Gained over three pounds! As for your dose, my primary concernespecially if you were allowing the cat to have direct, prolonged contact within the first week of releasewould be the potentially contaminated materials that could result in your intake of radioactive 131I. Radioactive-iodine therapy is becoming increasingly popular when dealing with hyperthyroidism in cats. 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. The overwhelming majority of cats (>95%) are cured by a single therapy with only a small percentage of cats requiring additional radioiodine therapy (4%) or becoming persistently hypothyroid (1%). Thus, individuals who opt for . A small number of cats will remain hyperthyroid after treatment, if this is the case your cat will need . Number of cases per 100,000 persons exposed to a single dose of 0.1 Gy. Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine. The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. Hypertension develops due to the increased pumping pressure and elevated heart rate that occurs with hyperthyroidism. . Because the radioactive iodine used (known as iodine 131) may expose those around you to the effects of radiation (and theoretically negatively affect their thyroid glands), you will be given guidelines on how to prevent such exposure. 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. Purraise. Ultrasound of the heart (called echocardiography) may be recommended based on your cat's condition, especially if there is any concern about cardiomyopathy. Some rare cases of hyperthyroid disease are caused by malignant tumors known as thyroid adenocarcinomas. The cats heart rate and blood pressure may also be checked. In cats > 95% of the radioiodine is excreted in the urine. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. . However, since wild-caught flaked Alaskan salmon is the first ingredient, it provides a lot of moisture. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . When this occurs, a second test, usually afree T4 by equilibrium dialysis (FT4 by ED)or aT3 suppression test,is performed. Treatment usually requires one or two weeks of hospitalization at a veterinary hospital licensed to administer radiation therapy. Risks unrelated to radioiodine therapy: Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. Many organs are affected by hyperthyroidism, especially the heart. What are the risks of my cat becoming hypothyroid? Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. But those instruments are quite expensive and are not readily available in stores. . There are currently no known preventive measures for hyperthyroidism, but early diagnosis decreases the secondary problems and improves the prognosis. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! It has to do with how important your thyroid is in regulating your metabolism and your weight. Diagnosis of feline hyperthyroidism is generally straightforward. The risk to these cats is the simple fact that many cats in the age range when cats develop hyperthyroidism (8+ years) also develop other diseases. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island, Cornell Veterinary Experts Address Feline Nutrition. In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients. 15(1): p. 47-51. Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. So excited we decided to go this route and cure her instead of just treating with daily medication. Site Help | In an effort to put some weight back on him we are still feeding him turkey and gravy baby food in the morning to supplement the dry food. Your doctor will order a test called a radioactive iodine uptake and scan to determine the dose you will need. These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. All rights reserved. 1. 2004. It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. 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. Consider Hyperthyroid Treatment . This usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid, which will cure hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. 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 goal of hyperthyroidism treatment is to lower the levels of thyroid hormones in the body. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. The radioactive iodine damages these cells and causes your thyroid to shrink and thyroid hormone levels to go down over a few weeks. Only certain facilities perform this procedure, which consists of giving your cat a shot of radioactive iodine, which gets rid of abnormal thyroid cells without harming normal ones. However, it may not be the best treatment for your particular cat. The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment. The iodine is taken into the thyroid gland and incorporated into thyroxine. As youre on this website right now, we can assume that you love pets and likely have a special dog or cat (or many) in your life. It is acceptable to feed your feline products containing at least 30% protein and less than 15% carbohydrates. Your veterinarian's instructions regarding separation for the two weeks are simply doing the same thing we do with people. Most of the extra radioactive iodine is eliminated in your urine. Chance of significant, unhealthy weight gain is increased. How long can a cat live after radioactive iodine treatment? Already have a myVCA account? Even after treatment it may take a long time to reverse weight loss and muscle loss that occurred before your cat's diagnosis. At 1 and 3 months after the treatment, a blood test for thyroid and kidney function should be done by your veterinarian. They do not take into consideration individual risk factors including lifestyle (smoking, diet, exercise, etc. 5. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. Unfortunately, 131I has a rather high-energy gamma emission that is difficult to shield. In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. Hyperthyroidismis characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. The principle advantage of Radioactive Iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is that it tends to have a much higher success rate than medications. There are four treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism: medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary therapy. What is not taken up by the thyroid will be present in the cat's bodily fluids and will primarily be voided in the cat's urine (in those first four days at the vet hospital). 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. The radioactivity carries no significant risk for the cat, but precautionary protective measures are required for people who come into close contact with the cat. NRC Regulations If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. Determination of Release Criteria for I-131 Therapy Cats in Conference Proceedings American College of Veterinary Radiology. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. Nera just had her 3 month checkup and her T4 level is down to 2.3! You may feel a lump on your cat's throat under his jaw. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. 101(4 Pt 1): p. 717-9. Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, it's important to monitor your cat's weight and muscle mass. Most cats with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, but a small percentage of cats with hyperthyroidism have T4 levels within the normal range. More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here. 1 Radioactive iodine (RAI)] is generally considered the optimal treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. Since hyperthyroidism can predispose a cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate general health, with particular focus on the heart and kidneys. 2 The goal of RAI treatment is to restore euthyroidism while avoiding the development of hypothyroidism. For the same reasons as surgical treatment, your cat will likely be started on methimazole for about a month before radioactive iodine therapy. It is also common for hyperthyroid cats to exhibit increased vocalizing, particularly at night. . In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Unfortunately these cats may continue to deteriorate and may even die from their other non-thyroid diseases. Cats afflicted with hyperthyroidism usually develop a variety of signs that may be subtle at first but that become more severe as the disease progresses. 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. Since you'll have to leave your cat at the facility for several days or more, it's not a question of dropping him off at a distant veterinary hospital and then picking him up the next day. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. The routine stay in our radioactive iodine unit is currently 12 days. Lifelong treatment, usually involving twice-daily oral dosage, will be required, and for some owners and cats, this dosage schedule may be difficult to maintain. Interestingly, when higher doses are given, like those received by the patient treated for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, then the injury to the cells is terminal and hence the cells do not survive to go on to become malignant. Therefore if you adhere to the release instructions we provide you with (copies provided on admission and again at discharge), you should be assured of getting less than 1 mSv exposure from interacting with your cat. About 25% of cats with hyperthyroidism become hypertensive. An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Occasionally cats will act like they may have a sore throat for a couple of days after the radioiodine therapy. With your cat's diseased thyroid, after methimazole treatment failed, large doses of iodine might have proven effective. RAI is a form of radioactive nuclear medication that permanently destroys thyroid tissue. 1 INTRODUCTION. 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?). One to two weeks after surgery, another TT4 level is measured. Hyperthyroidism is too much thyroid hormone that causes weight loss so kitty should gain some weight back to a normal amount after treatment. As for equipment for tracking radioactive contamination, there really is no readily available "home-testing" equipment. Weight change was analyzed in only 228 patients and 84% gained weight by 1 year after radioactive iodine therapy. Thyroidectomy (largely replaced by radioactive iodine . DNA can also be damaged directly by radiation. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to our hyperthyroid cats. Some cats develop side effects from methimazole, such as vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, fever, liver damage, anemia, and a decrease in white blood cells. During that time, the ravenous appetite should subside, your cat will probably gain weight, and her blood pressure and heart rate should normalize. Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? Although it has a slightly higher iodine content than the previous option, Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon is the best value for money. The Disadvantages of Radioiodine Therapy Treatment for Cats, American Veterinary Medical Imaging: Feline Hyperthyroidism, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Radioactive Iodine Treatment of Hyperthyroid Cats, Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine: Hyperthyroidism in the Cat, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Miles K.G., Simpson S.A., Zimmerman R.B., et al. 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). The total effective dose equivalent to individual members of the public from the licensed operation does not exceed 1 mSv in a year, exclusive of the dose contributions from background radiation, from any administration the individual has received, from exposure to individuals administered radioactive material. If hypertension is diagnosed along with hyperthyroidism, drugs may be needed to control the blood pressure and reduce the risk of damaging other organs. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a treatment method for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy may develop because the heart enlarges and thickens to meet the increased metabolic demands. The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. By The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite. Whats the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes NHS. It is important to remember that old age is not a disease. Radioactive iodine therapy is curative within three months of therapy in approximately 95 percent of all hyperthyroid cases. Clinical signs include lethargy, dullness, obesity, oily skin, and matted fur. Most cats with uncomplicated hyperthyroidism will live several years following treatment of hyperthyroidism, unless they develop another disease. Prominent in the regulations established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for radioactive materials users are guidelines that limit exposure to radiation workers, and members of the general public. When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. Medications for hyperthyroidism in cats are prescribed on a case by case basis. 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. Since platelets are essential for blood clotting, thrombocytopenia may lead to problems with excessive bleeding. The treatment lowers or eliminates hormone production and may decrease the size of the goiter. Out little Nera was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 4-5 months ago. Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. Due to the damaging effects of hyperthyroid-induced hypertension on your cats kidneys, blood kidney values must be reassessed once the thyroxine level has normalized, even if they were normal on initial blood tests. 20.1301 Dose limits for individual members of the public. 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. Oftentimes it takes decades for cancer to be detected following radiation exposure. The anti-thyroid pill is methimazole, also known as Tapazole. If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes: 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. A standard Chest x-ray is 0.1 mSv. An important take-away message about your newly-diagnosed hyperthyroid cat is that there is a wide range of treatment options, so you can likely find something that works for your family. Cats also sweat through their paws and the sweat will have trace amounts of radioactive iodine. Annual blood and urine tests are important in all cats seven years and older to detect hyperthyroidism before potentially irreversible damage occurs. 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 . My pet has kidney disease what kind of diet should I feed. Clients owning hyperthyroid cats undergoing radioiodine therapy are always considered members of the general public. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. Facilities that use radioactive materials like I-131 must have radioactive materials licenses. Subscribe to always know when we add new material! In the US, the average person is exposed to an additional 3.0 mSv/yr from medical sources (predominantly CT scans). under the skin, like a vaccine) and the radioactive iodine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. 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. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats. Most hyperthyroid cats respond fully to a single injection with radio-iodine. 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. J Vet Intern Med, 2001. Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. Surgical patients may become hyperthyroid again if abnormal cells are missed during surgery or if new abnormal cells develop. Not all veterinary facilities perform the procedure. 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. You may also be advised to suck on sour candy after treatment to help the radioactive iodine come out in your saliva. Some places realize that the stress of being away from home for so long is not good for older cats. It does, however, involve the handling and injection of a radioactive substance that is only permitted at facilities specially licensed to use radioisotopes. At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. 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. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. Also called thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones (known as T3 and T4) from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cats neck. A treated cat has to remain hospitalized until its radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. She gained and ate a lot and we were more than happy. 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. Category: Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues Questions Concerning Domestic Animals. Although this procedure is usually very effective, it is more expensive and requires the cat being . Researchers estimated a 12% increased risk for death from breast cancer and a 5% increased risk for death from . Surgical removal of the gland under general anesthetic was another option. How to choose the right food for your cat. 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. But there are clear reasons for the precautions that the veterinarian has given you and I also recommend that you follow them. Depending on the dose, radioactive iodine can kill a portion, or all, of your thyroid. Of course, some people receive no radiation and others much, much more. Follow up blood work is essential to ensure kitty does not become hypothyroid which is too little thyroid. There are fundamental differences between a continuous dose over a year (background radiation) and a dose that occurs over a few seconds like in CT, but these are helpful comparisons. Hays M.T., Broome M.R. Because each cat is different, your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment for your cat. Risks from other illness. Let's tackle the external exposure first as it is the simplest concept. Luckily these risks will diminish in time following successful radioiodine therapy and a return to a persistently normal thyroid level. Set up your myVCA account today. Radioactive iodine therapy. Dr. Freeman has received research or residency funding from, given sponsored lectures for, or provided professional services for Aratana Therapeutics, Elanco, Guiding Stars Licencing Co LLC, Hills Pet Nutrition, Nestl Purina PetCare, P&G Petcare (now Mars), and Royal Canin. . Occasionally, a cat suspected of having hyperthyroidism has a TT4 level within the upper range of normal. 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. Signs of anxiety in a cat including pacing, yowling for no apparent reason, and restlessness are a common symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. It requires two round-trips for you. and Turrel J.M., A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. Also, you might get some good ideas about what to feed him on Dr. Lisa Pierson's web site. What are other nutritional concerns for my hyperthyroid cat? In cases where radioactive iodine therapy is not successful, the treatment can be repeated. Once his radiation levels come down and you can bring him home, you still have to keep him away from young children and pregnant women, as he'll pass small amounts of radioactive iodine through his urine for approximately two weeks. Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues Questions Concerning Domestic Animals. Treatment for hypothyroidism in cats is . For the first two weeks after I-131: Keep your cat indoors or supervised when outside to prevent contact with other people. However, these options tend to be expensive and not possible for all pet owners. When a radioactive form of iodine is given to hyperthyroid cats, the radiation destroys a portion of the thyroid gland. You should talk with your veterinarian about what diets may be best for him in this case. Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. When choosing the best therapy for an individual cat, many factors must be considered. The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. 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. The veterinarian's recommendations are to isolate my cat for at least two weeks. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle wasting, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, unkempt appearance, and sometimes hyperactivity. Exposure to high levels of dietary iodine may cause susceptible cats to develop hyperthyroidism. Dr. Deborah Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, is the head of the Tufts Obesity Clinic for Animals and has had articles appear in Eating Well, the Boston Globe, AARP, SHAPE, and XM Sirius Radio Doctor Channel. Slater M.R., Komkov A., Robinson L.E., et al., Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. The advantage of surgery is that it is likely to produce a long-term or permanent cure in most cats, and therefore eliminates the need for long-term medication. In the hospital (or veterinary hospitals) we would use a Geiger counter with a thin-window probe to find the radioactive contamination. The study followed people for 26 years after two or more treatments. The average US total radiation exposure (all sources) is 6.2 mSv/yr which is an increase from 20 years ago (3.6 mSv/year) when CT scans were much less common. The normal thyroid cells will therefore not take up any radioactive iodine. Treatment usually includes an adjustment to your cat's diet, medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery.
