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Ask the Veterinarian/Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism in our cat

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Expert: - 3/16/2011


Question

Molly
Dear Jana,

I wrote you near the end of February when we close to taking one of our cats to be treated for hyperthyroidism.  You seemed surprised that she would have this condition at her age and that several of our cats had the disease over the years.
We now believe she might be closer to 5 years old but that is still relatively young.

She was taken to the University Of Tennessee College Of Veterinary Medicine Small Animal Clinic for radioiodine treatment.   While there, the attending vet asked if we wanted to be part of a study she is doing on hyperthyroidism.  Her study is focused on diet.  Of course, we took part in her study.  Surprisingly, more people do not participate than do!  The doctor believes there is an increase in numbers of housecats affected by hyperthyroidism, including cats not yet considered in old age.  We wish her well with the research.

As for us, I am going to have our little house tested for radon gas.  A high level will give us reason to vent the basement and reduce exposure to cats and us alike.   Lung cancer is the main concern from radon in humans but who really knows how this affects indoor cats.

I am writing more of a report than a question but perhaps what I say and what comments you add will be of value to other pet owners.  As for the radioiodine treatment, the cat receives a subcutaneous injection of the iodine isotope and the material concentrates in the thyroid tumor which causes the condition. This essentially kills the tumor, leaving good thyroid in working order.   A few months might be required to get back to normal thyroid activity.   As with other medical treatments, no guarantee comes with the treatment.  Overdone, the cat will need supplemental treatment from then on. Underdone, the cat may need another radioiodine treatment.  So far, every cat treated from this family has done very well.  The thyroid normalizes and so does the cat, including reducing the extra load on heart and kidneys brought on by excess hormone.

For anyone who might wonder, radioiodine is a costly hyperthyroidism treatment; however it is a one time cure when all goes well.  No thyroid meds are needed. Treatment with pills and dermal meds will cost less in the short run for sure but are needed regularly for the term of the cat.  At the clinic we used, the kitty was at the center for right at 9 days, mostly in isolation.  The cost totaled at slightly more than $1300 USD.     There will be the cost of blood tests to confirm effects of the treatment at 1 month then at 3 month intervals up to 1 year.

Jana, folks have suitable options for treatment.  We are not wealthy and I lost a job the last day of December.  Still, for us radioiodine was the way to go.  We only wish pet owners would be aware of symptoms of this disease.  Hyperthyroidism may be effectively controlled early on with radioiodine, pills or dermal gel.  Untreated, the cat is in trouble and other serious conditions may be hidden or disguised by the thyroid condition.    

Thanks for hearing me out with this overly long epistle.  : )  Thomas.

Answer
Hi Thomas,
I am very glad that Molly is doing so well and I do appreciate that you wrote this and posted it. Our nearest veterinary university is US Davis and they have the same treatment option here, but as you said, few people take it. I am guessing it is a lot more than $1300 here and cost is a factor for most people.

If more people bought pet insurance this option would probably be used more often.
Hopefully your experience will help others make a more informed decision about treating this disease.

Thanks Thomas!
    Questioner's Rating
    Rating(1-10)Knowledgeability = 10Clarity of Response = 10Politeness = 10
    CommentI am glad you mentioned pet insurance. We are definitely considering it now, after the fact but we will always have kitties and want to do best for them. Molly is doing quite well, yet to have her first check-up but is much more back to normal than she was, now acting just like a cat does..well, like she does. Thanks so much. You are a wonderful asset to pet owners. Thomas.


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Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

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