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I-131 Therapy for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Cats are at a very high risk of developing hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid gland nodes. Hyperthyroidism can cause organ damage and death without proper treatment.

I-131 therapy is the gold standard of treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats, and atomicVet is a highly specialized nuclear therapy center in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Our centrally-located facility is the ideal mix of safety and comfort for your cat.

what is

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects some older cats when the thyroid gland begins to produce too much thyroid hormone, normally from benign tumors. As a result, the cat’s metabolic rate goes into high gear, causing such symptoms as:

Weight loss

Increased appetite

Restlessness

Increased thirst

Matted or greasy fur

Fast heart rate

Vomiting

Diarrhea

All of these symptoms can develop very quickly, and cats can go from seemingly healthy and happy to alarmingly thin and dangerously ill within days. If hyperthyroidism is left untreated, it damages a cat’s organs and can cause heart failure.

hyperthyroidism?

Treatment Options

There are a few treatment options for hyperthyroid cats. They vary in effectiveness, ease of dosing and cost.

I-131 Nuclear Therapy

Is >95% effective with one treatment.
The cost at atomicVet is between $1,950 and $2,300 depending on the weight of the cat and includes the dose of radioactive medication, required stay in our faciity, and storage of radioactive waste that is produced.
The risk of any complication from treatment is extremely rare, and cats suffer only from boredom during their stay.

Oral/Transdermal Medication

This medication is given twice a day for the rest of your cat's life.
The cost is $700-$950 annually, and periodic lab work is required, which costs between $90-$135 per year.
Most pet owners struggle to meet the required dosing schedule, and many cats resist the application or oral administration.

Surgery

Removal of a cat's thyroid gland is a full surgical procedure with the usual risks of anesthesia and blood loss.
The cost is $1,800-$2,500 and further treatment with radioactive iodine or additional surgeries may be required.
This is not the preferred option for vets and cat owners.

What To Expect

After your vet has diagnosed your cat, they will send us the lab work and required records.
Our office will call you to review the process and schedule your appointment.
At this time, you will pay for the treatment. If you cancel or no-show for the appointment, $650 of that payment is nonrefundable due to the cost of the radioactive medication.
On the morning of your appointment, you will bring your cat to our contracted partner: All Creatures Veterinary Hospital at 4549 Highway 62 West in Mountain Home, Arkansas.
If your vet has not already completed a full wellness exam, your cat will get one at this time to be certain that they are healthy enough for the therapy.
Your cat will be given a single injection of radioactive iodine under their skin. If your cat is anxious or aggressive, we may also give them a medication to help them relax. If they are dehydrated from their condition or have weakened kidneys, we may also give them fluids.
Your cat will be housed in our comfortable, inpatient treatment facility for 4-7 days or until they are below the legal limit of radioactivity. Your cat will be in an individual cat cabin with a separate litter and food area and will spend their time looking out the window and listening to calming music. They will be cared for by our staff and monitored by video. During this time, you will receive daily text messages or emails updating you on their status. By state and federal law, visitors are not allowed in the treatment facility.
You will be notified as soon as possible when your cat is below the required limit and can be picked up at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital.
For three additional weeks, you must limit the amount of time you spend close to your cat. They cannot sleep in your bed, and they cannot spend time within 8 feet of pregnant women or children under the age of 18. Further instructions and supplies will be provided for cleaning litter boxes and caring for your cat during those three weeks.
You will need to return to your vet in 4 weeks for an assessment and additional blood work. This treatment is a complete cure 95% of the time, but there are very rare instances where it will need to be repeated.

CONTACT US:

Email: pennyoxford@atomicvet.net

Telephone: 501.500.5220

You can also contact us by using this form:

Online I-131 Registration for Cat Owners

Your First Name

Your Last Name

Email Address

Contact Phone# for notifications

Can we text you?

Alternate Phone #

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

City

State

Zip Code

Your Fabulous Cat's Name

Sex

Your Cat's Veterinarian's name and Clinic

Your Cat's Veterinarian's Phone Number

Current dose if taking Methamizole

Date Methamizole Started

What are your cat's symptoms and when did this start?

Is your cat anxious or afraid of new people and situations?

Does your cat bite, scratch, or have problems using a litter box?

Please list all medications that your cat currently takes:

Please list any allergies :

Please watch our informational video

and check all boxes below:

I have watched the atomicVet informational video about I-131 therapy for hyperthyriod cats.

I understand that I will receive a phone call to schedule my cat's appointment and will receive detailed instructions via email.

I understand that my cat will be in the nuclear therapy facility for 4-7 days depending on radiation levels. I should bring my cat's regular food and any toys or blankets for his or her comfort but these items cannot be returned to me and must be disposed of with all radioactive waste.

I understand that my cat will not be able to receive visitors during that time due to federal and state laws governing radiation exposure.

I understand that my cat cannot be near any pregnant women or anyone under 18 years old for three weeks after discharge.

I understand that my cat has to stay indoors for three weeks after discharge.

I understand that I will be given instructions to reduce radiation exposure when I take my cat home.

I have a question:

Your Signature

Veterinary Nuclear Therapy Center

I-131 Therapy for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism in Cats

what is

hyperthyroidism?

Treatment Options

I-131 Nuclear Therapy

Oral/Transdermal Medication

Surgery

What To Expect

After your vet has diagnosed your cat, they will send us the lab work and required records.

Our office will call you to review the process and schedule your appointment.

At this time, you will pay for the treatment. If you cancel or no-show for the appointment, $650 of that payment is nonrefundable due to the cost of the radioactive medication.

On the morning of your appointment, you will bring your cat to our contracted partner: All Creatures Veterinary Hospital at 4549 Highway 62 West in Mountain Home, Arkansas.

If your vet has not already completed a full wellness exam, your cat will get one at this time to be certain that they are healthy enough for the therapy.

Your cat will be given a single injection of radioactive iodine under their skin. If your cat is anxious or aggressive, we may also give them a medication to help them relax. If they are dehydrated from their condition or have weakened kidneys, we may also give them fluids.

You will be notified as soon as possible when your cat is below the required limit and can be picked up at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital.

You will need to return to your vet in 4 weeks for an assessment and additional blood work. This treatment is a complete cure 95% of the time, but there are very rare instances where it will need to be repeated.

CONTACT US:

Get in touch

Online I-131 Registration for Cat Owners

Veterinary Nuclear Therapy Center

501.500.5220
www.atomicvet.net

Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653