What is Feline Hyperthyroidism?
Feline Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive levels of thyroid hormone. The excess of thyroid hormone affects all of the cat's organ systems.
Feline hyperthyroidism occurs in middle aged and senior cats. Both feline sexes and all breeds are equally at risk.
The cat’s thyroid gland is normally a very small butterfly-shaped gland and is located in the neck region. Hyperthyroidism is caused by a tumor in this gland. Ninety eight percent of these tumors are benign (adenoma) and two percent are cancerous (carcinoma). The majority of cats have both lobes affected.
What are the signs of feline hyperthyroidism?
Cats with hyperthyroidism may have one or more of the following:
What is the success rate after treatment with I131?
It is a extremely successful treatment! Upwards of 95-98% of cats are successfully treated after a single sub-cutaneous injection. They do not need any follow up treatments at the Thyroid Treatment Center. All follow up is done with your regular veterinarian.
What if my cat is on Tapazole?
If a cat is currently taking Tapazole (methimazole) it is required to be withdrawn 7 days prior to treatment.
Is your cat to old too be treated with I131?
No. Cats of any age can be treated! Your veterinarian can rule out any preexisting other problems prior to treatment. While the average age of cats treated is for hyperthyroidism is 13, cats of any age can be treated. Cats as old as 21 have been successfully treated.
Are there any side effects from treatment?
There are almost no side effects from I131 treatment. There may; however, be a period of readjustment, due to the return of normal thyroid function, and your cat may eat a little less food and may be quieter. Very infrequently, a sore throat or change in voice may also occur. In rare situations, hypothyroidism may occur. However, this condition can easily be corrected with a thyroid supplement if it is deemed necessary by your veterinarian.
Can you visit your cat at the Thyroid Treatment Center?
Unfortunately, regulations prevent owners from visiting there pets after treatment. However, cats are regularly monitored to see when they can go home. We stringently follow the guidelines provided by the State Department of Health and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Can you remove your cat from the therapy facility before the end of the treatment period?
Pets can not be removed from the facility until the level of radioactivity has decreased to a level which has been established as safe by a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), and as required by the Washington State Department of Health and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
What is the cost of treatment?
The total cost is $1125.00 US.
If I have any other questions who can I call?
Call Dr. Anderson or Williams at the Thyroid Treatment Center at 1-888-3T4-CATS or 1-888-384-2287
Feline Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive levels of thyroid hormone. The excess of thyroid hormone affects all of the cat's organ systems.
Feline hyperthyroidism occurs in middle aged and senior cats. Both feline sexes and all breeds are equally at risk.
The cat’s thyroid gland is normally a very small butterfly-shaped gland and is located in the neck region. Hyperthyroidism is caused by a tumor in this gland. Ninety eight percent of these tumors are benign (adenoma) and two percent are cancerous (carcinoma). The majority of cats have both lobes affected.
What are the signs of feline hyperthyroidism?
Cats with hyperthyroidism may have one or more of the following:
- weight loss
- changes in behavior - anxiety or nervousness
- excessive appetite or decreased appetite
- increased water intake
- hyperactivity or lethargy
- excessive shedding, hair loss (alopecia), poor unkept coat.
- diarrhea or vomiting
- increased urination
- cardiac symptoms - rapid heart rate, arrhythmia
- Anorexia (occasionally)
What is the success rate after treatment with I131?
It is a extremely successful treatment! Upwards of 95-98% of cats are successfully treated after a single sub-cutaneous injection. They do not need any follow up treatments at the Thyroid Treatment Center. All follow up is done with your regular veterinarian.
What if my cat is on Tapazole?
If a cat is currently taking Tapazole (methimazole) it is required to be withdrawn 7 days prior to treatment.
Is your cat to old too be treated with I131?
No. Cats of any age can be treated! Your veterinarian can rule out any preexisting other problems prior to treatment. While the average age of cats treated is for hyperthyroidism is 13, cats of any age can be treated. Cats as old as 21 have been successfully treated.
Are there any side effects from treatment?
There are almost no side effects from I131 treatment. There may; however, be a period of readjustment, due to the return of normal thyroid function, and your cat may eat a little less food and may be quieter. Very infrequently, a sore throat or change in voice may also occur. In rare situations, hypothyroidism may occur. However, this condition can easily be corrected with a thyroid supplement if it is deemed necessary by your veterinarian.
Can you visit your cat at the Thyroid Treatment Center?
Unfortunately, regulations prevent owners from visiting there pets after treatment. However, cats are regularly monitored to see when they can go home. We stringently follow the guidelines provided by the State Department of Health and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Can you remove your cat from the therapy facility before the end of the treatment period?
Pets can not be removed from the facility until the level of radioactivity has decreased to a level which has been established as safe by a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO), and as required by the Washington State Department of Health and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
What is the cost of treatment?
The total cost is $1125.00 US.
If I have any other questions who can I call?
Call Dr. Anderson or Williams at the Thyroid Treatment Center at 1-888-3T4-CATS or 1-888-384-2287
