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. Therefore, by using the veterinary therapeutic diet that is currently available and restricted in iodine (the only source the body has of iodine) this will prevent the thyroid from making thyroid hormone. 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 radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. If both thyroid glands require removal, there is a risk of developing hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) after surgery. No individual breed is known to have a greater risk, although Siamese, Burmese, Persian, Abyssinian, Tonkinese, and British shorthair breeds appear to have a somewhat decreased incidence of hyperthyroidism compared to other breeds. Mean baseline age was 12.7 3.0 years and mean baseline BMI SDS was 0.003 1.18 kg/m 2. Cats havetwo thyroid glands in the neck that are vital in regulating the body's metabolic rate. This isnotan iodine-free diet but a diet with a controlled iodine content of 0.2ppma minimal amount. Prior to the onset of symptoms he was eating a high quality dry cat food but when he started losing weight and begging for food we were told we could . Of 135 patients with documented pubertal status . Radioactive iodine (I-131) is a very safe and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism. 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. It is important to remember that old age is not a disease. Hays M.T., Broome M.R. Hyperthyroidism & Liver Function in Cats, Intervals of Depo-Medrol Injections for Cats. 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. The risks associated with low level ingestion of radioactive iodine relate to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. Depending on the dose, radioactive iodine can kill a portion, or all, of your thyroid. Overall, weight gain was associated with development of hypothyroidism despite levothyroxine replacement . As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. What this means is that occasionally we invest clients economic and perhaps more importantly, emotional resources in treating and resolving hyperthyroidism is cats with other, currently unknown diseases. After initial stabilisation with oral medications, a number of curative treatments are also available. About TheCatSite.com. When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. Site Help | Risks from hyperthyroidism. Purraise. Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. Because each cat is different, your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment for your cat. He's radioactive, so it's not safe even for humans wearing protective clothing to spend too much time around him. Nearly all cats will be cured by a second treatment. Affected cats produce too much thyroid hormone. You may feel a lump on your cat's throat under his jaw. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. Once your cat's radiation levels have declined below the maximum allowed by federal and state law prior to being released from the hospital (usually 1-5 days), your cat is able to return home. Ultrasound of the heart (called echocardiography) may be recommended based on your cat's condition, especially if there is any concern about cardiomyopathy. This may be particularly useful in cats with medical conditions that make other treatment options impossible. Remember that theNRC regulationsrequire that release criteria and discharge instructions provided to owners of hyperthyroid cats prevent exposures of more than 1 mSv. Although the cause of feline hyperthyroidism is not known, possible contributing factors include deficiencies or excesses of certain compounds in the diet and chronic exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals in food or the environment. 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%). 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. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma. Since fewer than 2% of cats with hyperthyroidism have cancerous growths of the thyroid gland, treatment is usually very successful. Their hyperthyroidism won't come back, and they don't need ongoing medication. Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. The slow onset of signs means that cat owners will often miss these changes until the late stages of disease. Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before . 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. Scaly skin. Radioactive-iodine therapy is becoming increasingly popular when dealing with hyperthyroidism in cats. Because the thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones, the thyroid takes the radioiodine into the thyroid cells and the radiation destroys the overactive thyroid cells over time. There are several treatment options, and your veterinarian will determine the best choice for your cat. Iodine-131, Hyperthyroidism, and Radioactive Iodine Therapy Iodine-131 (I-131) is a radioisotope of iodine with a physical half-life of 8.02 days; its primary decay emissions include a 606 keV - particle with 89.6% abundance and a 364 keV -ray with 81.5% abundance (Knolls Atomic Power Lab 2010). As for equipment for tracking radioactive contamination, there really is no readily available "home-testing" equipment. Many organs are affected by hyperthyroidism, especially the heart. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. Hyperthyroidismis characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. In the US, the average person is exposed to an additional 3.0 mSv/yr from medical sources (predominantly CT scans). Environmental risk factors have been investigated and may predispose some cats to hyperthyroidism, although the specific mechanisms are unknown.
There are currently no known preventive measures for hyperthyroidism, but early diagnosis decreases the secondary problems and improves the prognosis. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". What may work for one cat may not work for another. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. What about radioactive iodine treatment for children and teenagers? This lowers the amount of radiation exposure to your bladder. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. This single treatment will cure 95-98% of cats. If thyroid disease is a possibility, your veterinarian will likely order a blood chemistry panel and an analysis of thyroid hormone levels. 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 . But there are clear reasons for the precautions that the veterinarian has given you and I also recommend that you follow them. Secondary Problems The thyroid cells are damaged or destroyed, but that's the whole idea other cells are left untouched. The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is approximately 12 years and about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. Currently, there's only one FDA approved medication to treat feline hyperthyroidism called methimazole. The brand name of methimazole is called Felimazole. The dosage may vary but typically a cat is given this oral medication twice a day, every 12 hours. . Several complications of hyperthyroidism can be significant, includinghypertension(high blood pressure) and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy may develop because the heart enlarges and thickens to meet the increased metabolic demands. Risks unrelated to radioiodine therapy: Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. The majority of cancers occur later in life and the average lifetime risk of dying from cancer is 25%. I am certain that your veterinarian probably told you to take care when handling the litter and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling litter, the cat, and items that the cat came into contact with. Of course some cats treated with radioiodine for their hyperthyroidism will go on to get cancer, but in the same proportion as hyperthyroid cats treated with methimazole or surgery. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. A small number of cats will remain hyperthyroid after treatment, if this is the case your cat will need . What is taken up by the thyroid will be released slowly over the next days/weeks to the other bodily fluids which is why they have the precautions that you describe. Because of the important role the thyroid gland plays in the body, some cats with hyperthyroidism develop secondary problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. . Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10. A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. Cats can receive a second treatment, if necessary. Surgery. Radioactive iodine targets the thyroid tissue - as this is the only tissue in the body that uses significant quantities of iodine. If we restrict iodine, production of thyroxine decreases. Whats the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes NHS. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. One to two weeks after surgery, another TT4 level is measured. Risks from other illness. Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, its important to monitor your cats weight and muscle mass. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. Research into this potential treatment option is ongoing. Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. 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. J Vet Intern Med, 2001. She gained and ate a lot and we were more than happy. If radioactive iodine therapy won't work for you and your cat, alternatives are available. The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: What testing equipment and protective clothing do you recommend for a nontechnical person who will be giving home care to an 18-year-old blind cat after he has spent four days recovering in the animal hospital from 131I treatment? Affected cats are often restless and may become cranky or aggressive. Side effects may include fluid retention, weight gain, elevated . 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. If the disease involves both lobes of the thyroid gland, two surgeries may be required, depending on the surgeon's choice of procedures. It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. Clinical Signs The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. 1. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. The treatment you and your vet choose depends on several factors including how severe the disease is, your cats health, and what works best for your family. Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to our hyperthyroid cats. These medications do not provide a cure for the disease, but they do allow either short-term or long-term control of hyperthyroidism. 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. 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. Treatment usually requires one or two weeks of hospitalization at a veterinary hospital licensed to administer radiation therapy. 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. Thyroid scintigraphy may also be recommended to confirm a diagnosis and determine the size of the organ before surgery or radioactive iodine. GFR results are used to determine the functional status of the kidneys, and identify cats with subclinical renal disease. Cats managed with diet or medication generally do well as long as their feeding is consistent, their medication is administered routinely, and follow-up blood and diagnostic tests are performed as scheduled. For comparison, the dose for a standard Chest CT is 7 mSv. A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. (At my facility we treat people but many of the concepts are the same, it is just that patient compliance is easier to obtain with people.) Certain studies suggest that in some hyperthyroid cats, limiting the amount of iodine in the diet may be a viable option for treating this disease. Protein and Carbohydrate Sources of Home-cooked Pet Diets, Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy: The cause is not yet known but it hasnt gone away, Too hot? Treatment It is also common for some cats to hide under the bed for a day or so after returning home as they de-stress following their out of home experience. 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. Get exceptional Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Feline Hyperthyroidism services from highly experienced & loving pet care professionals in Downers Grove, IL. It is acceptable to feed your feline products containing at least 30% protein and less than 15% carbohydrates. Subpart D-Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public 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. 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. Thyroidectomy (largely replaced by radioactive iodine . Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Your cat will not experience nausea, hair loss, lethargy, or decreased appetite as a result of the procedure. 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. Radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice, however, because it destroys abnormal thyroid tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue, providing a more permanent form of treatment. It is used less commonly in younger children. The injection has no direct side effects. 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. 8. I'll be honest, the last thing I (or my vet) worried about with Sara was gaining weight. . How does airline travel expose me to radiation? Radioactive iodine is an effective and safe treatment option for children and teenagers with an overactive thyroid gland, but will usually be given as a second-line treatment after a reasonably long course of antithyroid medication. We fed him some Fancy Feast again last night and he ate it all without vomiting. 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. Hopefully this answers your questions and good luck with your cat. It is given one to three times daily and must be continued for the remainder of the pet's life. . In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Hence people who's hyperthyroid cats are treated with radioiodine would be expected to have a potentially increased risk of developing cancer over the remainder of their lifetime as the result of that exposure of no more than 1/100th of 1 percent. Of 247 patients receiving RAI for GD, 157 (79.6% female) had complete data and were included in the analysis. Let's tackle the external exposure first as it is the simplest concept. When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. During that time, the ravenous appetite should subside, your cat will probably gain weight, and her blood pressure and heart rate should normalize. In some cases, a decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) may also occur. When choosing the best therapy for an individual cat, many factors must be considered. They will then need to take a thyroid supplement.
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