Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Seaford Veterinary Hospital offers radioactive iodine-131 treatment for cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Although a number of treatment options exist, radioactive iodine-131 is considered the gold standard treatment for this disease provided the affected cat meets certain pre-treatment criteria.
Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, a common hormonal disorder among older cats, occurs when their thyroid glands, located in the neck, produce an excess of thyroxine hormone. This overproduction speeds up the cells’ functions, leading to a high metabolic rate that can cause rapid weight loss—sometimes more than half of their body weight. Left untreated, it can lead to complications affecting the heart and liver due to increased metabolic demands.
Though the exact reasons behind why cats develop hyperthyroidism aren’t entirely clear, benign nodules or gland enlargement are often involved. The surplus thyroid hormone affects virtually every part of the body, making organs overactive and disrupting their normal functions.
Early detection and proper management are crucial in ensuring your feline friend’s well-being and preventing severe health issues.
Radioactive Iodine-131
Gold Standard Treatment
We believe that radioactive iodine-131 treatment is the gold standard treatment for hyperthyroid cats. In the past twenty years we have successfully treated well over 1000 cats with excellent results and minimal side effects. Only a small number of Melbourne veterinary clinics offer radioactive iodine treatment and Seaford Vet Hospital is one of these specialist facilities.
Radiation is concentrated in the thyroid gland destroying the overactive tissue whilst having no adverse effects on the rest of the body. In about 98% of cats a single treatment is curative and it is also a very safe treatment with no side effects.
Iodine is one of the primary ingredients of thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland and the radioactivity in the medication destroys the surrounding thyroid cells. A dose of the radioactive iodine kills the overproducing cells without harming any other body functions. This is an extremely effective treatment and can quickly and permanently resolve hyperthyroidism.
Treatment Process
In order to determine that your client’s cat meets the necessary criteria for radioactive iodine-131 treatment, the following documentation is required to be sent to us for assessment:
- A full history
- A full blood profile
- A urine specific gravity
These tests must have been performed within 3 weeks of the planned treatment date.
Cats on neomercazole will need to cease medication for a minimum of 2 weeks prior to radiation treatment. Depending on the length of time that the cat has been on neomercazole, some tests may need to be repeated prior to radioactive iodine-131 treatment.
Once our vets have reviewed the cat’s documentation they will contact you or the referring veterinarian to discuss treatment options. If the cat is considered a suitable candidate for radiation treatment then the treatment booking can be scheduled.
All cats are required to make an appointment with one of our vets on a Monday morning. At this time they will do a full physical examination on the cat and answer any questions that your client may have about treatment.
Admitting cats on the day prior to treatment (which is done on either Monday,Tuesday or Wednesday) allows the cat to settle into his/her surroundings.
Some cats require sedation for treatment and all cats are given anti-nausea medication prior to administration of the capsule to minimise the risk of nausea post treatment.
Although the cost of treatment includes food, if your client’s cat has special dietary requirements or preferences, we recommend that the client provide a week’s supply of food for their cat.
Visiting during the first week after treatment is not encouraged as owners cannot enter the radiation ward due to high levels of radiation.
All cats can be discharged on the Tuesday following treatment. At the time of discharge, clients are given a printed discharge sheet, a copy of which is attached for your information. They will be requested to return to us or the referrer clinic 8 weeks following treatment for a full check up, weight check and a T4 test to assess the effectiveness of radioactive iodine-131 treatment.
Client Testimonials
Gold Standard Treatment
