Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Radioactive Iodine Therapy is considered the safest method of treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. You avoid the anesthetic risks of the surgical option and the potential side-effects of daily medication. The radioactive iodine only affects the malfunctioning thyroid tissues. Healthy thyroid tissues and other other organs are not affected. There are few potential side effects with this therapy. One to two percent of cats do experience a sore throat that typically lasts about a week. Some cats may experience voice changes. And, less than 2% of cats may possibly experience the loss of function of both thyroid glands, if both were affected. Those cats may require thyroid supplementation following the treatment.
Nearly all of the radioactive material administered will have left your cat's system or decayed by the time we are allowed to discharge her from the clinic. There is a very small amount of radioactive iodine still present in your cat and miniscule amounts may still be excreted in feces and urine. The amount of radioactivity does not create a significant risk to you or your family. It is recommended that children limit contact and pregnant women avoid contact with your cat for 21 days after discharge from the hospital. Your cat can have contact with other cats. If you call the clinic, we will be happy to provide you with a complete listing of the discharge instructions and recommendations from the state.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy is considered to be the "gold standard" for treating feline hyperthyroidism. It is the most effective and safest form of treatment. In 98-99% of cases, it is a one-time treatment and further thyroid tests and treatment are not routinely required. The cost of the treatment itself is $925.00. There are diagnostic tests that must be performed prior to treatment to determine if your cat is a good candidate for this course of treatment. Depending on your cat's age and physical condition, the fees for these tests run between $350 - $575 if performed at our hospital. This makes the total for this treatment between $1275.00 and $1500.00. You may elect to have some of the testing completed by your regular veterinarian. We will just need copies for our doctor to review and for your cat's medical record.
We have found that in the long run, it is a cost effective procedure as compared to surgical treatment or life-long medication management for feline hyperthyroidism.
Is Radioactive Iodine Therapy safe for my cat?
Will my cat be radioactive when she comes home?
Is it safe for my family to be around her?
Can my cat have his favorite stuffed animal to sleep with?
How much does this treatment cost?
You may bring a couple of your cat's toys, but please be aware that state regulations require that we dispose of them according to SC DHEC
regulations after your cat is
discharged. We are not allowed to return them to you and we
are not allowed to accept bedding of any kind.
