Has your cat experienced mysterious, significant weight loss recently? Has the weight loss been accompanied by a loss of hair? If so, you may want to find out if he suffers from hyperthyroidism.
With the advent of many improved medical treatments every day, the Angell Animal Medical Center is constantly striving to find new ways to care for and treat companion animals. New treatment options and improved technology allow Angell to consistently remain one of the leaders in veterinary care. One particular specialty service offered on site is the I-131 therapy program directed by Dr. Jean Duddy. I-131 is a radioactive iodine treatment for felines battling hyperthyroidism, a disease which causes irregular thyroid activity.
What is Feline Hyperthyroidism?
Feline hyperthyroidism is caused by spontaneous thyroid masses, most of which are benign (called adenoma), and some of which are malignant (called carcinoma). Fortunately, both conditions can be treated by radioiodine (I-131), yet the doses and results may differ depending on the condition of the animal. The goal in treating the disease is to attain normal thyroid hormone levels which lead to a normal, healthy weight. The overall success rate of this treatment is between 95-98%.
What are some symptoms of Feline Hyperthyroidism?
- Significant weight loss
- Normal to increased appetite
- Loss of normal hair coat
- Irritability and/or restlessness
How Does I-131 Work?
This treatment is radioactive, so once injected into the body it is absorbed by the thyroid gland. Once the abnormal thyroid tissue is destroyed by the radioiodine, the remaining tissue will once again perform normally.
Will the Radiation Hurt the Normal Thyroid Tissue?
The normal tissue is relatively “protected” from the radiation because most of the hyper functional (abnormal) tissue takes in the radioiodine.
How Long Will the Treatment and Recovery Take?
Hospitalization varies from six days to about two weeks. Initially, there needs to be a thyroid scan taken to determine the proper dosage of I-131. Then, there is only a single injection. However, once injected, the cat cannot be released any earlier than three days after treatment under any circumstances due to radiation safety concerns.
What Makes Angell’s I-131 Program Unique?
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We are the only thyroid treatment program that scans cats first. Some hyperthyroid cats don’t need to be treated because they do not have thyroid tumors, despite the T4 level being elevated. The scan identifies these cats and negates the need for treatment with I-131.
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Our program has a vet on the premises 24 hours a day.
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We are the only facility that handles cats with major medical issues that could complicate I-131 treatment of hyperthyroidism.
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Our license permits release after three days, but we also provide boarding for clients who do not want the responsibility of the radiation issues and handling concerns at home.
Whether your patient needs a thyroid scan for diagnosis, surgical evaluation or pre-radioactive iodine treatment, we look forward to partnering with you to provide this service. If you have any questions regarding Angell’s I-131 program, please email Dr. Duddy at jduddy@angell.org.
To schedule an appointment, or for further information please call the communication center at 617-522-7282.
Shortcut to this page: www.angell.org/i131
