228(4): p. 559-63. However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. 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. Both cardiomyopathy and hypertension are potentially reversible with appropriate treatment of the disease. 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. If we restrict iodine, production of thyroxine decreases. Methimazole for Cats & Vomiting | Pets - The Nest Depending on the dose of radioactive iodine chosen, and the disease under treatment (Grave's vs toxic goitre, vs hot nodule etc), success rate in achieving definitive resolution of the hyperthyroidism . Older cats are at greater risk for developing hyperthyroidism. 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. For example, some families cant medicate cats every day, so a more permanent solution such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgery may be best. The delivery of iodine is targeted to the overactive thyroid gland(s), the cat does not experience any radiation side effects at the normal therapy doses used to treat hyperthyroidism. What may work for one cat may not work for another. The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment. Hypothyroidism, is a condition resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormone. The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. Scaly skin. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. 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. I'll be honest, the last thing I (or my vet) worried about with Sara was gaining weight. MyThyroid.com: Radioactive Iodine The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. This cat is showing weight loss and poor coat - typical signs of hyperthyroidism. Treatment failure in hyperthyroid cats after radioiodine (I131 What is happening in this procedure is that a portion of the radioactive iodine is being taken up by the cat's thyroid to treat its condition (hyperthyroidism, I assume?). There are two types of radiation exposure that your vet is trying to minimizeexternal exposure from the radioactive material within the cat's body, and the radioactive materials in the cat's urine and other bodily fluids released by the cat that you may come into contact with and may end up being ingested or absorbed by you accidentally. What happens after my cat is released from the hospital? An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats because of an excess of circulating thyroid hormone, called thyroxine. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for the bodys metabolism. Another significant risk for hyperthyroid cats is not actually related to their thyroid disease. Gradual weight gain and return to healthy body condition are expected. Committee on Environmental Health. DNA can also be damaged directly by radiation. 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. A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed. All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. If radioactive iodine therapy won't work for you and your cat, alternatives are available. Hopefully this answers your questions and good luck with your cat. But this generally resolves without intervention. Slater M.R., Geller S. and Rogers K., Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism. A treated cat has to remain hospitalized until its radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. The cell repairs itself perfectly (most common result). In most cases, only enough radioiodine is given to destroy that part of the gland that is functioning . Putting on weight after thyroid radiation treatment | TheCatSite The principle advantage of Radioactive Iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is that it tends to have a much higher success rate than medications. 4. Set up your myVCA account today. If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes: Ultimately of course, these conditions can be diagnosed. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. 1. Hypertension develops due to the increased pumping pressure and elevated heart rate that occurs with hyperthyroidism. Environmental risk factors have been investigated and may predispose some cats to hyperthyroidism, although the specific mechanisms are unknown. While the treatment is fairly expensive, over the long term it could be cheaper than medication and is on a par with surgical treatment. Will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment? 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. It does, however, involve the handling and injection of a radioactive substance that is only permitted at facilities specially licensed to use radioisotopes. Change in BMI after radioactive iodine ablation for graves disease Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism (I-131). Studies show that weight gain is inevitable after radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism. 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. A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients. Aim: Analysis and follow up of body weight after radioiodine therapy (RITh) of hyperthyroidism, since excessive weight gain is a common complaint among these patients. 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). Risks from hyperthyroidism. Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. Feline I-131 Therapy | Iowa State University Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. The outcomes following most hyperthyroid therapies are usually excellent, and most cats have a very good chance of returning to a normal state of health. Because of these rare but serious side effect risks, your cat will need to be closely monitored by having simple blood tests performed every three to six months when using this medication. Dietary Therapy The estimates of risk currently used are extrapolated from patients that have received much higher doses (e.g., atomic bomb survivors) using the linear, no-threshold model of radiation exposure risk. Surgical patients may become hyperthyroid again if abnormal cells are missed during surgery or if new abnormal cells develop. The dose of radiation used during radioactive iodine treatment is very low, but there are some precautions you'll need to take after treatment: avoid prolonged close contact with children and pregnant women for a few days or weeks women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 6 months men should not father a child for at least 4 months Diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism is generally straightforward. Reduce the time near a source, increase the distance from the source, or use some sort of radiation absorbing shielding between you and the source of radiation and you will reduce your radiation dose. This surgery requires general anesthesia, however, and there might be added risks if older cats have heart, kidney, or other problems that could cause complications. When it comes to survival, the studies that have been done show that cats cured of their thyroid disease by radioactive iodine live much longer (up to twice as long) when compared to hyperthyroid cats treated by methimazole. and Turrel J.M., A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. It has to do with how important your thyroid is in regulating your metabolism and your weight. Clinical Signs If surgery is the chosen treatment method, the anti-thyroid medication methimazole (Tapazole, Felimazole) may be prescribed for several weeks before the operation. Can I be around my pets after radioactive iodine treatment? The dose of radioactive iodine is taken orally. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. Occasionally cats will act like they may have a sore throat for a couple of days after the radioiodine therapy. radioactive iodine All three treatments will reduce thyroid hormone levels and the signs of hyperthyroidism. As in the case of heart disease, after the hyperthyroidism has been successfully treated, high blood pressure will often resolve, and permanent treatment for it may not be required. Want to read more information on feeding your pet? These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. 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. For some cats, a veterinary therapeutic diet low in iodine may be all thats required to control symptoms. The thyroid cells are damaged or destroyed, but that's the whole idea other cells are left untouched. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. . Hyperthyroid cats are also at risk for complications related to the hypertension that frequently accompanies hyperthyroidism. This means that our radioactive materials license requires our practice ensure that our clients receive less than 1 mSv of radiation exposure as the result of our treatment of their hyperthyroid cat with radioiodine. Radioactive iodine is a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. Diet and Weight Loss Tips for Thyroid Patients - Verywell Health Laura Porter / Verywell 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. 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. Design and methods: Five hundred and four patients over 40 years of age with diffuse toxic goiter were treated with MMI for 18 months. In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. The advantages of medication are that the drugs are readily available and relatively inexpensive. They may develop periodic vomiting or diarrhea, and fur may appear unkempt. In some of these cats, blood pressure can become so high that retinal bleeding or retinal detachment will occur, resulting in sudden blindness. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. Depending on the dose, radioactive iodine can kill a portion, or all, of your thyroid.