If your cat is showing signs of illness or depression, please contact PVESC. So, we must use distance and reduction of time near the source when dealing with patients and pets treated with 131I. The beta particles, which are much more potent forms of radiation, travel an average distance of less than 1 mm. (For example, for human patients we provide instructions such as "sleep in separate beds" and "stay at least 1 meter away from others as much as possible.") Treatment 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. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . . I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. Some cats may experience side effects from medication, however, including vomiting, anorexia, fever, anemia, and lethargy. Out little Nera was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 4-5 months ago. At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. . Symptoms include weight loss, muscle wasting, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, unkempt appearance, and sometimes hyperactivity. All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. Dietary restriction of iodine is, however, somewhat controversial because of concerns about the effects of long-term iodine restriction on overall health and the possibility that such a diet may actually backfire and worsen hyperthyroidism. Radioactive iodine is a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. 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. Prominent in the regulations established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for radioactive materials users are guidelines that limit exposure to radiation workers, and members of the general public. 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. The typical cat with hyperthyroidism is middle-aged or older; the average age of affected cats is approximately 12 years. It is also common for hyperthyroid cats to exhibit increased vocalizing, particularly at night. Amazingly despite over 35 years of veterinary experience treating hyperthyroid cats with radioiodine there are virtually no reported side effects. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. They do not take into consideration individual risk factors including lifestyle (smoking, diet, exercise, etc. My pet has kidney disease what kind of diet should I feed. hypothyroidism was only treated if it was associated with clinical signs like excessive weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. To date the studies following hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine have not shown any increased incidence of cancer (thyroid or other types) associated with radioiodine therapy. Already have a myVCA account? One way to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism is with an oral medication that contains methimazole. Want to read more information on feeding your pet? This test can also help the doctor determine the cause of your hyperthyroidism and get other information about your thyroid tissue. The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Site Help | This problem resolved rapidly after treatment. 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. Hyperthyroidism & Liver Function in Cats, Intervals of Depo-Medrol Injections for Cats. Treatment usually requires one or two weeks of hospitalization at a veterinary hospital licensed to administer radiation therapy. In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. These statistics are averages and do not predict what is going to happen to you. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Remember that theNRC regulationsrequire that release criteria and discharge instructions provided to owners of hyperthyroid cats prevent exposures of more than 1 mSv. Companion Animal Hospital in Ithaca, NY for cats, dogs, exotics, and wildlife, Equine and Nemo Farm Animal Hospitals in Ithaca, NY for horses and farm animals, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island for every horse, Ambulatory and Production Medicine for service on farms within 30 miles of Ithaca, NY, Animal Health Diagnostic Center New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Ithaca, New York 14853-6401. Studies show that weight gain is inevitable after radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism. Now let's deal with the issue of radioactive iodine released by the cat, which I believe is actually the bigger concern. Since hyperthyroidism can predispose a cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate general health, with particular focus on the heart and kidneys. 20.1301 Dose limits for individual members of the public. Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before radioiodine therapy, some of these conditions remain undiagnosed at the time of radioiodine therapy. The treatment options for hyperthyroidism are: Oral medication. under the skin, like a vaccine) and the radioactive iodine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Montreal. Thyroidectomy (largely replaced by radioactive iodine . Clients owning hyperthyroid cats undergoing radioiodine therapy are always considered members of the general public. 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. Medication Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. To convert these to traditional units we have prepared a. Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. 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 . 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. Hypocalcemia can be life-threatening and may require either short-term or long-term medication postoperatively should it occur. 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). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists, on Long Island, Cornell Veterinary Experts Address Feline Nutrition. The radioactivity carries no significant risk for the cat, but precautionary protective measures are required for people who come into close contact with the cat. Subpart D-Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. They will then need to take a thyroid supplement. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism. 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. Clinical signs include lethargy, dullness, obesity, oily skin, and matted fur. Whats the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes NHS. In the US, the average person is exposed to an additional 3.0 mSv/yr from medical sources (predominantly CT scans). 2004. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis. 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? 2. 122(6): p. 2444-61. What happens after my cat is released from the hospital? This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy. Also, I wonder if there is home-testing equipment to track the household dispersal of the radioactive contaminants that he emits after his treatment and something else to monitor and determine my exposure to the 131I remnants. Many owners of cats with hyperthyroidism are hesitant to have radiation therapy or surgery because of their cat's advanced age. There are several treatment options, and your veterinarian will determine the best choice for your cat. 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. As for equipment for tracking radioactive contamination, there really is no readily available "home-testing" equipment. In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. Upon discharge from PVESC (after an average of 4 to 7 days after treatment), treated cats will still be excreting radioiodine in their urine, saliva, and feces. For comparison, the dose for a standard Chest CT is 7 mSv. If we use the linear no-threshold model we could estimate that the exposure to 1 mSv would therefore have a risk of less than 0.01% (or 1/100th of 1 %) of causing cancer over the remaining life of an adult. Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before . Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, it's important to monitor your cat's weight and muscle mass. 6. Another significant risk for hyperthyroid cats is not actually related to their thyroid disease. Ideally, the total GFR should be above 2.25 mL/min/kg. "The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite.". In some cases, the cat will develop a heart murmur associated with cardiomyopathy. Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. Only certain facilities perform this procedure, which consists of giving your cat a shot of radioactive iodine, which gets rid of abnormal thyroid cells without harming normal ones. The cell repairs itself perfectly (most common result). Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolic rate of an animal. 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. After administration of 131 Iodine, your cat is . Oftentimes it takes decades for cancer to be detected following radiation exposure. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. What happens after radioactive iodine treatment for cats? This can be accomplished in several ways: Radioactive iodine therapy. A treated cat has to remain hospitalized until its radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. Methimazole is also given before surgery to determine if the cat has a secondary medical condition, such as kidney or liver disease masked by hyperthyroidism. 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). In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. A blood chemistry panel and urinalysis will provide information about other organs and provide your veterinarian with an overall picture of your cats health. It is important to remember that old age is not a disease. 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 injection has no direct side effects. Although it has a slightly higher iodine content than the previous option, Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon is the best value for money. Hopefully this answers your questions and good luck with your cat. This cat is showing weight loss and poor coat - typical signs of hyperthyroidism. 4. It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. Purraise. When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. Cats also sweat through their paws and the sweat will have trace amounts of radioactive iodine. If methimazole dosing is discontinued, hyperthyroidism will return. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. 15(1): p. 47-51. We love them, too! A small number of cats will remain hyperthyroid after treatment, if this is the case your cat will need . The risks of ingesting radioactive iodine and the risks of being around a patient that has been treated with radioactive iodine are very different. If the disease involves both lobes of the thyroid gland, two surgeries may be required, depending on the surgeon's choice of procedures. Standards for Protection against Radiation. DNA can also be damaged directly by radiation. Thyroid scintigraphy may also be recommended to confirm a diagnosis and determine the size of the organ before surgery or radioactive iodine. Limit close contact (closer than 1 foot) to one hour per day. The majority of cancers occur later in life and the average lifetime risk of dying from cancer is 25%. 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? Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. How long can a cat live after radioactive iodine treatment? Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10. Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations (a) Each licensee shall conduct operations so that -. Cats exclusively fed the prescription diet will remain normal, but if the diet is discontinued, they will once again become hyperthyroid. Your veterinarian has recommended I131 for your cat. Surgical patients may become hyperthyroid again if abnormal cells are missed during surgery or if new abnormal cells develop. But this generally resolves without intervention. Slater M.R., Geller S. and Rogers K., Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. Feeding an iodine-limited diet (Hills Prescription Diet y/d) can resolve clinical signs and lower thyroid hormone concentration. 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. 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 Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. Now that he's back home, he still exhibits the behavior of wanting food all the time but I wonder if it's a habit he picked up before treatment or perhaps the symptoms won't completely gone away until the treatment has time to take hold. These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. Calabrese E.J., Hormesis: From Marginalization to Mainstream: A Case for Hormesis as the Default Dose-Response Model in Risk Assessment. Special attention should be given to the thyroid glands to look for evidence of enlargement and the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. Follow up blood work is essential to ensure kitty does not become hypothyroid which is too little thyroid. Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? Since platelets are essential for blood clotting, thrombocytopenia may lead to problems with excessive bleeding. The recommended food for cats with thyroid problems is high in protein yet low in carbohydrates, iodine (around 0.32 ppm) and phosphate. It is given one to three times daily and must be continued for the remainder of the pet's life. radioactive iodine All three treatments will reduce thyroid hormone levels and the signs of hyperthyroidism. An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. If we restrict iodine, production of thyroxine decreases. Facilities that use radioactive materials like I-131 must have radioactive materials licenses. 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. Number of cases per 100,000 persons exposed to a single dose of 0.1 Gy. You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. Scaly skin. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: What testing equipment and protective clothing do you recommend for a nontechnical person who will be giving home care to an 18-year-old blind cat after he has spent four days recovering in the animal hospital from 131I treatment? With this therapy, you take radioactive iodine (radioiodine) by mouth. In more serious cases, surgical removal of the thyroid glands may be required. Vet Rad & Ultrasound, 1994. Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses). Your cat can receive methimazole, a medication that inhibits thyroid hormone production. What Are The Side Effects Of Radioactive Iodine Treatment In Cats? 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. Miles K.G., Simpson S.A., Zimmerman R.B., et al. 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. Some rare cases of hyperthyroid disease are caused by malignant tumors known as thyroid adenocarcinomas. 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. In some cases, a decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) may also occur. Consider Hyperthyroid Treatment . Many organs are affected by hyperthyroidism, especially the heart. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma. The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed. 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. I have a cat also and I know when she is happy and purring while sitting on my lap getting strokes, she drools. It requires two round-trips for you. 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). Your veterinarian's instructions regarding separation for the two weeks are simply doing the same thing we do with people. 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. However, unless the retinal detachment is treated immediately, permanent blindness can occur. The food isnotmedicated. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. While the concept of radiation hormesiswould suggest a potential benefit from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation by stimulating the immune system's ability to repair DNA, any potential benefit is poorly defined and hence the current recommendations surrounding radiation exposure follow the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) concept. A single injection is given subcutaneously (i.e. 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. 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. Surgery will be performed if your cat successfully undergoes the initial treatment without complication. When a radioactive form of iodine is given to hyperthyroid cats, the radiation destroys a portion of the thyroid gland. One to two weeks after surgery, another TT4 level is measured. Mean baseline age was 12.7 3.0 years and mean baseline BMI SDS was 0.003 1.18 kg/m 2. Unfortunately these cats may continue to deteriorate and may even die from their other non-thyroid diseases. However, these options tend to be expensive and not possible for all pet owners. The other conditions that cats can develop at this age are numerous and varied. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. This is because the parathyroid glands (responsible for calcium balance in the body) are near the thyroid gland and may be damaged or accidentally removed during surgery. 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. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. They may develop periodic vomiting or diarrhea, and fur may appear unkempt. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. Thus, individuals who opt for . Gradual weight gain and return to healthy body condition are expected. If these tests are not diagnostic, athyroid scan (thyroid scintigraphy)can be performed at a veterinary referral center, or the TT4 can be measured again in a few weeks. This can best be done by monitoring your cats body condition, muscle condition, and weight. Is radioactive iodine treatment safe? Home & Forums | This disease is common in older cats. The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. 2007 07/19/2011; Available from: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/. Radioactive iodine (I-131) is a very safe and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism. What is the biggest concern with nuclear meltdown and why? 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. If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. Slater M.R., Komkov A., Robinson L.E., et al., Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. Lifelong treatment, usually involving twice-daily oral dosage, will be required, and for some owners and cats, this dosage schedule may be difficult to maintain. Some people also feel flushed. 8. 3. Risks from hyperthyroidism. As with surgery, you may need to take thyroid hormone . Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats. We fed him some Fancy Feast again last night and he ate it all without vomiting. Treatment usually includes an adjustment to your cat's diet, medication, radioactive iodine therapy, or surgery. Blog written by Dr. Daisy Spears in conjunction with Dr. Linder. Do not allow your cat to sleep against your body. Weight seemed to stabilize in the long-term setting, with minimal increases between 8 and 12 months and at 24 months after radioactive iodine treatment. For this long-term treatment, the cat is injected with the radioactive iodine, which destroys the tissue of the overactive thyroid gland. Often, treating hyperthyroidism will unmask hidden kidney failure that will require additional care and is best detected early in the course of the disease. It is used less commonly in younger children. The thyroid takes up the radioactive iodine, which destroys cells in the thyroid. You'll have to give him this drug twice daily for the rest of his life, which treats but doesn't cure the condition. 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. 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. About 25% of cats with hyperthyroidism become hypertensive. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. These include weight loss, increased activity, and kitten like behaviour. Hays M.T., Broome M.R. Overall, weight gain was associated with development of hypothyroidism despite levothyroxine replacement . Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. 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. and Turrel J.M., A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to our hyperthyroid 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. It will take about a month for thyroid levels to return to normal in most cats. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. The slow onset of signs means that cat owners will often miss these changes until the late stages of disease. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". 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.