The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. 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? 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. 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. . 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 . And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. Weight change was analyzed in only 228 patients and 84% gained weight by 1 year after radioactive iodine therapy. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma. Radioiodine treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs. Laura Porter / Verywell Subscribe to always know when we add new material! Standards for Protection against Radiation. This I131 injection accumulates in the abnormal thyroid tissue, and the radioactivity kills the abnormal tissue without harming other vital structures nearby. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis. Purraise. In most cases, only enough radioiodine is given to destroy that part of the gland that is functioning . The anti-thyroid pill is methimazole, also known as Tapazole. 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. However, it may not be the best treatment for your particular cat. 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 give him some baby food and wet cat food. A large study found an increase in some cancer types in people who had radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism compared with the general population. After initial stabilisation with oral medications, a number of curative treatments are also available. 101(4 Pt 1): p. 717-9. Some rare cases of hyperthyroid disease are caused by malignant tumors known as thyroid adenocarcinomas. 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. You should use the following methods for disposing of your cat's waste that may contain trace amounts of radiation. Cats also sweat through their paws and the sweat will have trace amounts of radioactive iodine. 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. The ALARA recommendation follows the classic "less is more" argument and hence adherence to this philosophy suggests that exposures to ionizing radiation should be minimized whenever possible. However, there are a number of reasons for the precautions that your veterinarian has provided you that I will discuss below. When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. Researchers estimated a 12% increased risk for death from breast cancer and a 5% increased risk for death from . Nearly all cats will be cured by a second treatment. We were told that 90% of the Radioactive Iodine is gone from the cat in two days. 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. Number of cases per 100,000 persons exposed to a single dose of 0.1 Gy. This single treatment will cure 95-98% of cats. Whats the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes NHS. Endocrinology, 1988. Why is the average risk of developing cancer so high? In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. They do not take into consideration individual risk factors including lifestyle (smoking, diet, exercise, etc. She has spoken at national and international conferences and a Capitol Hillbriefing, and is an expert in pet obesity, nutrition communication, and in the human-animal bond. The 1-month level thyroid may be slightly high, low or normal. Therefore if you adhere to the release instructions we provide you with (copies provided on admission and again at discharge), you should be assured of getting less than 1 mSv exposure from interacting with your cat. Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. RAI is a form of radioactive nuclear medication that permanently destroys thyroid tissue. The majority of cancers occur later in life and the average lifetime risk of dying from cancer is 25%. When a radioactive form of iodine is given to hyperthyroid cats, the radiation destroys a portion of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is too much thyroid hormone that causes weight loss so kitty should gain some weight back to a normal amount after 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. Risks from hyperthyroidism. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society. While my facility does not treat cats with radioactive 131I, I have consulted with a veterinary medicine program at a nearby university that does perform these types of procedures to get myself in the "cat-patient" mode of thought. 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. Iodine is an element normally taken up in large amounts by the thyroid gland, even more so in cats that are hyperthyroid. The radioactive iodine damages these cells and causes your thyroid to shrink and thyroid hormone levels to go down over a few weeks. As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. The outcomes following most hyperthyroid therapies are usually excellent, and most cats have a very good chance of returning to a normal state of health. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. If your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism, additional tests may be recommended. Although this procedure is usually very effective, it is more expensive and requires the cat being . Cat Articles | The recommended food for cats with thyroid problems is high in protein yet low in carbohydrates, iodine (around 0.32 ppm) and phosphate. Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. What are the risks of my cat becoming hypothyroid? These complications include cerebrovascular events (i.e., strokes) and the premature exacerbation of pre-existing kidney disease. Their hyperthyroidism won't come back, and they don't need ongoing medication. Of course, some people receive no radiation and others much, much more. of the radioactive iodine into your body because, just like the cat, any 131I intake you have will result in an uptake by your thyroid and in larger quantities could result in significant thyroid dose. 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). For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10. Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. Is radioactive iodine treatment safe? 2007 07/19/2011; Available from: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats. Site Help | Medication As for equipment for tracking radioactive contamination, there really is no readily available "home-testing" equipment. Your cat may be hospitalized for one to two nights following surgery and should begin to eat and behave normally after returning home. Mean baseline age was 12.7 3.0 years and mean baseline BMI SDS was 0.003 1.18 kg/m 2. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle wasting, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, unkempt appearance, and sometimes hyperactivity. The study followed people for 26 years after two or more treatments. It is also common for hyperthyroid cats to exhibit increased vocalizing, particularly at night. Pediatrics, 1998. It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. 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). Occasionally, a cat suspected of having hyperthyroidism has a TT4 level within the upper range of normal. You must log in or register to reply here. The cell repairs itself perfectly (most common result). They may develop periodic vomiting or diarrhea, and fur may appear unkempt. Once the correct dose of radioiodine has been determined and administered, most of the time the tumors responsible for causing the elevated thyroid levels resolve and the cats are cured. When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. Hopefully this answers your questions and good luck with your cat. The remainder is gone in about the next two months or so. Hyperthyroidismis characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. My pet has kidney disease what kind of diet should I feed. Fluffy might be a candidate for a thyroidectomy, surgery to remove the thyroid glands, which usually results in a cure. The other conditions that cats can develop at this age are numerous and varied. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. 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. How does the risk from medical radiation compare to background radiation exposure? Removal of the thyroid glands, called surgical thyroidectomy, is a relatively straightforward surgical procedure that has a good success rate. Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. Most cats with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, but a small percentage of cats with hyperthyroidism have T4 levels within the normal range. Want to read more information on feeding your pet? This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. Cats are homed in our spacious, purpose-built radioactive iodine unit and cared for by our dedicated team of radioiodine nurses. Clients frequently have the following 2 questions when considering radioiodine therapy for their cat's hyperthyroidism. There are two types of radiation exposure that your vet is trying to minimizeexternal exposure from the radioactive material within the cat's body, and the radioactive materials in the cat's urine and other bodily fluids released by the cat that you may come into contact with and may end up being ingested or absorbed by you accidentally. The only method to estimate that dose is to measure the radioiodine within your own thyroid and the types of equipment to measure that uptake are very expensive and difficult to interpret. 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. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck. 1 INTRODUCTION. All rights reserved. Once his radiation levels come down and you can bring him home, you still have to keep him away from young children and pregnant women, as he'll pass small amounts of radioactive iodine through his urine for approximately two weeks. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Cats receive a single dose of radioactive iodine by either subcutaneous injection or by a capsule given by mouth. Get exceptional Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Feline Hyperthyroidism services from highly experienced & loving pet care professionals in Downers Grove, IL. This surgery requires general anesthesia, however, and there might be added risks if older cats have heart, kidney, or other problems that could cause complications. Your cat will not experience nausea, hair loss, lethargy, or decreased appetite as a result of the procedure. 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. 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. 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 But this generally resolves without intervention. While the treatment is fairly expensive, over the long term it could be cheaper than medication and is on a par with surgical treatment. (8,9) Replacement hormone products currently on the market, both synthetic and glandular, are not comparable to our own hormone, and in some people, never feel "right". 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. One to two weeks after surgery, another TT4 level is measured. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. In more serious cases, surgical removal of the thyroid glands may be required. And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. You may feel a lump on your cat's throat under his jaw. Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. A seven hour airplane trip exposes passengers to 0.02 mSv of radiation, which is a fraction of the exposure of a standard Chest x-ray (0.1 mSv). Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. 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%). Why isn't there a study directly linking medical imaging and cancer? An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. Risk of Ionizing Radiation Exposure to Children: A Subject Review. Your cat can receive methimazole, a medication that inhibits thyroid hormone production. You would actually have to ingest the cats waste for it to be harmful to you. The good news is that virtually every client will already take steps to avoid this, even when radioactive iodine in their cat's urine is not the motivation. Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats, and mostly afflicts cats middle-aged and older. Usually, the TT4 level is so high that there is no question about the diagnosis (see the handout "Thyroid Hormone Testing in Cats"). In the US, the average person is exposed to an additional 3.0 mSv/yr from medical sources (predominantly CT scans). . Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon Wet Cat Food. How can the age of a material be determined from the decay of a radioactive element quizlet? Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. Slater M.R., Komkov A., Robinson L.E., et al., Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. The cats heart rate and blood pressure may also be checked. Your veterinarian has recommended I131 for your cat. It is best to perform a nuclear scan before surgery to rule out ectopic thyroid tissue. More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here. There are several hypothesized causes of hyperthyroidism. 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. 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. However, caution should be taken in disposal of products that may contain trace amounts of this radioactive substance. One major risk associated with surgical thyroidectomy is inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands, which lie close to or within the thyroid gland and are crucial in maintaining stable blood calcium levels. Feeding an iodine-limited diet (Hills Prescription Diet y/d) can resolve clinical signs and lower thyroid hormone concentration. In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. 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. To scientifically prove a connection would require nearly one million patients followed closely over decades to detect the small increased risk with any confidence. Both cardiomyopathy and hypertension are potentially reversible with appropriate treatment of the disease. If possible, I would like to wear protective clothing so we can return to our familiar habit of living/sleeping in 24-hour close physical contact to minimize his stress and promote his recovery. 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. How to choose the right food for your cat. The typical cat with hyperthyroidism is middle-aged or older; the average age of affected cats is approximately 12 years. The advantage of surgery is that it is likely to produce a long-term or permanent cure in most cats, and therefore eliminates the need for long-term medication. Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Set up your myVCA account today. A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. Secondary Problems J Vet Intern Med, 2001. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. For this long-term treatment, the cat is injected with the radioactive iodine, which destroys the tissue of the overactive thyroid gland. Hays M.T., Broome M.R. The "radiation badge" worn by x-ray techs for example is good for measuring external exposure to radiation but does nothing to measure intakes of radioactive materials which is the primary concern in the case of a cat treated with radioactive 131I. All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. hypothyroidism was only treated if it was associated with clinical signs like excessive weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Hair loss. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. (a) Each licensee shall conduct operations so that -. Does radioactive iodine treatment cause weight gain? The effectiveness of this transdermal gel is acceptable in most cases. Some cats may experience side effects from medication, however, including vomiting, anorexia, fever, anemia, and lethargy. Often, treating hyperthyroidism will unmask hidden kidney failure that will require additional care and is best detected early in the course of the disease. Because of the short distances they travel they never exit the patient and as a result no one other than the patient is at risk from exposure to the beta particles unless they internalized the radioiodine excreted by the patient. As to your question about "home-testing equipment" and "something else to monitor and determine (your) exposure," there really are no good options for that. Surgery will be performed if your cat successfully undergoes the initial treatment without complication. This is why one of the first signs of thyroid disease may be a change in weight weight gain if the thyroid is underactive and weight loss if the thyroid is overactive. There are several treatment options, and your veterinarian will determine the best choice for your cat. 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. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. This usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid, which will cure hyperthyroidism. Other therapeutic monitoring. Home & Forums | Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. 1 Radioactive iodine (RAI)] is generally considered the optimal treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. Note that the reference above excluding licensee's from considering "exposure to individuals administered radioactive material" in their compliance with the NRC regulartions does not apply to animals. A blood chemistry panel and urinalysis will provide information about other organs and provide your veterinarian with an overall picture of your cats health. Many owners of cats with hyperthyroidism are hesitant to have radiation therapy or surgery because of their cat's advanced age. It does, however, involve the handling and injection of a radioactive substance that is only permitted at facilities specially licensed to use radioisotopes. Domestic airline pilots are exposed to an additional 2.2 mSv per year, about the same dose as a brain CT. As you can see from the table below, the estimated risk of developing cancer from exposure to 0.1 Gy (= 100mSv), while it varies with the age of the individual, is something less than 1% for adults. The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. (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.) Thus, individuals who opt for . 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). Other than unexplained weight loss, your cat may also become more restless, hyperactive, vocal, and extremely hungry! Radioactive iodine is a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. Scaly skin. A small number of cats will remain hyperthyroid after treatment, if this is the case your cat will need . 228(4): p. 559-63. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. 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. Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism (I-131). 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. Since fewer than 2% of cats with hyperthyroidism have cancerous growths of the thyroid gland, treatment is usually very successful. It is important to drink fluids after your treatment and for the next 2 days. If your cat is showing signs of illness or depression, please contact PVESC. Natural background radiation exposure accounts for an average of 3.1 mSv/yr with variations depending on where you live. This isnotan iodine-free diet but a diet with a controlled iodine content of 0.2ppma minimal amount. 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. Side effects may include fluid retention, weight gain, elevated . . Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of continuous methimazole (MMI) therapy. Weigh the pros and cons of various treatments and discuss options with your vet. Several complications of hyperthyroidism can be significant, includinghypertension(high blood pressure) and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Depending on the dose of radioactive iodine chosen, and the disease under treatment (Grave's vs toxic goitre, vs hot nodule etc), success rate in achieving definitive resolution of the hyperthyroidism . Hyperthyroidism in cats is a commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy with an overall prevalence of 2.4% in England which increases to 8.7% in cats aged 10 years or older. A standard Chest x-ray is 0.1 mSv. If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. Since hyperthyroidism can predispose a cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate general health, with particular focus on the heart and kidneys. Generally, about 5 to 10 pounds of excess weight can likely be attributed to the lack of thyroid hormones that occurs in people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. Miles K.G., Simpson S.A., Zimmerman R.B., et al. 122(6): p. 2444-61. Cats exclusively fed the prescription diet will remain normal, but if the diet is discontinued, they will once again become hyperthyroid. Gradual weight gain and return to healthy body condition are expected. Subscribe to always know when we add new material! Rarely, a permanent reduction in thyroid-hormone levels called hypothyroidism occurs after radioactive iodine treatment. The treatment a cat receives for hyperthyroidism will depend on specific circumstances, including the patients overall health status, the owners ability and willingness to medicate the cat regularly, and financial considerations. It is important to remember that old age is not a disease. The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. 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? Medications for hyperthyroidism in cats are prescribed on a case by case basis. If the disease involves both lobes of the thyroid gland, two surgeries may be required, depending on the surgeon's choice of procedures. Interestingly, when higher doses are given, like those received by the patient treated for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, then the injury to the cells is terminal and hence the cells do not survive to go on to become malignant. Answer posted on 30 March 2019. This can be accomplished in several ways: Radioactive iodine therapy. 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. This disease is common in older cats. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy may develop because the heart enlarges and thickens to meet the increased metabolic demands. Affected cats produce too much thyroid hormone. Actually it is quite safe, because the radioactive iodine is absorbed only by thyroid cells; no other cells in the body are exposed to the radiation. The required dose of methimazole can change over time, so monitoring thyroid levels in treated animals is recommended every 3-6 months once their condition is stable.

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