This endocrine disease is the excess production of thyroid hormone that is secreted by the thyroid gland. In cats, this is usually caused by a benign tumor either on one or both thyroid glands. Rarely, hyperthyroidism is caused by a malignant tumor.
If left untreated, the body cannot keep up with increased metabolic demands, which can lead to multiple organ failure.
Palmetto Animal Hospital has extended service beyond the wellness care provided by our family veterinarians. Since hyperthyroidism has now become the most common endocrine disorder in middle to older aged cats, we are providing an additional treatment.
Unhealthy thyroid tissue has an appetite for iodine to make the hormone T4. The healthy thyroid tissue is dormant and does not need to use iodine. When I131 is administered the unhealthy tissue uses this and is destroyed, spares the dormant healthy tissue. The iodine is eliminated primarily through the urine. Over time the dormant tissue becomes active and normal thyroid function returns to 95% of cats treated. The only side effect seen in some cats is mild laryngitis, change in voice or some swallowing difficulty. These symptoms usually resolve in a few days without treatment. Some cats may become hypothyroid (low production of thyroid hormone), but this usually does not require treatment because it usually resolves over time.
You will receive a packet of information in the mail that goes over details and also includes a consent form. The consent form must be brought in signed on the day of treatment.
Your pet will need to be dropped off the morning of treatment between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Please be prepared to go over information about the treatment before leaving.
The duration of stay is usually 3 days. Families with small children, pregnant household members, or cats released with a higher radioactivity levels will require stricter guidelines upon discharge or additional hospitalization.
Your cat cannot be visited due to strict state and federal regulations. You will be contacted each day with an update.
Sedation may be administered depending on the nature of your cat, so that we can safely administer the I-131.
A deposit will be required prior to ordering the I-131 treatment, as each dose will be specific to your cats needs and cannot be returned.
Follow up blood work will need to be done by your regular veterinarian 30 and 90 days after treatment.
Located just over a mile from the Florence Country Club and Jeffries Creek Park in the Cypress Point neighborhood.
Phone: 843-667-6720
