The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment.
If surgery is the chosen treatment method, the anti-thyroid medication methimazole (Tapazole, Felimazole) may be prescribed for several weeks before the operation. There are currently no known preventive measures for hyperthyroidism, but early diagnosis decreases the secondary problems and improves the prognosis. If you suspect your cat might be experiencing some of these symptoms, the next step is visiting your veterinarian for a blood test to check your cats thyroid hormone levels. Whats the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes NHS. What happens after radioactive iodine treatment for cats? In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. You may gain weight after you undergo radioactive iodine treatment. Affected cats produce too much thyroid hormone. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. The clinical significance of weight gain from the time of diagnosis of hyperthyroidism to 2 years after radioactive iodine therapy is unclear. A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. Iodine is an element normally taken up in large amounts by the thyroid gland, even more so in cats that are hyperthyroid. Your doctor will order a test called a radioactive iodine uptake and scan to determine the dose you will need. Thus, individuals who opt for . Weight gain after RAI is typical. 15(1): p. 47-51. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. Radioactive iodine is a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. However, these options tend to be expensive and not possible for all pet owners. Usually this means that the cat will need to be hospitalized for between three and five days after treatment. Weight gain was similar for patients who received antithyroid drugs or radioiodine treatment but was significantly greater for patients who had been treated with thyroidectomy (5 kg vs 10 kg; P = 0.007). A single injection is given subcutaneously (i.e. 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. How does the risk from medical radiation compare to background radiation exposure? The effectiveness of this transdermal gel is acceptable in most cases. Dry, dull coat. Why isn't there a study directly linking medical imaging and cancer? One of the reasons the cat was held for four days was to allow for much of the radioactive 131I to be excreted in urine so that the amount of external radiation exposure is significantly reduced. The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy. Cats also sweat through their paws and the sweat will have trace amounts of radioactive iodine. Special attention should be given to the thyroid glands to look for evidence of enlargement and the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. 35(3): p. 204-209. 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. Cats havetwo thyroid glands in the neck that are vital in regulating the body's metabolic rate. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". If the nearest facility is far away, there's the stress or travel for both you and Fluffy, as well as possible hotel and other travel expenses. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis. Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? All rights reserved. Methods: Therapy and body weight related data of 100 consecutive RITh-patients were retrospectively analysed from the time before up to three years after RITh. Lack of appetite. Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations Too cold? Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a treatment method for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Part 20, Standards for protection against radiation Did she have stage 1 prior to treatment for hyperthyroidism or did the stage 1 unmask after treatment started and then jump to stage 4? That was part of the problem we had before treatment. After administration of 131 Iodine, your cat is . Category: Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues Questions Concerning Domestic Animals. 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. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. 5. The delivery of iodine is targeted to the overactive thyroid gland(s), the cat does not experience any radiation side effects at the normal therapy doses used to treat hyperthyroidism. (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.) Surgical removal of the gland under general anesthetic was another option. For this prescription diet to work, it must be the only food fed, which means no cheating with treats. Cats receive a single dose of radioactive iodine by either subcutaneous injection or by a capsule given by mouth. 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. Radioactive Iodine Therapy Hays M.T., Broome M.R. Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite. We found out about the radioactive iodine treatment and after lots.of research decided this was the way to go. Slater M.R., Geller S. and Rogers K., Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. 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. Surgery However, your cat will still have a low amount of radiation in his or her body. 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. . The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. If you know that your cat has hyperthyroidism, you probably have already seen your vet in order to have this disease properly treated. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. 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. 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. . Do not allow your cat to sleep against your body. 4. It will take about a month for thyroid levels to return to normal in most cats. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. As a cat owner, I completely understand your desire to get your cat back to his normal routine as soon as possible. AAFCO Doesnt Approve Pet Foods, A broken heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredients, Its Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy. These tests are needed to evaluate your cats overall health and predict the likelihood of complications with the chosen treatment protocol. Affected cats are often restless and may become cranky or aggressive. 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. After treatment, the normal thyroid tissue will regain full function within 1-3 months. 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. And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. Your cat may be hospitalized for one to two nights following surgery and should begin to eat and behave normally after returning home. If both thyroid glands require removal, there is a risk of developing hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) after surgery. Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before . 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. Many organs are affected by hyperthyroidism, especially the heart. Radioactive-iodine therapy is becoming increasingly popular when dealing with hyperthyroidism in cats. Subpart D-Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public 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. Annual blood and urine tests are important in all cats seven years and older to detect hyperthyroidism before potentially irreversible damage occurs. 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. Let's tackle the external exposure first as it is the simplest concept. The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. It is important to remember that old age is not a disease. While I do not know the amount of radioactive 131I that was administered to your cat, the recommendations that your veterinarian has given you are very standard for the industry. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Purraise. Determination of Release Criteria for I-131 Therapy Cats in Conference Proceedings American College of Veterinary Radiology. 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. They do not take into consideration individual risk factors including lifestyle (smoking, diet, exercise, etc. There are virtually no side effects, and there is no pain associated with 131I treatment. It is also common for hyperthyroid cats to exhibit increased vocalizing, particularly at night. To convert these to traditional units we have prepared a. Weight seemed to stabilize in the long-term setting, with minimal increases between 8 and 12 months and at 24 months after radioactive iodine treatment. 122(6): p. 2444-61. The dose of radiation used during radioactive iodine treatment is very low, but there are some precautions you'll need to take after treatment: avoid prolonged close contact with children and pregnant women for a few days or weeks women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 6 months men should not father a child for at least 4 months The radioiodine (I-131) used to treat thyroid disease in people and animals emits both gamma rays and beta particles. Risks unrelated to radioiodine therapy: Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. Thank you! Depending on the dose, radioactive iodine can kill a portion, or all, of your thyroid. Dietary Therapy Hypocalcemia can be life-threatening and may require either short-term or long-term medication postoperatively should it occur. At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. Your veterinarian's instructions regarding separation for the two weeks are simply doing the same thing we do with people. I'll be honest, the last thing I (or my vet) worried about with Sara was gaining weight. Why? The iodine is taken into the thyroid gland and incorporated into thyroxine. hypothyroidism was only treated if it was associated with clinical signs like excessive weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Weight change was analyzed in only 228 patients and 84% gained weight by 1 year after radioactive iodine therapy. 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? Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolic rate of an animal. 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. The food isnotmedicated. If this is the case with your cat, paying special attention to specific nutrients such as dietary phosphorus (a key player in chronic kidney disease) may be required. . 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. These complications include cerebrovascular events (i.e., strokes) and the premature exacerbation of pre-existing kidney disease. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. The risks associated with low level ingestion of radioactive iodine relate to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. Prescription nutrition. Hyperthyroid cats are also at risk for complications related to the hypertension that frequently accompanies hyperthyroidism. 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. Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. Learn more about radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism, Learn about radioiodine therapy for thyroid carcinoma, Learn more aboutSamariumtherapy for primary or metastatic bone tumors. Since fewer than 2% of cats with hyperthyroidism have cancerous growths of the thyroid gland, treatment is usually very successful. Medication typically. Conveniently, the main use of iodine in the body is the production of thyroid hormone, so a deficient diet shouldnt cause any other health issues in a hyperthyroid cat. First we need to put this exposure level into some context: How do x-rays increase your risk for cancer? Already have a myVCA account? 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. The inaccurate repair of DNA is rare, but can cause a cell to act wildly or grow into a cancer. But there are clear reasons for the precautions that the veterinarian has given you and I also recommend that you follow them. Having lost my 18-year-old feline member of the family a few years ago, I completely understand the attachment and your desire to not stress the cat. For the same reasons as surgical treatment, your cat will likely be started on methimazole for about a month before radioactive iodine therapy. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. For some cats, a veterinary therapeutic diet low in iodine may be all thats required to control symptoms.