Additional recommendations are based on a pet’s individual needs and may include: Medications to lower blood pressure (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, or enalapril) Nutritional supplements that reduce BUN (Azodyl) and phosphorus levels (Epakitin) Omega 3 fatty acids to protect the kidneys
Full Answer
What to do after radioiodine treatment for my Cat?
After their radio-iodine treatment, your cat will need some monitoring from your own vet – such as periodic clinical examinations, blood and urine tests, and blood pressure estimation. Typically we’d recommend these at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months after treatment, but they can vary between cats (and vets!) and aren’t compulsory.
What can I give my Cat for renal failure?
Calcitriol to slow the progression of chronic renal failure Medications to treat anemia (e.g., erythropoietin or darbepoetin) Anti-nausea medications (e.g., maropitant or ondansetron) Kidney transplants may be an option for cats who meet specific criteria.
Can radioiodine therapy cause kidney disease in cats?
Radioiodine therapy itself is NOT associated with causing kidney disease in cats. Thyroid hormone level is also monitored at 1 month and 3 months after the radioiodine therapy to assess response to therapy.
Is radiocat the right radioactive iodine treatment for my Cat?
Living in a major urban area, I had several choices for the radioactive iodine treatment, and I choose Radiocat. It’s a simple treatment, it’s easy on the cat – but it can be really hard for the cat’s human.
How do you treat a cat after radioactive iodine treatment?
By 14 days after treatment radioactivity is essentially gone and you can safely handle your cat and the litter as usual. Special care should be taken with the litter box for 14 days after treatment to avoid environmental contamination with radioactivity.
Does thyroid medicine cause kidney problems in cats?
Connection Between Kidney Disease and Hyperthyroidism Many cat owners have found that when they have treated a hyperthyroid cat, they notice that their cats have symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
What do you feed a cat with hyperthyroidism and kidney disease?
It is best to feed: Canned or raw diets, that contain little to no fruits, vegetables, or grains. Any canned cat food is better than any dry, which contains too much carbohydrate and plant-based protein.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine for cats?
There are almost no side effects from radioiodine treatment. When your cat returns home, there may be a readjustment period while your cat's thyroid returns to normal function. Your cat may be quieter and less active . This is due to the metabolic rate returning to normal.
Can radioactive iodine cause kidney problems?
The renal cast formation and tubular damage are evaluated by a pathologist in a blinded manner. Results: Ablative radioiodine-131 therapy induced renal tubular damage was significantly higher in the radioactive iodine fifth day group (RI-5) when compared with the Sham group (p=0.01) and Amifostine group (p=0.01).
Why does hyperthyroidism mask kidney disease in cats?
Hyperthyroidism and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are common conditions in older cats, so it is not terribly surprising that they can occur in the same patient. Hyperthyroidism “artificially” increases renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, potentially therefore masking renal insufficiency.
Does methimazole cause kidney failure in cats?
13 If a cat treated with methimazole experiences a severe drop in GFR and develops overt renal failure, the clinician must begin the difficult course of balancing hyperthyroidism and its effects against the effects of renal failure.
How long can a cat 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.
Can cats with hyperthyroidism eat tuna?
Be sure your canned tuna is made with 100% fish and packed with water, not oil. Artificial flavors have ties to causing hyperthyroidism in cats.
Can I be around my pets after radioactive iodine treatment?
It is safe to be around your cats after you are treated with radioiodine therapy because even if they are in your lap, the exposure is low. People do sweat out the radioiodine, but if you wash your hands regularly, that is very effective in washing away the small amount of contamination on your hands.
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.
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.
What happens if a cat doesn't take up thyroid?
What is not taken up by the thyroid will be present in the cat's bodily fluids and will primarily be voided in the cat's urine (in those first four days at the vet hospital). What is taken up by the thyroid will be released slowly over the next days/weeks to the other bodily fluids which is why they have the precautions that you describe.
How to control radiation exposure?
The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. Reduce the time near a source, increase the distance from the source, or use some sort of radiation absorbing shielding between you and the source of radiation and you will reduce your radiation dose .
Why is my cat being separated for 4 days?
One of the reasons the cat was held for four days was to allow for much of the radioactive 131 I to be excreted in urine so that the amount of external radiation exposure is significantly reduced.
Does a cat have radioactive iodine?
Now let's deal with the issue of radioactive iodine released by the cat, which I believe is actually the bigger concern. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine.
Does iodine make cats drool?
I have a cat also and I know when she is happy and purring while sitting on my lap getting strokes, she drools. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Cats also sweat through their paws and the sweat will have trace amounts of radioactive iodine.
Is cat litter radioactive?
Further, the litter will be radioactive as most of the radioactive iodine will be excreted via this route. I am certain that your veterinarian probably told you to take care when handling the litter and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling litter, the cat, and items that the cat came into contact with.
Why do animals get healthier from radiation?
So instead of forming cancers and mutations the animals get healthier because of there immune systems eliminating damaged cells.
How long does radioactive iodine last?
Radioactive iodine has a half life of about eight days. This means, after eight days, half of it will have decayed into other elements. After 16 days only one quarter remains, etc., etc. What the doctor is trying to do is to let the radioiodine decay to a safe level.
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.
Where to administer radioactive iodine?
The protocol for administering radioactive iodine at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Medical Center is by the subcutaneous route (under the skin). The radioactive iodine is administered as a single injection under the skin in the region of the inner thigh. Because of the nature of the injection, we generally will administer a small amount ...
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.
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 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.
How long do you have to keep your dog in the hospital after discharge?
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.
Can you bring in a blanket for a cat?
It is possible for owners to bring in something familiar from home for their cats (i.e.: blanket, shirt, etc. with their scent on it), with the understanding that it will not be returned after the stay because of radiation safety considerations.
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 ...
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.
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.
Does iodine help cats with thyroid disease?
When it comes to survival, the studies that have been done show that cats cured of their thyroid disease by radioactive iodine live much longer (up to twice as long) when compared to hyperthy roid cats treated by methimazole. So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients.
Does radioactive iodine cause thyroid cancer?
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. The risks associated with low level ingestion of radioactive iodine relate to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer.
What is the best medication for kidney failure in cats?
Medications to treat anemia (e.g., erythropoietin or darbepoetin) Anti-nausea medications (e.g., maropitant or ondansetron) Kidney transplants may be an option for cats who meet specific criteria.
What to do if your cat has kidney failure?
If your cat has been diagnosed with chronic renal failure, this is what you can expect to happen next: Medication: Medications and supplements that lower blood pressure, raise potassium levels, lower phosphorous levels, promote kidney function, treat anemia, treat gastrointestinal ulcers, and reduce vomiting may all be a part of therapy.
What to give a dog for kidney disease?
Additional recommendations are based on a pet’s individual needs and may include: 1 Medications to lower blood pressure (e.g., propranolol, atenolol, or enalapril) 2 Nutritional supplements that reduce BUN (Azodyl) and phosphorus levels (Epakitin) 3 Omega 3 fatty acids to protect the kidneys 4 Medications to treat or prevent stomach ulcers (e.g., ranitidine, famotidine, omeprazole, sucralfate) 5 Potassium supplements 6 Medications decrease blood phosphorous levels (e.g., calcium carbonate) 7 Calcitriol to slow the progression of chronic renal failure 8 Medications to treat anemia (e.g., erythropoietin or darbepoetin) 9 Anti-nausea medications (e.g., maropitant or ondansetron)
What to expect at a vet for a cat with kidney failure?
If your veterinarian needs to confirm your cat’s diagnosis of chronic kidney failure, he or she may need to order a blood chemistry panel, complete blood cell count, a urinalysis, and blood pressure testing. Findings typically include some combination of:
How long does a cat live with kidney failure?
Some cats enjoy good quality of life for many months, or even years, while others have to be euthanized soon after diagnosis.
Can a cat be hospitalized for renal failure?
high blood pressure. After a definitive diagnosis of chronic renal failure, your veterinarian will determine whether your cat needs to be hospitalized. Severely affected cats may need to stay at the veterinary clinic to receive intravenous fluids and begin treatment for any other symptoms they might have (see below).
How does radioiodine work?
How Radiodine Treatment Works. Our treatment objectives are to eliminate all hyperactive thyroid tissue and to avoid lifelong methimazole. Radioiodine-131 selectively destroys hyperactive thyroid tissue and little of the normal tissue surrounding it . Once the abnormal tissue is destroyed, suppression of thyroid hormone production ...
How often should I have a thyroid test for cats?
A thyroid test should be included in any senior blood screens from this point on, generally every 6-12 months. References. After successful cure of hyperthyroidism with I-131, most cats do not relapse, i.e., grow a new thyroid tumor in the future.
Does thyroid tissue absorb radioiodine?
Suppressed tissue does not absorb much, if any, iodine or radioiodine, and is thereby spared. More often than not, the residual thyroid cells reactivate and regenerate after the thyroid hormone drops to normal or below after I-131.
Where is I-131 given?
An injection of I-131 is given subcutaneously (under the skin) over the shoulders, just like a vaccination could be. The I-131 travels through the blood stream into the thyroid cells wherever they are (usually in the neck, but sometimes the chest).
Do cats feel sick after I-131?
Other types of cells in the body absorb little to no iodine or radioiodine, which is why cats do not feel sick after they receive their treatment. The vast majority ( 94-97% ) of cats will be cured after one injection of I-131.
Does FHTC give cats thyroid medication?
At FHTC, each cat receives the lowest dose of I-131 that should cure its own level of thyroid disease. This helps assure that as little normal tissue as possible is affected, and that most will not need thyroid hormone supplementation (cats are not easy to give oral medications to.)
How long does a cat have to be hospitalized for radiation?
One of the requirements of the treatment is that the cat has to be hospitalized for 3-5 days, until she has reached the safe and legal level of radiation release. The length of the stay varies by state and is governed by Nuclear Regulatory Commission guidelines.
Why do cats need I-131?
The reason this is done is because thyroid disease can mask kidney disease. The medication trial is designed to determine whether the cat’s kidneys will still perform once the thyroid is under control.
Why does my cat have thyroid problems?
It is caused by an excess production of thyroid hormones, which are produced by the thyroid gland, located inside the cat’s neck. Thyroid hormones affect nearly all organs, which is why thyroid disease can sometimes cause secondary problems such as hypertension, heart and kidney disease.
What is radiocat hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a common disease that typically affects middle-aged and older cats.
Is Radiocat the same as Blue Pearl?
March 19, 2018 at 5:52 pm (3 years ago) Radiocat and Blue Pearl are separate entities and should not be considered as the same level of treatment or care. Radiocat is exclusively a treatment center for hyperthyroidism in cats. They have treated more cases than anyone in the world.
Is atenolol safe for cats?
Atenolol wasn’t developed for cats, it was developed for humans. Our old school vet didn’t agree the side effects were from the meds, and maybe some cats do OK, but definitely not ours. We have the luxury of working from home, so we can follow his activity very closely and he’s definitely better off the meds.
Can cats get hypothyroidism?
October 10, 2017 at 5:29 am (4 years ago) Some cats can become hypothyroid after the radioactive iodine treatment, which may be causing her lethargy and sluggishness. It’s usually temporary, although in rare cases, cats may need medication if it does not resolve after a few weeks.
What is radioactive iodine used for?
Radioactive iodine is usually the isotope Iodine 131 ( half life ~ 8 days). It is used in medicine both as a tracer and , in larger doses, for treating thyroid cancer. You will never just ‘take' a dose of radioactive iodine. You may be ‘given' a dose by qualified nuclear medicine professionals.
How does iodine tablet work?
Iodine tablets work on one radioactive isotope, Iodine 131, which is a fission product likely to be found in fallout from a nuclear bomb. The way it works is a little complicated, but instructive. It doesn’t actually affect the radiation from the decay of iodine 131, just the location of the iodine 131 when it decays.
Why is 131 in milk different from iodine?
The reason it is different is because in Eastern Europe, most diets do not provide enough iodine to keep the iodine receptors in the thyroid gland full. This is where the protective effect of taking iodine supplements shortly before unknowingly drinking milk with iodine 131 in it.
How long after iodine treatment can you go home?
For a few days after radioactive iodine treatment, you will be slightly radioactive. Every day the doctors will come and take measurements from you to work out how much radiation is left in your body. They will tell you when the radioactivity has dropped to a safe level and you can go home.
Can you be next to a cat after radiation?
No, unfortunately you can’t be next to your cat for a little while. I believe the radiation affects any pet close to you for at least a week. I will double check with the doctor but I believe you can’t be close to him same day. Let it pass for at least a week.