Radioactive Idodine (I-131) therapyFor Feline Hyperthyroidism
Radioiodine I-131 is a radioactive iodine created for the treatment of cats for feline hyperthyroidism and the preferred therapy method. Iodine is an element required for normal health in cats. The thyroid gland primarily uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones (T4 and T3 are the two primary thyroid hormones) and play a vital role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate. Hypothyroidism disease occurs when there is an abnormal growth of non-cancerous cells which secrete excessive thyroid hormones. Left untreated, a hyperthyroid cat can exhibit many, if not all, of the following signs: extreme weight loss, excessive appetite, decreased appetite, muscle weakness, heart disease, intolerance to stress, and eventually death. However, at MVS, board-certified Dr. Erick Mears uses radioiodine I-131 to treat this disease with a 95% success rate.
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Radioiodine Therapy Services
As one of only two doctors who travel the country to provide this specialty, Dr. Mears works with the MVS team to treat hyperthyroid cats. Radioactive iodine (I-131) is an isotope used to treat hyperthyroidism in humans for over 50 years and more than 20 years in felines. Thus, radioiodine is a safe and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. Radioiodine is administered by one injection under the skin, much like a routine vaccine. Afterward, the I-131 is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream and the diseased thyroid tissue. Once in the thyroid gland, the radioactive iodine destroys the overactive portions of the gland. The cat then discards the radiation through the urine and feces. The radiation also undergoes a process of normal decay.
Due to this process and because certain precautions must be taken, a short stay (24-72 hours) in the hospital is required by law until the level of radiation is acceptable.
Quick Facts on Radioiodine Therapy:
- ● Effectively cures hyperthyroidism 97% of the time with only one injection.
- ● Those cases with persisting problems a second injection is often effective.
- ● Treatment with I-131 is safe and effective.
- ● Hospitalization period varies but is generally between 24-72 hours.
- ● Your cat will receive attention two times daily from our radioiodine therapy technicians.
- ● Were will provide additional resources and instructions at the time of release to aid in your cat's prompt recovery.
