Should my cat have a radioactive iodine treatment?
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 hyperthyroid cats treated by methimazole. So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients.
How much does radioactive iodine treatment for cats cost?
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.
Is radioactive iodine treatment safe for cats?
Treatment of cats for feline hyperthyroidism with Radioactive Iodine (I-131) is the preferred method of therapy (and well as in humans). It is as easy as one injection just under the skin, much like a routine feline vaccine. I-131 is safe and effective. A short stay (3 to 5 days) in the Thyro-Cat hyperthyroidism treatment facility is required ...
What is radioactive iodine treatment for cats?
- Q1. What is Hyperthyroidism? Hyperthyroidism is an excessive amount of circulating thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. ...
- Q2. How is Hyperthyroidism Treated? ...
- Q3. Why is Radioiodine preferred instead of medicine or surgery? ...
- Q4. How does radioiodine work? ...
- Q5. Is my cat too old for radioiodine treatment?
How much does feline radioiodine therapy cost?
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 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.
How is radioiodine administered 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.
Should I give my cat radioactive iodine treatment?
Radioiodine I-131 is the treatment of choice because it is effective and a safe cure regardless of your cat's age. If left untreated, however, hyperthyroidism can be fatal.
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 my cat be around other cats after radioactive iodine treatment?
GUIDELINES FOR CAT OWNERS AFTER RADIOIODINE THERAPY. Cats treated with radioiodine (I-131) have a low level of radioactivity following discharge from the hospital. This level is sufficiently low that complete isolation of the cat from people is not required.
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).
How quickly does radioactive iodine work on cats?
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 much does thyroid treatment for cats cost?
Medications can cost $1 - $2 per day or approximately $350 to $700 per year. Monitoring side effects and dosage adjustments mandates that cats be re-examined and have blood tests repeated every 3-6 months.
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.
Can cats recover from hyperthyroidism?
Fortunately, the vast majority of cats that develop hyperthyroidism can be treated very successfully and most cats will make a complete recovery.
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.
Does thyroid cancer cure or kill?
Does not cure the disease or kill the thyroid tumors; in fact, the tumor can keep growing, making medical management less and less effective. Causes harmful side effects like nausea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite and hair loss/facial scabbing. Causes loss of vital white blood cells and blood clotting abilities.
Can radioiodine therapy be done on cats?
Leaves many cats still needing I-131 therapy, even after undergoing one or more surgeries. As you can see, Radioiodine therapy is the clear treatment of choice and the only consistent cure for Feline Hyperthyroidism.
Is parathyroid surgery more effective than drugs?
It’s more cost-effective than drugs or surgery. There are no harmful side effects. There is no tissue or organ damage – including the parathyroid glands. There is no damage to healthy thyroid tissue. There is no anesthesia required. There is no daily pilling. It destroys thyroid tumors wherever they are located.
What is radioactive iodine in cats?
Hyperthyroidism is a disorder caused by excess thyroid hormone in the bloodstream and body. It is the most common hormonal disorder in domestic cats. The same treatment options that exist in humans exists in cats. These treatment options include:
How to treat thyroid tumor in cats?
1. Medication to suppress the thyroid hormone. 2. Surgical removal of the thyroid tumor. 3. Feeding a life-long low-iodine commercial diet. 4. Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine I-131) therapy to destroy the thyroid tumor . Radioiodine I-131 is the treatment of choice because it is effective and a safe cure regardless of your cat’s age.
How to treat hyperthroidism?
Hyperthroidism can be treated medically, surgically, feeding a life-long low iodine diet, or Radioactive Iodine. Medical treatment consists of administering a medication called methimazole once or two times daily. This medication helps control clinical signs but is not a cure.
What happens when a cat eats iodine?
When iodine is ingested, the thyroid gland takes up the iodine. Here the iodine becomes incorporated into thyroid hormone. When your cat receives radioactive iodine, the tumor in the thyroid uptakes the radioactive iodine much like it does normal orally ingested iodine. All of the thyroid tumor will take up the radioactive iodine.
How long does it take for a cat to recover from iodine?
After treatment, the normal thyroid tissue will regain full function within 1-3 months.
How long does it take for a cat to stop taking methimazole?
If your cat has been treated with methimazole (Tapazole, Felimazole) your cat needs to be off the drug for at least 7 days prior to treatment. If you or your veterinarian feels your cat’s hyperthyroidism is too severe to discontinue medication, please have your veterinarian contact us to discuss other options.
How long does a cat stay in the hospital after surgery?
There is no need for anesthesia and post operative risks from surgery are avoided. No medicine is needed and the only major downside is that your cat will stay in the hospital for a few days (usually 3-5 days). Overall I-131 is a simple, effective, and safe cure. Q4.
How long does it take for a cat to have a blood test?
Vaccinations are required to be up to date. If these criteria are met we would then need your cat to: Have a blood kidney test within one to two months of admission.
What does it mean when a cat is hyperactive?
Hyperactivity or “kitten like” behaviour. Vocalising and crying at night and restlessness. Diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. A fast heart rate. Increased blood pressure, which can lead to blindness if not managed. In many cats, the vet can feel an enlarged goitre.
Can cats have hyperthyroidism?
As hyperthyroidism is a disease of older cats, this may mean that they have other problems – especially kidney and heart disease – which could require additional tests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can cats have low thyroid?
In most patients, the atrophied (decreased in size and functional ability) thyroid tissue becomes functional, and the patient’s thyroid level returns to a more normal level. Cats that continue to have low thyroid levels may require thyroid supplementation.
How long does a cat stay radioactive after a shot?
However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. While the treatment is fairly expensive, over the long term it could be cheaper than medication and is on a par with surgical treatment.
How to treat hyperthyroid cats?
Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. While the treatment is fairly expensive, over the long term it could be cheaper than medication and is on a par with surgical treatment.
How long can you leave a cat at a vet?
Since you'll have to leave your cat at the facility for several days or more, it's not a question of dropping him off at a distant veterinary hospital and then picking him up the next day. It requires two round-trips for you.
Is radioiodine safe for cats?
The Disadvantages of Radioiodine Therapy Treatment for Cats. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. However, it may not be the best treatment for your particular cat. Weigh the pros and cons of various treatments and discuss options with your vet.
Can you wear protective clothing on a cat in the hospital?
He's radioactive, so it's not safe even for humans wearing protective clothing to spend too much time around him.
Can a cat eat other food if they have a thyroid problem?
It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. A prescription diet is available that lowers thyroid hormone, but for it to work your cat can't ever eat any other food.
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.
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.
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.
Does 131 I cause thyroid issues?
What they are trying to prevent is the intake (ingestion, etc.) of the radioactive iodine into your body because, just like the cat, any 131 I intake you have will result in an uptake by your thyroid and in larger quantities could result in significant thyroid dose.
