Radioactive Iodine Therapy is now considered the treatment of choice for Feline Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid glands produce an excess of a hormone that controls your cat's metabolic rate, accelerating wear and tear on his or her internal organs.
In order to stop this excess hormone production, Feline Radioactive Iodine (I-131) treatment is given. Your pet will receive an injection of Iodine 131 and stay in the hospital for a few days while their bodies excrete the iodine. This therapy is 96% effective with one treatment.
After your cat’s initial exam and laboratory work, Dr. Kanda will prescribe and order the radioactive iodine. Your cat will be moved into our thyroid quarantine room where a single injection is administered by one of our thyroid technicians.
Once your cat has been treated, he or she will need to do nothing more than sleep and eat while the radiation within their body dissipates to a safe level. To help keep your cat entertained during their stay, we play cat videos and music.
Your cat will be monitored closely while in our care. Our attentive thyroid technicians frequently monitor and record your cat’s appetite, thirst, urination, defecation. The cats are fed at least three times a daily and dry food is fed free choice.
Since each cat’s metabolism varies as well as the dose of the iodine received, the length of stay ranges from 5-14 days. The Department of Health and the Nuclear Regulation Commission requires that a cat must remain hospitalized until the radiation passed in their urine has dropped to a safe level.
We realize that most pet owners would like to visit their cat during hospitalization; however, that isn’t allowed due to the potential for radiation exposure. One of our thyroid technicians will call or text (whichever is preferred) each day with an update. Feel free to call to check on your cat during business hours (M-F 8am-8pm, Sa 9am-5pm) Please ask to speak with a thyroid technician. Our office number is 801-523-1176.
We do our very best to provide the best care possible for your cat while he or she is hospitalized.
Dr. Kanda Hazelwood
Thyroid Technicians:
Courtney S.
Pam G.
Jen H.