Specialised treatment
Radioactive iodine treatment for cats
A safe, single treatment that cures hyperthyroidism in most cats, without surgery or lifelong medication.
Why radioactive iodine?
The gold standard treatment for feline hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is the most common hormone disorder in older cats. It is caused by a usually benign growth on the thyroid gland that produces too much thyroid hormone, speeding up the body’s metabolism.
Radioactive iodine (I-131) is recognised worldwide as the treatment of choice. It selectively destroys the overactive thyroid tissue while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. It is the same treatment used for people with hyperthyroidism.
Because it involves a radioactive substance, treatment must be carried out by trained and licensed veterinarians in a specially shielded facility. The Narre Warren Vet is one of only a small number of veterinary hospitals in Melbourne equipped to provide it.
Cures most cats
Over 95% of cats are cured with a single radioactive iodine treatment.
No surgery
Treatment is a single oral capsule, given under mild sedation.
No daily tablets
Once cured, most cats need no ongoing thyroid medication.
Information for cat owners
Why choose I-131, success rates, the treatment process step by step, home care after discharge and frequently asked questions.
Information for vets
Treatment outcomes, patient selection criteria, the treatment process, referral information and post-discharge aftercare.
About the condition
Radioactive iodine treatment for cats in Melbourne
Hyperthyroidism is a disease of older cats (average age is 12-14 yrs old) caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormone by abnormal thyroid cells located in a (usually) benign nodule or growth in one or both thyroid glands. Thyroid glands are located in the neck.
Elevated thyroid hormone levels cause increased metabolism and the other common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism: weight loss, appetite changes, increased water consumption, vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate, heart murmur, elevated blood pressure, increased vocalisation, muscle weakness and poor hair coat, although not every cat experiences all of these symptoms. Hyperthyroidism tends to be a gradual onset disorder, with many cats losing weight slowly over several months or a few years.
If left untreated, the increased metabolism will eventually cause organ failure (heart, kidney, blindness due to retinal detachment) and premature death. We do not currently know why hyperthyroidism is such a common disorder in older cats.
Your veterinarian will have confirmed the diagnosis with a blood test and will have ascertained that your cat is otherwise healthy enough to undergo treatment
There are a number of methods of treating this condition. However, the only permanent method which does not involve surgery is with the use of radioactive iodine.
Treatment with radioactive iodine is a very safe procedure for your cat, is not at all painful and has no serious side effects. It is well recognised as the best way to treat this disease and is used by veterinarians world-wide. It is the same treatment that is often used for people suffering from hyperthyroidism.
The treatment is simple, but because it involves the use of a radioactive substance, in this case a capsule, there are strict regulations regarding how it can be given and how the patient is to be handled. It must be done be a veterinarian trained and qualified in the handling of radioactive materials, and there are limited veterinary hospitals in Melbourne equipped and trained to perform this.
The treatment at a glance
- Your cat must have had at least 4 weeks on anti-thyroid medication, with blood and urine tests before and after that trial.
- Our attending vet reviews your cat’s history and results, then arranges a complimentary phone consultation if your cat is a suitable candidate.
- All anti-thyroid medication is stopped 14 days before admission.
- Your cat is admitted the day before treatment for a physical examination.
- Radioactive iodine is given as a single oral capsule under mild sedation.
- Most cats stay in our licensed radioactive iodine facility for 7 days, until radiation levels are below the legal release limit.
- At home, your cat stays on a temporary semi-quarantine for two weeks.
- Follow up blood tests with your regular vet at 6 weeks and 3 months after treatment.
Read the full details in our information for cat owners or information for vets, or make an enquiry.
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