Hypertension develops due to the increased pumping pressure and elevated heart rate that occurs with hyperthyroidism. Already have a myVCA account? Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. Since fewer than 2% of cats with hyperthyroidism have cancerous growths of the thyroid gland, treatment is usually very successful. Now let's deal with the issue of radioactive iodine released by the cat, which I believe is actually the bigger concern. 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. Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon Wet Cat Food. The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. Hence for a transient period following radioiodine therapy, the patient's urine contains excreted radioiodine which will emit beta particles as it continues to decay. And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. One way to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism is with an oral medication that contains methimazole. Most of the extra radioactive iodine is eliminated in your urine. Cats may also continue to show signs of hyperthyroidism, including vomiting and diarrhea, for 3-4 weeks after the radioiodine therapy as the disease continues to resolve. The majority of cancers occur later in life and the average lifetime risk of dying from cancer is 25%. After initial stabilisation with oral medications, a number of curative treatments are also available. Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. 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). 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. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. The radioiodine (I-131) used to treat thyroid disease in people and animals emits both gamma rays and beta particles. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats because of an excess of circulating thyroid hormone, called thyroxine. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for the bodys metabolism. Endocrinology, 1988. I have a cat also and I know when she is happy and purring while sitting on my lap getting strokes, she drools. Affected cats are often restless and may become cranky or aggressive. The beta particles, which are much more potent forms of radiation, travel an average distance of less than 1 mm. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. Category: Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues Questions Concerning Domestic Animals. Radioactive Iodine Therapy 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. 4. 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. 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. Follow up blood work is essential to ensure kitty does not become hypothyroid which is too little thyroid. What happens after my cat is released from the hospital? Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. With your cat's diseased thyroid, after methimazole treatment failed, large doses of iodine might have proven effective. The principle advantage of Radioactive Iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is that it tends to have a much higher success rate than medications. Let's tackle the external exposure first as it is the simplest concept. They were randomized into 2 groups for continuous antithyroid and radioiodine treatment. Too cold? This can be accomplished in several ways: Radioactive iodine therapy. Cats afflicted with hyperthyroidism usually develop a variety of signs that may be subtle at first but that become more severe as the disease progresses. When it comes to survival, the studies that have been done show that cats cured of their thyroid disease by radioactive iodine live much longer (up to twice as long) when compared to hyperthyroid cats treated by methimazole. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Out little Nera was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 4-5 months ago. Subscribe to always know when we add new material! . radioactive iodine All three treatments will reduce thyroid hormone levels and the signs of hyperthyroidism. 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. The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment. He rejected the Fancy Feast stuff and gobbled the baby food along with eating a little variety of the many dry foods we tried in an effort to find one that he really liked. There are virtually no side effects, and there is no pain associated with 131I treatment. In most cases, only enough radioiodine is given to destroy that part of the gland that is functioning . All rights reserved. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. Dry, dull coat. Hypocalcemia can be life-threatening and may require either short-term or long-term medication postoperatively should it occur. The risks associated with low level ingestion of radioactive iodine relate to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. 35(3): p. 204-209. Radioactive iodine therapy. After treatment, the normal thyroid tissue will regain full function within 1-3 months. A treated cat has to remain hospitalized until its radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. It is actually the best approach to take to minimize exposures to you and your family while allowing the cat to have post-treatment recovery time at home and not in a veterinary hospital. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. . . Set up your myVCA account today. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City. Nearly all cats will be cured by a second treatment. How long can a cat live after radioactive iodine treatment? Does radioactive iodine treatment cause weight gain? Although this procedure is usually very effective, it is more expensive and requires the cat being . The estimates of risk currently used are extrapolated from patients that have received much higher doses (e.g., atomic bomb survivors) using the linear, no-threshold model of radiation exposure risk. 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. Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. The chronic elevation of circulating thyroid hormone levels in cats with hyperthyroidism leads to changes in their heart muscle that predispose them to developing heart failure. A prescription diet is available that lowers thyroid hormone, but for it to work your cat can't ever eat any other food. This usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid, which will cure hyperthyroidism. Giving him medication once or twice a day isn't an option, although if it's a medication that can be mixed in with his food, it's something you could discuss with the veterinary staff at the facility. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a common disease of older cats. In order to produce thyroid hormone (thyroxine), the body needs a supply of iodine. If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes: In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. Home & Forums | The typical cat with hyperthyroidism is middle-aged or older; the average age of affected cats is approximately 12 years. So excited we decided to go this route and cure her instead of just treating with daily medication. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. What is happening in this procedure is that a portion of the radioactive iodine is being taken up by the cat's thyroid to treat its condition (hyperthyroidism, I assume?). . I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. The thyroid cells are damaged or destroyed, but that's the whole idea other cells are left untouched. Will he come around at some point or have we created a monster who will run off to the food dish every time we get up from the chair. What are the risks of my cat becoming hypothyroid? The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. What Treats Can I Give my Dog with CalciumOxalateStones? Other than unexplained weight loss, your cat may also become more restless, hyperactive, vocal, and extremely hungry! 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%). A blood chemistry panel and urinalysis will provide information about other organs and provide your veterinarian with an overall picture of your cats health. For the same reasons as surgical treatment, your cat will likely be started on methimazole for about a month before radioactive iodine therapy. Diagnosis If methimazole dosing is discontinued, hyperthyroidism will return. You must log in or register to reply here. Surgical removal of the gland under general anesthetic was another option. All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. The more common symptoms are an increase in thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as weight loss. Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. The American Thyroid Association notes that weight gain develops over a long time and may have many causes other than the underactive thyroid. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism. Why? Symptoms include weight loss, muscle wasting, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, unkempt appearance, and sometimes hyperactivity. Radioactive iodine therapy is curative within three months of therapy in approximately 95 percent of all hyperthyroid cases. Clients frequently have the following 2 questions when considering radioiodine therapy for their cat's hyperthyroidism. This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. The dose of radioactive iodine is taken orally. Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. What are other nutritional concerns for my hyperthyroid cat? The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite. Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues Questions Concerning Domestic Animals. 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. Dr. Linder has received speaker fees or research fudning from Hills Pet Nutrition, Nestl Purina PetCare, Royal Canin, and Virbac, and has provided professional services for Mark Morris Institute. What about radioactive iodine treatment for children and teenagers? 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. A single injection is given subcutaneously (i.e. The cell repairs itself with mistakes (rare). When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. Answer posted on 30 March 2019. 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. When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. Research into this potential treatment option is ongoing. Most hyperthyroid cats respond fully to a single injection with radio-iodine. Try mixing baby food chicken or turkey in with some Fancy Feast. They will then need to take a thyroid supplement. These include surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) or treatment with radioactive iodine. 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. However once the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism has been made, and no other illnesses are identified, the motivation to perform further diagnostics, especially those that require the need for anesthetics or are invasive may be lost. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. Researchers estimated a 12% increased risk for death from breast cancer and a 5% increased risk for death from . The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, its important to monitor your cats weight and muscle mass. Scaly skin. These medications do not provide a cure for the disease, but they do allow either short-term or long-term control of hyperthyroidism. Your veterinarian's instructions regarding separation for the two weeks are simply doing the same thing we do with people. This means that in order for this diet to work, your cat must eat the therapeutic diet exclusively and cannot eat any treats or supplements that might contain iodine and allow the thyroid gland to continue to make thyroxine. 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. How does airline travel expose me to radiation? 4. 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. 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. Hypothyroidism, is a condition resulting from a deficiency of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolic rate of an animal. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. Thus, pate is a better choice for your cat than gravy food due to the latter's higher . Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2004. "The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite.". Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients. The remainder is gone in about the next two months or so. Hopefully this answers your questions and good luck with your cat. There are fundamental differences between a continuous dose over a year (background radiation) and a dose that occurs over a few seconds like in CT, but these are helpful comparisons. It has the advantage of being curative in most cases with no ongoing treatment. What is not taken up by the thyroid will be present in the cat's bodily fluids and will primarily be voided in the cat's urine (in those first four days at the vet hospital). Overall, weight gain was associated with development of hypothyroidism despite levothyroxine replacement . The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. Your cat may be hospitalized for one to two nights following surgery and should begin to eat and behave normally after returning home. Keeping your pets food temperature just right. Over ten years of clinical nutrition research revealed that by controlling dietary levels of iodine, the hyperthyroid cat's body would resume normal thyroid hormone production. Nera just had her 3 month checkup and her T4 level is down to 2.3! For example, some families cant medicate cats every day, so a more permanent solution such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgery may be best. Ideally, the total GFR should be above 2.25 mL/min/kg. Vet Rad & Ultrasound, 1994. The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses). Because each cat is different, your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment for your cat. Hair loss. 2 The goal of RAI treatment is to restore euthyroidism while avoiding the development of hypothyroidism. Medication and radioactive iodine therapy are just as effective at treating hyperthyroidism in cats as surgery and are less invasive, so surgical treatment is rarely chosen for treating this condition. Dr. Deborah Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, is the head of the Tufts Obesity Clinic for Animals and has had articles appear in Eating Well, the Boston Globe, AARP, SHAPE, and XM Sirius Radio Doctor Channel. hypothyroidism was only treated if it was associated with clinical signs like excessive weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. 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 . To help your cat gain weight, you need to increase the protein and . You'll need to consider whether to have radioactive iodine (RAI) vs. other treatments for hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease (an immune system disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism). Radioactive iodine. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . When this occurs, a second test, usually afree T4 by equilibrium dialysis (FT4 by ED)or aT3 suppression test,is performed. When available, radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. 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. In cases where radioactive iodine therapy is not successful, the treatment can be repeated. Clients owning hyperthyroid cats undergoing radioiodine therapy are always considered members of the general public. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. I'm sure if he is still underweight, his body will be telling him to eat, eat, eat. He's radioactive, so it's not safe even for humans wearing protective clothing to spend too much time around him. The normal thyroid cells will therefore not take up any radioactive iodine. A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. But there are clear reasons for the precautions that the veterinarian has given you and I also recommend that you follow them. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . First we need to put this exposure level into some context: How do x-rays increase your risk for cancer? Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems. A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. 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. This isnotan iodine-free diet but a diet with a controlled iodine content of 0.2ppma minimal amount. 1. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society. This disease is common in older cats. 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 word "individuals" in this context means "people". Both cardiomyopathy and hypertension are potentially reversible with appropriate treatment of the disease. Cats are homed in our spacious, purpose-built radioactive iodine unit and cared for by our dedicated team of radioiodine nurses. The inaccurate repair of DNA is rare, but can cause a cell to act wildly or grow into a cancer. Exposure limitations: However, caution should be taken in disposal of products that may contain trace amounts of this radioactive substance. A small number of cats will remain hyperthyroid after treatment, if this is the case your cat will need . If the total GFR is below this number, medical therapy for hyperthyroidism may be recommended, although I-131 treatment may still be an option in specific patients. Further, the litter will be radioactive as most of the radioactive iodine will be excreted via this route. The cats heart rate and blood pressure may also be checked. A veterinarian who suspects a cat has a thyroid problem will conduct a physical examination and palpate the cats neck area to check for an enlarged thyroid gland (see Figure 2). Surgery. . Not all veterinary facilities perform the procedure. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. Amazingly despite over 35 years of veterinary experience treating hyperthyroid cats with radioiodine there are virtually no reported side effects. Slater M.R., Komkov A., Robinson L.E., et al., Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. Fluffy might be a candidate for a thyroidectomy, surgery to remove the thyroid glands, which usually results in a cure. 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. 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. American Academy of Pediatrics. Should we just cut him off "cold turkey" (pun intended) and hope he finds fulfillment and eventual weight gain with his old diet of dry food? NRC Regulations No ill effects have been noted in the children born to parents who received radioactive iodine in the past. The radioactive iodine is administered as a single injection . If your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism, additional tests may be recommended.