimazole (Tapazole) two times daily . Methimazole treatment will usually control hyperthyroidism, but is not a cure. (i.e. The drug will block thyroid hormone secretion but will not remove the thyroid tumor). Also, the drug must be given for the rest of the cat's life, and has the possibility of serious side effects. Surgery will cure the hyperthyroid condition and consists of the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland (the feline thyroid gland consists of two separate lobes). Radio iodine (radioactive iodine) will also cure the hyperthyroid condition. The procedure for this treatment is relatively simple, consisting of a single oral dose.
How is radioiodine given to cats?
The radioiodine is given as a single dose on the first hospital day. After the treatment is administered, your cat is placed in isolation. In this case, isolation means keeping your cat in a separate facility, away from other animals not receiving this treatment.
What is the name of the iodine that is made radioactive?
Radioiodine I131 is a form of iodine that has been made radioactive. In its radioactive state, it undergoes a natural process (decay) in which it gives off radiation. The radiation given off consists of three types: alpha, beta and gamma.
What is the condition of a cat that is hyperthyroid?
In cats, this usually results from adenomatous hyperplasia or adenoma (benig n tumor) of the thyroid gland. Carcinoma (cancer) is a very rare cause of hyperthyroidism in cats.
Where does radioiodine accumulate?
When taken into the body, a large percentage of radioiodine accumulates in the thyroid gland. The remainder of the I131 is excreted in the urine and feces. Once the radioiodine is taken up by the thyroid gland (or thyroid tumor in a hyperthyroid cat), the gamma rays and beta particles are released.
How long does iodine stay in a cat's urine?
The half-life of the iodine used is eight days. The iodine is excreted primarily in the cat's urine. The usual hospitalization period is 4 days.
How long does it take for a cat to stop taking tapazole?
Tapazole treatment is not needed; in fact, drug treatment must be discontinued for at least two weeks before radioactive iodine is given. The major drawback is that after administration of radioiodine, the cat must be kept hospitalized for a period to allow radiation levels to decrease.
How to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
Hyperthyroidism can be treated medically, surgically, or with radioactive iodine. Medical treatment consists of administration of methimazole (Tapazole) one to three times a day . Methimazole treatment will usually control the signs of hyperthyroidism, but it is not a cure. (The drug will block thyroid hormone secretion, but will not remove the thyroid tumor.) The drug must be given for the rest of the cat’s life. Surgery will cure the hyperthyroid condition and consists of the removal of part or all of the thyroid gland (the feline thyroid gland consists of two separate lobes.) Radioactive iodine (I-131 or radioiodine) will also cure the hyperthyroid condition. The procedure for this treatment is relatively simple, consisting of a single oral or injectable dose.
How long does it take for a cat to cure hyperthyroidism?
If hyperthyroidism persists for longer than three to six months after treatment, re-treatment with radioiodine is generally recommended to cure the disorder.
How is radioiodine given to cats?
The radioiodine is given as a single dose on the first hospital day. After the treatment is administered, your cat is placed in a special, lead-lined radiation isolation ward, away from other animals not receiving this treatment.
How to get rid of radioactive cat urine?
Therefore, you need to provide your cat with FLUSHABLE scoopable litter. Use plastic liners in the litter box and flush waste products daily. After changing the litter, wash your hands thoroughly.
What is the condition of a cat that is hyperthyroid?
In cats, this usually results from adenomatous hyperplasia (overgrowth) or adenoma (benign tumor) of the thyroid gland. Carcinoma (cancer) is a very rare cause of hyperthyroidism in cats.
Where does radioiodine accumulate?
When taken into the body, a large percentage of radioiodine accumulates in the thyroid gland . The remainder of the I-131 is excreted in the urine and feces. Once the radioiodine is taken up by the thyroid gland (or thyroid tumor in a hyperthyroid cat), the gamma rays and beta particles are released.
How long does iodine stay in a cat's urine?
The half-life of the iodine used is eight days. The iodine is excreted primarily in the cat’s urine. The usual period of hospitalization is four to five days.
How long after radioiodine therapy can you have high thyroid?
Patients that continue to have high levels of thyroid hormones by 3 months after the radioiodine therapy probably will require re-treatment. This has only been noted in approximately 5% of cases.
How do you know if your cat has hyperthyroidism?
If left untreated, a hyperthyroid cat can exhibit many, if not all, of the following signs: extreme weight loss, excessive appetite in most cases, but decreased appetite in some, muscle weakness, heart disease (in crease in the size of the heart, increased rate, changes in heart rhythm, cardiac arrest), intolerance to stress, and eventually death.
Why is radioiodine not concentrated in thyroid tissue?
Therefore, the radioiodine is concentrated by the hyperactive, abnormal thyroid tissue. Because the normal thyroid tissue becomes atrophied (decreased in size and ability to function) in the hyperthyroid patient , the normal thyroid tissue itself should not concentrate the radioiodine.
Why do cats stay in the hospital longer with kidney disease?
Due to the removal of iodine through the kidneys, cats with preexisting kidney disease may have to stay longer because the radioiodine may not be removed from the body as quickly. The patient will be monitored at regular intervals to determine when they are able to be released.
How long does a cat stay in the hospital?
The hospitalization period varies from cat to cat, but is generally - between 5-8 days. The effective half-life of the radioiodine (decay of radioactivity) can be quite variable depending upon each cat’s ability to excrete via the kidneys and the amount of time the radioiodine is bound to the thyroid. Due to the removal of iodine through the kidneys, cats with preexisting kidney disease may have to stay longer because the radioiodine may not be removed from the body as quickly. The patient will be monitored at regular intervals to determine when they are able to be released. The patient can be released from the hospital once the exposure rate from the radioactivity in the body reaches a level that is deemed to be safe to the general public (i.e.: owners), which has been established by the University and the Minnesota Department of Health.
What is the most common hormonal disease in cats?
Hyperthyroidism may be the single most commonly diagnosed hormonal disease in cats next to diabetes. It is generally a disease of older cats with an average age around 9-10+ years, but can be seen in cats as young as 5 years of age. In most cases, the disease is caused by a growth of abnormal, non-cancerous cells which secrete thyroid hormones in ...
How long after discharge can you pet?
You will need to limit contact with your pet during the two week period following discharge from the hospital. This will include having your pet sleep in an unoccupied room, restricting your pet from food preparation areas, and not letting your pet sit on your lap. Limited (less than one total hour per day) petting is acceptable. It is important that you always wash your hands after any contact with your pet or your pet’s excreta during the two weeks. This will help to prevent the spread of radiation to other regions of the house as well as to decrease the exposure to you from any possible contamination.
What is the treatment for iodine in cats?
Radioactive Iodine Treatment (I-131) For Cats. Radioactive iodine (radioiodine or I-131) is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism which is the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorder to affect cats. It is estimated that 10% of cats over ten of cats over the age of ten will develop the disease. The disease is caused by a benign, ...
How to treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
There are several treatment options for cats with hyperthyroidism which include: Prescription diet. Hills y/d is low in iodine, which is required by the thyroid gland to produce its hormones, low iodene=reduced hormone production. It can take a few weeks for this food to take effect. Medications.
How long before radioactive iodine treatment can cats stop methimazole?
Stop medications and/or special diets: The cat will stop methimazole (Tapazole) or carbimazole or Hills Y/D (a prescription diet low in iodine) 7-10 days before radioactive iodine treatment.
What is the cause of cardiac thyrotoxicosis in cats?
An increase in levels of thyroid hormones speeds up the cat’s metabolism ( hypermetabolic state) which leads to a hyperdynamic cardiovascular state in which the heart beats faster which eventually causes secondary hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure. Collectively called cardiac thyrotoxicosis. These are late manifestations of hyperthyroidism which highlight the importance of early diagnosis and bi-annual health checks in cats over the age of 7.
How does radioactive treatment work for cats?
How does radioactive treatment work? The thyroid gland uses iodine-which is in many types of food to make the thyroid hormones. Cats with hyperthyroidism have abnormal and hyperactive thyroid tissue as well as atrophied healthy thyroid tissue. I-131 is a radioactive form of iodine, which the diseased thyroid takes up.
How long does it take for thyroid to return to normal in cats?
In most cases, thyroid levels should return to normal within a week, although this may take longer in cats with reduced kidney function.
Which drug blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones?
Methimazole or carbimazole which block the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
What percentage of radioiodine is excreted in cats?
In cats > 95% of the radioiodine is excreted in the urine. Hence for a transient period following radioiodine therapy, the patient's urine contains excreted radioiodine which will emit beta particles as it continues to decay.
How long does it take for a cat to show signs of hyperthyroidism?
Cats may also continue to show signs of hyperthyroidism, including vomiting and diarrhea, for 3-4 weeks after the radioiodine therapy as the disease continues to resolve. The risk to these cats is the simple fact that many cats in the age range when cats develop hyperthyroidism (8+ years) also develop other diseases.
How long should a pregnant woman stay away from a hyperthyroid cat?
Because the risk from exposure to radiation in children is generally considered greater than the risk from the same exposure in adults [7], radiation precautions for children and pregnant women are more restrictive than for adults.The release instructions advising clients of hyperthyroid cats being discharged following radioiodine therapy at AVMI advise that pregnant women and children (defined as individuals less than 18 years of age) avoid contact (defined as a proximity of less than 6 feet) with the patient for a period of 12 days following discharge. At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. Hence additional separation between the patient and children are unnecessary.
What are the complications of radioiodine therapy?
These complications include cerebrovascular events (i.e., strokes) and the premature exacerbation of pre-existing kidney disease. Luckily these risks will diminish in time following successful radioiodine therapy and a return to a persistently normal thyroid level.
What is the risk of radioiodine?
1.) Risk to the patient: The radioiodine (I -131) used to treat thyroid disease in people and animals emits both gamma rays and beta particles. The beta particles, which are much more potent forms of radiation, travel an average distance of less than 1 mm. Because of the short distances they travel they never exit the patient ...
Why do cats never exit the patient?
Because of the short distances they travel they never exit the patient and as a result no one other than the patient is at risk from exposure to the beta particles unless they internalized the radioiodine excreted by the patient. In cats > 95% of the radioiodine is excreted in the urine.
Can you put radioactive iodine in your cat's urine?
The good news is that virtually every client will already take steps to avoid this, even when radioactive iodine in their cat's urine is not the motivation.
How long did Karma live after her thyroid surgery?
Ralph did another echocardiogram after the treatment. Radioactive iodine treatment worked well for Karma — her heart slowed, her thyroid levels came down to normal, and she began to put on weight again. Karma lived for a few years after her treatment.
Is methimazole safe for cats?
Commenting on other treatment options, Dr. Ralph says, “Methimazole is OK, but watch very carefully for adverse reactions ÔÇô- they are much more frequent than is reported in the veterinary literature.” If the cat lives long enough, there will be a point in which you cannot give enough medication to be effective without it being toxic (and thus you’ll have to go to the Iodine to save them). And with surgery, expect to repeat it in about a year, in most cases.
Is radioactive iodine treatment the most economical?
Cost is a barrier for many. But Dr. Ralph says that the radioactive iodine treatment may be the most economical of all the options, in the long run. With other treatments there are additional costs of routine and repeated lab work, and possible costs for special food.
Did Kali lose weight after Karma?
Kali’s story. My sweet and passionate Kali started showing symptoms of hyperthyroidism about a year after Karma’s treatment. It was a little different — Kali didn’t show an increase in vocalization. But she did lose weight, and like Karma, she was already a very small cat.
Is radioactive iodine safe for cats?
All other treatments are only managing the clinical signs of the underlying tumor, which continues to grow; the medication is highly toxic in many cats ; the food actually is quite expensive and accelerates the underlying growth of the tumor; and surgery has a tumor recurrence rate of as high as 80 percent.
