Hyperthyroidism Treatment
Seaford Veterinary Hospital provides radioactive iodine-131 treatment for cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. While several treatment options exist, veterinarians consider radioactive iodine-131 the gold standard for this disease, provided the affected cat meets specific pre-treatment criteria.
Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism, a common hormonal disorder in older cats, occurs when the thyroid glands in the neck produce excess thyroxine hormone. This overproduction accelerates cellular functions, raising the metabolic rate and causing rapid weight loss—sometimes more than half of their body weight. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can lead to complications affecting the heart and liver due to increased metabolic demands.
Although the exact cause of hyperthyroidism in cats isn’t entirely clear, benign nodules or gland enlargement often play a role. The excess thyroid hormone impacts nearly every organ, making them overactive and disrupting normal functions.
Early detection and proper management are crucial to maintaining your feline friend’s well-being and preventing severe health issues.
Radioactive Iodine-131
Gold Standard Treatment
We believe radioactive iodine-131 treatment is the gold standard for hyperthyroid cats. Over the past twenty years, we’ve successfully treated more than 1,000 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 proud to be one of these specialist facilities.
Radiation concentrates in the thyroid gland, destroying overactive tissue while leaving the rest of the body unaffected. In about 98% of cases, a single treatment is curative, and the treatment is very safe with no side effects.
Iodine, a key ingredient in thyroid hormone, is absorbed by the thyroid gland. The radioactivity in the medication destroys the surrounding thyroid cells, effectively killing overproducing cells without harming other body functions. This treatment is highly effective, providing a quick and permanent solution to hyperthyroidism.
Treatment Process
To determine if your client’s cat meets the necessary criteria for radioactive iodine-131 treatment, please send the following documentation for assessment:
A full history
A full blood profile
A urine specific gravity
These tests must be performed within 3 weeks of the planned treatment date.
Cats on neomercazole must stop the medication for at least 2 weeks before radiation treatment. Depending on how long the cat has been on neomercazole, some tests may need to be repeated before radioactive iodine-131 treatment.
After reviewing the cat’s documentation, our vets will contact you or the referring veterinarian to discuss treatment options. If the cat qualifies for radiation treatment, we can schedule the treatment booking.
All cats must make an appointment with one of our vets on a Monday morning. During this appointment, our vet will perform a full physical examination and answer any questions your client may have about the treatment.
Admitting cats the day before treatment (which takes place on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday) helps the cat settle into its surroundings.
Some cats require sedation for treatment, and we administer anti-nausea medication prior to the capsule to minimise the risk of post-treatment nausea.
While the treatment cost includes food, we recommend that clients provide a week’s supply of food if their cat has special dietary requirements or preferences.
We advise against visiting during the first week after treatment, as owners cannot enter the radiation ward due to high radiation levels.
All cats can be discharged on the Tuesday following treatment. At discharge, clients will receive a printed discharge sheet, a copy of which is attached for your reference. We will ask clients to return to us or the referring clinic 8 weeks after treatment for a full check-up, weight check, and T4 test to assess the effectiveness of the radioactive iodine-131 treatment.
Client Testimonials
Gold Standard Treatment
