How much does radioiodine therapy cost for cats?
Is radioiodine therapy expensive? The cost of any treatment for feline hyperthyroidism is significant. The cost for radio iodine therapy is generally a total fee of $1500- $1550, 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.
Can a cat be cured with one injection of iodine?
More than 95% of cats will be cured by a single injection. Cats that still have elevated thyroid levels after I-131 treatment can be safely treated a second time if the thyroid levels remain high at least six months after the first injection.
How long does it take for radioactive iodine to work on cats?
The cat will be in isolation for 3-8 days. 95% of the radioactive iodine is excreted via the cat’s urine, with lesser amounts through the feces. Exposure to radioactive urine poses risks to veterinary staff and caregivers; therefore careful removal of urine is necessary at an approved facility.
Can radio iodine treat hyperthyroidism in cats?
Radio iodine (radioactive iodine) will also cure the hyperthyroid condition. The procedure for this treatment is relatively simple, consisting of a single oral dose. Why would radio iodine be used instead of medicine or surgery? Medical therapy will work for some cats, but there can be several reasons it may not be the best choice.
How long do cats live after radioactive iodine treatment?
“Studies have shown that cats treated with I-131 live longer than those treated with pills,” added Mosenco, citing a study where I-131-treated cats lived an average of four to five years following treatment, versus an average of only two years for cats on medication.
How much is radioactive thyroid treatment for cats?
COSTS AND PAYMENT OPTIONS The cost for any treatment for feline hyperthyroidism is significant. The fee for radioiodine therapy ranges from $1,685 - $1,910, depending on how much drug is required to treat each patient (which also factors into the required length of hospitalization in the nuclear ward).
How safe is radioactive iodine treatment for cats?
Radioiodine is safe and effective with cure rates approximately 95 - 98% with one treatment. Cats can receive a second treatment, if necessary. Radioiodine treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs.
How much does surgery for hyperthyroidism in cats cost?
Surgery: Approximately $1,800-2,500+ May require multiple surgeries. Treatment with radioactive iodine may still be recommended, even after multiple surgeries. This includes necessary exams and laboratory testing to ensure thyroid levels and organ function are optimal.
How much does iodine radiation cost?
A radioactive iodine treatment costs about $390 to $750 for an average dose, according to a February 2011 article[1] published in the New England Journal of Medicine, but patients at ThyroidBoard.com report[2] total costs of $4,000 or more, including hospital and radiologist fees.
What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
The median survival times reported are 25 (iodine 131 treatment),1 24 (radioiodine treatment),2 and 48 months (iodine 131 treatment),3 with a more recent paper citing 14 months (carbimazole or methimazole treatment alone or in combination with thyroidectomy).
Should I put my cat down with hyperthyroidism?
When to put a cat to sleep with hyperthyroidism is a heartbreaking decision. If your cat is in pain and has lost a lot of weight or declining health, then it may be time to consider euthanasia. If your cat, however, is still relatively healthy and comfortable, then you may want to wait a little longer.
Can I be around my cat after radioactive iodine?
Your cat may be slightly woozy when you pick them up. For the first two weeks after I-131: Keep your cat indoors or supervised when outside to prevent contact with other people. Limit close contact (closer than 1 foot) to one hour per day.
Can hyperthyroidism in cats come back?
Most hyperthyroid cats respond fully to a single injection with radio-iodine. Their hyperthyroidism won't come back, and they don't need ongoing medication. Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit.
Why do hyperthyroid cats meow so much?
Signs of anxiety in a cat – including pacing, yowling for no apparent reason, and restlessness – are a common symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism.
How long to stay away from pets after radioactive iodine?
Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI 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.
How can I treat my cats hyperthyroidism naturally?
Feline hyperthyroidism natural treatment options are often considered by pet owners. Some of these treatments include switching your cat to a raw food diet, giving them special vitamins and supplements, and/or switching to special natural pet foods.
Radioiodine Procedures Pre-Referral Data
A thorough physical exam, complete bloodwork including complete blood count (CBC), chemistry, T4, 2-view thoracic radiographs and a urinalysis will be required within one month of admission.
Procedure
Our protocol includes an imaging study of the thyroid prior to the I-131 therapy. Not only will the scintigraphic study confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats that do not have a palpable thyroid nodule, but it will also identify a relapse of hyperthyroidism following a thyroidectomy.
Post-Treatment Procedures (at home)
At the time of release, the radiologist will meet with the owner and explain the post-treatment procedures. For the first two weeks following treatment:
Follow-up with referring veterinarian
Normal thyroid levels are usually reached between one and three months (sometimes up to five months) post-treatment. More than 95% of cats will be cured by a single injection. The remaining small percentage of cats can be treated a second time safely if the thyroid levels remain high six months after the injection.
Radioiodine Procedures Pre-Referral Data
Procedure
- Our protocol includes an imaging study of the thyroid prior to the I-131 therapy. Not only will the scintigraphic study confirm the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism in cats that do not have a palpable thyroid nodule, but it will also identify a relapse of hyperthyroidism following a thyroidectomy. It will also evaluate for the possibility of ectopic thyroid tissue. The scintigraphic study is usually d…
Post-Treatment Procedures
- At the time of release, the radiologist will meet with the owner and explain the post-treatment procedures. For the first two weeks following treatment: 1. Limit close contact (holding close to your own neck, sleeping next to) with your cat to a maximum of 30 minutes per day per person. 2. Keep your cat indoors. Scoop urine and fecal clumps from the litter box twice daily. Use a flusha…
Follow-Up with Referring Veterinarian
- Normal thyroid levels are usually reached between one and three months (sometimes up to five months) post-treatment. More than 95% of cats will be cured by a single injection. The remaining small percentage of cats can be treated a second time safely if the thyroid levels remain high six months after the injection. Follow-up blood work and T4 levels at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months are reco…