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INTERNAL MEDICINE > General Information > I-131
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I-131 Hyperthyroid Treatment
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces excessive hormones, which in turn adversely affect other systems of the body. In cats, this condition can produce a variety of symptoms, including weight loss, increased thirst and urination frequency, vomiting, changes in behavior, hair loss or decline in grooming, diarrhea, weakness, lethargy, rapid heart rate, heart murmurs, and/or elevated blood pressure. It is most common among middle aged cats, and if left untreated, can lead to fatal complications.
There are a variety of treatments available for feline hyperthyroidism, but the I-131 program utilizing radioactive iodine is considered the simplest, safest, and most effective course of treatment, where available. The cat receives an injection of radioactive iodine, which then collects in the thyroid gland and kills the hyperactive thyroid cells, without harming any other organs or tissues. Over the next few days, the radioactive material is naturally cleared from the body. Within 5-24 days, the cat can return home, and normal thyroid function typically returns within a month.
MVS offers radioactive iodine therapy for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. This cutting-edge treatment has a success rate approaching 95% without the risks and inconveniences associated with more traditional treatments. I-131 avoids the most common complications and side effects of traditional treatments, including:
- Anesthetic risk
- Life-threatening low blood calcium (hypocalcemia)
- Bone marrow suppression
- Toxicity to the liver
- Gastrointestinal upset
Potential candidates for radioactive iodine therapy require the diagnostic tests listed below prior to scheduling treatment. Exceptions may be made in certain cases at Dr. Sessions’ discretion. All potential I-131 treatment candidates are first seen as a routine appointment by Dr. Sessions and his staff to discuss the risks, benefits and costs of I-131 before scheduling the treatment. Consultation and I-131 treatment can be done on the same date only with a pre-examination consultation by Dr. Sessions with the patient's referring veterinarian.
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Full chemistry profile (including BUN, creatinine, ALT/ALP, calcium, phosphorous, total protein, and electrolytes)
- Urinalysis, or at minimum, a urine specific gravity measurement
- T4 (+/- free T4)
- Thoracic radiographs
Cats with significant cardiac murmurs or other abnormal findings on physical examination may require additional diagnostics, including systolic blood pressure measurement, echocardiogram, etc. Pre-treatment and post-treatment diagnostics are not included in the final cost of treatment. Typically, all of the tests listed above are performed by the patient’s referring veterinarian and brought with the patient for the initial consultation with Dr. Sessions. Alternatively, these results can be faxed or e-mailed to Dr. Sessions by the referring veterinarian for review prior to the scheduled consultation.
The cost of radioactive iodine therapy is approximately $985. The total cost includes standard (usually 3-4 days) hospitalization, treatment, patient monitoring, post-treatment litter kit and radioactive waste storage and decay. Extended hospitalizations, pre-treatment boarding or other treatments may incur additional costs. Approximately 2.5% of I-131 treated patients require a second treatment, and approximately 2.5% of patients develop post-treatment hypothyroidism that necessitates oral thyroid hormone supplementation.
Our staff will take great care to educate you about this therapy and all after-care requirements. We are fully licensed by the Tennessee State Department of Health to provide this therapy. If your veterinarian has diagnosed your cat with a hyperthyroid condition, please ask him if your pet is a good candidate for the I-131 program.
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