In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. Your cat can receive methimazole, a medication that inhibits thyroid hormone production. Not all veterinary facilities perform the procedure. . However, there are a number of reasons for the precautions that your veterinarian has provided you that I will discuss below. What are other nutritional concerns for my hyperthyroid cat? Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism (I-131). Removal of the thyroid glands, called surgical thyroidectomy, is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure that has a good success rate. Cats also sweat through their paws and the sweat will have trace amounts of radioactive iodine. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . You may gain weight after you undergo radioactive iodine treatment. Amazingly despite over 35 years of veterinary experience treating hyperthyroid cats with radioiodine there are virtually no reported side effects. Treatment Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients. Now let's deal with the issue of radioactive iodine released by the cat, which I believe is actually the bigger concern. 4. The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite. The clinical significance of weight gain from the time of diagnosis of hyperthyroidism to 2 years after radioactive iodine therapy is unclear. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City. I might even suggest using disposable gloves when handling the litter box duties and when caring for the cat during the isolation time. One study looked at patients with Graves' disease who were treated with RAI over five years. Since hyperthyroidism can predispose a cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate general health, with particular focus on the heart and kidneys. 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. 6. Before deciding the form of treatment, several tests are performed, including additional blood tests, a urinalysis, chest radiographs (X-rays), an ECG, and blood pressure measurements. There are four treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism: medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary therapy. At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. Hyperthyroidism & Liver Function in Cats, Intervals of Depo-Medrol Injections for Cats. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? (At my facility we treat people but many of the concepts are the same, it is just that patient compliance is easier to obtain with people.) Milner R.J., Channell C.D., Levy J.K., et al., Survival Times for Cats with Hyperthyroidism Treated with Iodine 131, Methimazole, or Both: 167 Cases (1996-2003). When the dose of radiation to the thyroid is very low, like might occur by accidental ingestion of litter box contents, then mutations leading to cancer can ensue. Of course, some people receive no radiation and others much, much more. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. Prognosis It does, however, involve the handling and injection of a radioactive substance that is only permitted at facilities specially licensed to use radioisotopes. . Also, you might get some good ideas about what to feed him on Dr. Lisa Pierson's web site. When this occurs, a second test, usually afree T4 by equilibrium dialysis (FT4 by ED)or aT3 suppression test,is performed. A veterinarian who suspects a cat has a thyroid problem will conduct a physical examination and palpate the cats neck area to check for an enlarged thyroid gland (see Figure 2). Get exceptional Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Feline Hyperthyroidism services from highly experienced & loving pet care professionals in Downers Grove, IL. He rejected the Fancy Feast stuff and gobbled the baby food along with eating a little variety of the many dry foods we tried in an effort to find one that he really liked. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. The majority of cancers occur later in life and the average lifetime risk of dying from cancer is 25%. The American Thyroid Association notes that weight gain develops over a long time and may have many causes other than the underactive thyroid. This single treatment will cure 95-98% of cats. She's lost a pound in less than two weeks, so yeah, I'm glad I let her eat as much as she wanted. This can be accomplished in several ways: Radioactive iodine therapy. Certain studies suggest that in some hyperthyroid cats, limiting the amount of iodine in the diet may be a viable option for treating this disease. It has the advantage of being curative in most cases with no ongoing treatment. It is actually the best approach to take to minimize exposures to you and your family while allowing the cat to have post-treatment recovery time at home and not in a veterinary hospital. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. This isnotan iodine-free diet but a diet with a controlled iodine content of 0.2ppma minimal amount. radioactive iodine All three treatments will reduce thyroid hormone levels and the signs of hyperthyroidism. What Are The Side Effects Of Radioactive Iodine Treatment In Cats? Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. A single injection is given subcutaneously (i.e. The treatment options for hyperthyroidism are: Oral medication. An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. Keeping your pets food temperature just right. To date the studies following hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine have not shown any increased incidence of cancer (thyroid or other types) associated with radioiodine therapy. This I131 injection accumulates in the abnormal thyroid tissue, and the radioactivity kills the abnormal tissue without harming other vital structures nearby. Slater M.R., Geller S. and Rogers K., Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before . Let's tackle the external exposure first as it is the simplest concept. (8,9) Replacement hormone products currently on the market, both synthetic and glandular, are not comparable to our own hormone, and in some people, never feel "right". The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. However, it may not be the best treatment for your particular cat. For the first two weeks after I-131: Keep your cat indoors or supervised when outside to prevent contact with other people. You must log in or register to reply here. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . To help your cat gain weight, you need to increase the protein and . This test can also help the doctor determine the cause of your hyperthyroidism and get other information about your thyroid tissue. The more common symptoms are an increase in thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as weight loss. The radioactive isotope, Iodine-131 ( 131 I), is administered as a one-off injection. If possible, I would like to wear protective clothing so we can return to our familiar habit of living/sleeping in 24-hour close physical contact to minimize his stress and promote his recovery. Generally, about 5 to 10 pounds of excess weight can likely be attributed to the lack of thyroid hormones that occurs in people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Subscribe to always know when we add new material! What happens after radioactive iodine treatment for cats? This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! 7. The School of Veterinary Medicine's Ryan Hospital, however, is one of the few veterinary centers in the region to offer a treatment that can cure the disease: a single shot of radioactive iodine, I-131. Diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism is generally straightforward. Want to read more information on feeding your pet? . This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. How does the risk from medical radiation compare to background radiation exposure? This treatment is appropriate for cats with more surgical risk due to other health problems or who are exceptionally old. In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. It is given one to three times daily and must be continued for the remainder of the pet's life. Excessive weight gain. Should we just cut him off "cold turkey" (pun intended) and hope he finds fulfillment and eventual weight gain with his old diet of dry food? The thyroid takes up the radioactive iodine, which destroys cells in the thyroid. Because the risk from exposure to radiation in children is generally considered greater than the risk from the same exposure in adults[7], radiation precautions for children and pregnant women are more restrictive than for adults.The release instructions advising clients of hyperthyroid cats being discharged following radioiodine therapy at AVMI advise that pregnant women and children (defined as individuals less than 18 years of age) avoid contact (defined as a proximity of less than 6 feet) with the patient for a period of 12 days following discharge. . 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 (increase in the size of the heart, increased rate, changes in heart rhythm, cardiac arrest), intolerance to stress, and eventually death. Most cats with uncomplicated hyperthyroidism will live several years following treatment of hyperthyroidism, unless they develop another disease. The food isnotmedicated. What is the biggest concern with nuclear meltdown and why? 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. These include surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) or treatment with radioactive iodine. Learn more about radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism, Learn about radioiodine therapy for thyroid carcinoma, Learn more aboutSamariumtherapy for primary or metastatic bone tumors. During that time, the ravenous appetite should subside, your cat will probably gain weight, and her blood pressure and heart rate should normalize. This treatment involves administering an injection of iodine with a radioactive substance attached. Clinical Signs 1. What may work for one cat may not work for another. These include weight loss, increased activity, and kitten like behaviour. Some cats may experience side effects from medication, however, including vomiting, anorexia, fever, anemia, and lethargy. If we restrict iodine, production of thyroxine decreases. The normal thyroid cells will therefore not take up any radioactive iodine. Exposure limitations: A treated cat has to remain hospitalized until its radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. Committee on Environmental Health. Did she have stage 1 prior to treatment for hyperthyroidism or did the stage 1 unmask after treatment started and then jump to stage 4? Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. If we use the linear no-threshold model we could estimate that the exposure to 1 mSv would therefore have a risk of less than 0.01% (or 1/100th of 1 %) of causing cancer over the remaining life of an adult. Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. They will then need to take a thyroid supplement. With your cat's diseased thyroid, after methimazole treatment failed, large doses of iodine might have proven effective. Determination of Release Criteria for I-131 Therapy Cats in Conference Proceedings American College of Veterinary Radiology. If these tests are not diagnostic, athyroid scan (thyroid scintigraphy)can be performed at a veterinary referral center, or the TT4 can be measured again in a few weeks. Once the correct dose of radioiodine has been determined and administered, most of the time the tumors responsible for causing the elevated thyroid levels resolve and the cats are cured. Weight gain was similar for patients who received antithyroid drugs or radioiodine treatment but was significantly greater for patients who had been treated with thyroidectomy (5 kg vs 10 kg; P = 0.007). Radioactive iodine therapy. Further, the litter will be radioactive as most of the radioactive iodine will be excreted via this route. Radioactive iodine therapy is curative within three months of therapy in approximately 95 percent of all hyperthyroid cases. . This is because the parathyroid glands (responsible for calcium balance in the body) are near the thyroid gland and may be damaged or accidentally removed during surgery. Gradual weight gain and return to healthy body condition are expected. This problem resolved rapidly after treatment. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. For this long-term treatment, the cat is injected with the radioactive iodine, which destroys the tissue of the overactive thyroid gland. Fewer than 2% of hyperthyroid cases in cats involve malignant thyroid gland tumors. Of course some cats treated with radioiodine for their hyperthyroidism will go on to get cancer, but in the same proportion as hyperthyroid cats treated with methimazole or surgery. The other conditions that cats can develop at this age are numerous and varied. Annual blood and urine tests are important in all cats seven years and older to detect hyperthyroidism before potentially irreversible damage occurs. Recurrence of the disease is a possibility in some cats. Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. Since platelets are essential for blood clotting, thrombocytopenia may lead to problems with excessive bleeding. 1. What happens after my cat is released from the hospital? To convert these to traditional units we have prepared a. Dr. Heinze is an employee of Mark Morris Institute and has provided professional serviceshas done consulting for Lafeber and WellPet, given sponsored talks for Nestl Purina PetCare and the Pet Food Institute, and provided professional services to Balance IT.com and Mark Morris Institute. Calabrese E.J., Hormesis: From Marginalization to Mainstream: A Case for Hormesis as the Default Dose-Response Model in Risk Assessment. If the total GFR is below this number, medical therapy for hyperthyroidism may be recommended, although I-131 treatment may still be an option in specific patients. After treatment, the normal thyroid tissue will regain full function within 1-3 months. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. And I'm so glad she did, since her kidney disease (that unmasked after methimazole treatment) went from Stage 1 chronic to Stage 4 acute on chronic last weekend. It requires two round-trips for you. The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses). These licenses establish the basis for the facilities compliance with federal regulations established by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The "radiation badge" worn by x-ray techs for example is good for measuring external exposure to radiation but does nothing to measure intakes of radioactive materials which is the primary concern in the case of a cat treated with radioactive 131I. Surgery or radioactive iodine therapy to regulate overactive hormone production can sometimes leave cats with the opposite problem: their levels of thyroid hormone are now too low. Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, its important to monitor your cats weight and muscle mass. You should talk with your veterinarian about what diets may be best for him in this case. Another significant risk for hyperthyroid cats is not actually related to their thyroid disease. Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems. Luckily these risks will diminish in time following successful radioiodine therapy and a return to a persistently normal thyroid level. Having lost my 18-year-old feline member of the family a few years ago, I completely understand the attachment and your desire to not stress the cat. Exposure to high levels of dietary iodine may cause susceptible cats to develop hyperthyroidism. However, since wild-caught flaked Alaskan salmon is the first ingredient, it provides a lot of moisture. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. Cats exclusively fed the prescription diet will remain normal, but if the diet is discontinued, they will once again become hyperthyroid. Oftentimes it takes decades for cancer to be detected following radiation exposure. All three have risks and benefits. 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. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society. Unfortunately, 131I has a rather high-energy gamma emission that is difficult to shield. It is important to drink fluids after your treatment and for the next 2 days. Other therapeutic monitoring. Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for cats, dogs, exotics, and wildlife, Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospitals in Ithaca, NY for horses and farm animals, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island for every horse, Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY, Animal Health Diagnostic Center New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. For example, some families cant medicate cats every day, so a more permanent solution such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgery may be best. Radioactive iodine is a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. Finally, thyroid hormone has a role in kidney function and blood flow that may result in either directly damaging the kidney or obscuring underlying kidney disease that your cat may already have. For this prescription diet to work, it must be the only food fed, which means no cheating with treats. Dietary Therapy Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon Wet Cat Food. Your veterinarian's instructions regarding separation for the two weeks are simply doing the same thing we do with people. While in radiology we use radiation shielding garments (lead aprons) to reduce gamma and x-ray exposure, the energy of the 131I gamma is four to five times higher and those garments are ineffective as a shield. While the concept of radiation hormesiswould suggest a potential benefit from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation by stimulating the immune system's ability to repair DNA, any potential benefit is poorly defined and hence the current recommendations surrounding radiation exposure follow the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) concept. The chronic elevation of circulating thyroid hormone levels in cats with hyperthyroidism leads to changes in their heart muscle that predispose them to developing heart failure. Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. Weigh the pros and cons of various treatments and discuss options with your vet. Risks unrelated to radioiodine therapy: All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. 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. However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. Ultimately of course, these conditions can be diagnosed. Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Feeding an iodine-limited diet (Hills Prescription Diet y/d) can resolve clinical signs and lower thyroid hormone concentration. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. "The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite.". For some cats, a veterinary therapeutic diet low in iodine may be all thats required to control symptoms. After administration of 131 Iodine, your cat is . Vet Rad & Ultrasound, 1994. We found out about the radioactive iodine treatment and after lots.of research decided this was the way to go. The treatment you and your vet choose depends on several factors including how severe the disease is, your cats health, and what works best for your family. Too cold? The anti-thyroid pill is methimazole, also known as Tapazole. Antithyroid medications are also available in a gel that can be applied to the skin. People may take RAI . They may develop periodic vomiting or diarrhea, and fur may appear unkempt. How to choose the right food for your cat. This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy. NRC Regulations Risks from hyperthyroidism. With this therapy, you take radioactive iodine (radioiodine) by mouth. What Treats Can I Give my Dog with CalciumOxalateStones? If the disease involves both lobes of the thyroid gland, two surgeries may be required, depending on the surgeon's choice of procedures. I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. How does airline travel expose me to radiation? Nearly all cats will be cured by a second treatment. More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here. 197(2): p. 125-136. What they are trying to prevent is the intake (ingestion, etc.) Weight gain after RAI is typical. All rights reserved. While the treatment is fairly expensive, over the long term it could be cheaper than medication and is on a par with surgical treatment. Hypothyroidism, is a condition resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormone. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. No ill effects have been noted in the children born to parents who received radioactive iodine in the past. Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. This means that in order for this diet to work, your cat must eat the therapeutic diet exclusively and cannot eat any treats or supplements that might contain iodine and allow the thyroid gland to continue to make thyroxine. JavaScript is disabled. Radioactive iodine is an effective and safe treatment option for children and teenagers with an overactive thyroid gland, but will usually be given as a second-line treatment after a reasonably long course of antithyroid medication. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. A large study found an increase in some cancer types in people who had radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism compared with the general population. AAFCO Doesnt Approve Pet Foods, A broken heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredients, Its Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy. However once the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism has been made, and no other illnesses are identified, the motivation to perform further diagnostics, especially those that require the need for anesthetics or are invasive may be lost. 122(6): p. 2444-61. This cat is showing weight loss and poor coat - typical signs of hyperthyroidism. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. Regardless of radiation exposure, the average overall lifetime risk of developing an invasive cancer is 37.5% for women and 44.9% for men. Giving him medication once or twice a day isn't an option, although if it's a medication that can be mixed in with his food, it's something you could discuss with the veterinary staff at the facility. 228(4): p. 559-63. Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. 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. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. One major risk associated with surgical thyroidectomy is inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands, which lie close to or within the thyroid gland and are crucial in maintaining stable blood calcium levels. . So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients. Methimazole blocks excess thyroid hormone production rather than destroying the abnormal thyroid tissue, so the medication must be given for the rest of the cat's life. Cats are homed in our spacious, purpose-built radioactive iodine unit and cared for by our dedicated team of radioiodine nurses. 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, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. Pediatrics, 1998. The typical cat with hyperthyroidism is middle-aged or older; the average age of affected cats is approximately 12 years. Treatment usually requires one or two weeks of hospitalization at a veterinary hospital licensed to administer radiation therapy. Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. 2. Elevated thyroid hormones stimulate an increased heart rate and a stronger contraction of the heart muscle, and can cause thickening of the left ventricle of the heart over time. As stated above, it may also be used for a few weeks to stabilize a cat at increased surgical risk because of cardiac complications. Surgery Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. The required dose of methimazole can change over time, so monitoring thyroid levels in treated animals is recommended every 3-6 months once their condition is stable. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. Upon discharge from PVESC (after an average of 4 to 7 days after treatment), treated cats will still be excreting radioiodine in their urine, saliva, and feces. Although this procedure is usually very effective, it is more expensive and requires the cat being . And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. Radioactive-iodine therapy is becoming increasingly popular when dealing with hyperthyroidism in cats. One of the reasons the cat was held for four days was to allow for much of the radioactive 131I to be excreted in urine so that the amount of external radiation exposure is significantly reduced. Hyperthyroidism in cats is a commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy with an overall prevalence of 2.4% in England which increases to 8.7% in cats aged 10 years or older. The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is approximately 12 years and about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. 2007 07/19/2011; Available from: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/. For the same reasons as surgical treatment, your cat will likely be started on methimazole for about a month before radioactive iodine therapy. There are several treatment options, and your veterinarian will determine the best choice for your cat.
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