What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?
Radioactive Iodine (I-131) therapy for feline hyperthyroidism is very effective, has few side effects, is a one-time treatment in over 95% of cats with hyperthyroidism, and does not require administration of pills or anesthesia. One injection under your cat's skin is all that is needed!
How much does radioactive iodine treatment for cats cost?
The treatment has a cure rate of 95-98%, although a small percentage of cats will require a second treatment. Cats treated with radioactive iodine live twice as long as those treated with medications. Radioactive iodine requires no anesthetic or surgery. No ongoing treatment such as medications or diet. Preserves the parathyroid gland.
How much does radioactive iodine therapy cost?
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: 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 ...
How do you clean after radioactive iodine treatment?
This must all be done before your cat can receive its dose of radioiodine. You should feed your cat on the day of admission to the hospital (fasting is not necessary). Your veterinarian should have done the majority, if not all, the tests necessary before treatment; if further tests are required, they can be performed by us, but the treatment ...
How much does radioactive iodine therapy for cats cost?
How long can a cat live after radioactive iodine treatment?
How much does cat thyroid surgery cost?
Should I give my cat radioactive iodine treatment?
Why do hyperthyroid cats meow so much?
Can my cat be around other cats after radioactive iodine treatment?
How long does it take for radioactive iodine to work in cats?
What is the life expectancy of a cat with hyperthyroidism?
What happens if hyperthyroidism is left untreated in cats?
These can include serious heart problems which can result in heart failure. High blood pressure can also be encountered in hyperthyroid cats and this can lead to damage of your cat's eyes, kidneys, heart and brain.
What are the side effects of radioactive iodine treatment in cats?
Will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
Can cats take radioactive iodine?
The cat will receive a single injection subcutaneously (under the skin) of radioactive iodine. It is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream and taken up by the diseased thyroid tissue. Cats who are difficult to handle may require sedation before administration of radioactive iodine.
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.
What are the benefits of radioactive iodine?
Benefits of radioactive iodine treatment 1 The treatment has a cure rate of 95-98%, although a small percentage of cats will require a second treatment 2 Cats treated with radioactive iodine live twice as long as those treated with medications 3 Radioactive iodine requires no anesthetic or surgery 4 No ongoing treatment such as medications or diet 5 Preserves the parathyroid gland 6 There are few to no side effects
What causes a cat to have a thyroid problem?
The disease is caused by a benign, hormone-secreting tumour on the thyroid gland which is located in the cat’s neck; these hormones control metabolism and growth. 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 ...
Can cats have kidney disease?
Hyperthyroidism leads to increased blood flow to the kidneys, which can mask kidney disease. Cats who are in poor health due to cardiac thyrotoxicosis are also not been suitable candidates for treatment.
Can parathyroidism be removed?
In some cases, the parathyroid gland may be accidentally damaged or removed during this procedure , resulting in hypo parathyroidism. To destroy the tumour which is the focus of this article. Some of these treatments manage the condition (medications and diet), while others cure it (surgery or radioactive iodine).
What is iodine 131 for cats?
Veterinary Specialty Center provides iodine-131 treatment (I-131) for cats suffering from hyperthyroidism and thyroid carcinomas as an alternative to thyroid gland surgery. Radioiodine therapy is the least invasive, safest and most effective way to treat hyperthyroidism in cats.
Can cats be treated with I-131?
Cats with renal failure or other chronic illnesses may not be the best candidates for I-131. If I-131 treatment is absolutely necessary, these patients should be stabilized as much as possible prior to treatment. In this way, we hope to avoid complications during hospitalization following the I-131 treatment.
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.
Does radioiodine affect 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.
What is the most common hormonal disorder 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.
What is hyperthyroidism 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:
Do cats eat more?
Cats will tend to eat more (sometimes having a ravenous appetite). Weight loss can sometimes be quick or gradual. Other signs include anxiety, nervousness, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, panting and sometimes a poor haircoat.
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.
Can cats have thyroid tumors?
A hyperactive thyroid tumor, suppresses the function of any normal thyroid tissue. The normal thyroid cells will therefore not take up any radioactive iodine. This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy.
What is hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the condition resulting from secretion of excess thyroid hormone. 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.
How can hyperthyroidism be treated?
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.
Why would radioiodine 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. First, some cats are difficult or impossible to medicate. Second, mild reactions (e.g. loss of appetite, vomiting) are common, and a rare few may develop serious adverse reactions to the medication (blood, liver or skin problems).
How does radioiodine therapy work?
Iodine is an element that is required for normal health. In the body, it is used primarily by the thyroid gland (located in the neck) to produce the thyroid hormones. T4 and T3 are the two major thyroid hormones.
How is therapy given?
Your cat will receive a mild anti-emetic (anti-vomiting) medication that also relaxes the cat. In special circumstances, if we have a particularly non-compliant cat, it may receive some tranquilization to administer the radioiodine.
How long is the hospitalization period?
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.
Are there side effects or risks of therapy?
Since the iodine is specific in its site of action, there is no hair loss or increase in skin pigmentation, as may be seen with other forms of radiation therapy (cobalt radiation).
Can cats have radioactive iodine?
Radioactive Iodine Therapy. 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 ...
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 visit Fluffy at the vet?
You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. If you can't bear to be away from him, or if he becomes very stressed or frightened when you're not around, that isolation could be difficult. Once his radiation levels come down and you can bring him home, you still have to keep him away from young children and pregnant women, as he'll pass small amounts of radioactive iodine through his urine for approximately two weeks. He also can't sleep with you during that time, and the facility will inform you about special arrangements you'll have to make for disposing of his litter.
Who is Jane Meggitt?
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Writer Bio. Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications.
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 th...
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…