Question 1

A Curative Approach

Accepted Answer

This is your cat’s chance at a cure that is noninvasive for an otherwise life-long disease. Unlike medication or a prescription diet, Radio-iodine is a one-time treatment for nearly all patients at NuCat. Less than 2% of our patients have required a second treatment (which we have offered at substantially reduced or no cost).

Most cats have normal thyroid hormone levels a few weeks after treatment. A few individuals take longer to normalize.

Question 2

Extraordinarily Safe

Accepted Answer

The words “Safe” and “Radioactive” don’t go together very often, but they do here. Common side effects to other radiation treatments do NOT occur with radioiodine. There is no vomiting, lethargy, or hair loss with I-131 (though we do usually shave a small area of fur where the cat receives the injection). The parathyroid glands are not affected by the radiation, so there are no calcium-related concerns as with surgery. And the cat’s thyroid levels fall gradually, giving their systems time to adjust to the new normal hormone levels. Occasionally there can be a change in their “meow” or voice, but this is most often temporary (human patients sometimes report a temporary sore throat).

Question 3

Still Effective with Hidden or Cancerous Tissue

Accepted Answer

If a patient does have active thyroid tissue outside of the typical “butterfly” gland in the neck (and 15-20% of patients do), the Radio-Iodine will still be effective! Whether the hyperactive tissue may be hiding in the chest or under the tongue, the I-131 will be taken up and effective. In cats with cancerous changes, the radiation will still be effective at killing the cancerous cells although sometimes higher doses of I-131 will be required.

Question 4

Non-Invasive and No Anesthesia Required

Accepted Answer

Since the medication is given under the skin, there are no anesthetic risks or pain beyond the brief needle discomfort. Most cats are cooperative, and can be distracted with treats and toys. Occasional cats may require a mild sedation to hold still, which we are able to accommodate.

Question 5

No Need for Life-Long Treatment

Accepted Answer

In the large majority of patients, once the hyperthyroidism is cured there is no ongoing treatment needed. No more pills to be given, and no more special (and expensive!) food. Occasionally, a cat’s normal thyroid cells will not start working again (especially if they’ve been hyperthyroid for quite some time) after radio-iodine treatment. These cats sometimes need thyroid supplementation, but this medication is very safe and often can be given only once daily. Your family veterinarian will help guide you in those few cases, and we’re always here to help as well.