Radioiodine Treatment at The Cat Clinic
Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats, caused by an overproduction of thyroid hormones. Radioiodine therapy is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option that targets the diseased thyroid tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
At The Cat Clinic, we are proud to offer this advanced treatment to help your feline companions live healthier, happier lives. Our facilities were purpose built in 2024 with particular focus on creating a feline friendly environment, to help ensure our patients feel calm and cared for while in hospital.
What is Radioiodine Treatment?
Radioiodine treatment uses a small dose of radioactive iodine (also known as I-131) to selectively target and destroy overactive thyroid tissue. It is considered the gold standard for treating hyperthyroidism in cats due to its high success rate (95-98% with a single treatment) and minimal side effects. It has been used in veterinary medicine for many years. It is also used in human medicine for people with high thyroid levels.
What are the benefits of Radioiodine Treatment?
- Non-invasive: No surgery or anesthesia required.
- Usually curative: Effectively eliminates the hyperthyroidism in over 95% of cases.
- Targets only diseased tissue: Healthy thyroid tissue remains unaffected.
- Minimal side effects: Most cats tolerate the treatment very well.
How does the treatment work?
A small dose of radioactive iodine is administered as a single tablet. The iodine is absorbed into the bloodstream and specifically taken up by the overactive thyroid cells, where it emits radiation to destroy the abnormal tissue. Normal thyroid tissue is spared, and the cat’s other body systems remain unaffected.
How Successful is the treatment
The treatment has very high success rates in cats. Over 95% of cats experience complete
resolution of hyperthyroid symptoms after a single treatment For the rare few who require
additional care, we will provide ongoing support. This may include a second treatment with
radioiodine if needed.
Is my cat a good candidate for this treatment
Most cats diagnosed with hyperthyroidism are excellent candidates. Before treatment, we
typically perform blood work, urinalysis, and imaging (if needed) to ensure your cat’s overall
health and rule out complicating factors.
What happens during the treatment process?
● Initial Consultation: We will evaluate your cat’s health, discuss the treatment
process, and together decide if radioiodine is the best option for your cat.
● Diagnostic tests: At a minimum, all cats will have a blood test to assess the severity
of their thyroid disease about one week prior to treatment. Depending on your
individual cat’s health, we may also schedule some additional screening tests in the
weeks leading up to their treatment day, to ensure the treatment is appropriate for
them.
● Admission day: Your cat will usually start their stay in our clinic two days prior to
their booked treatment day, to ensure they settle in well and are coping with the
hospital environment without being overly stressed.
● Treatment Day: Your veterinarian will administer the iodine tablet by mouth.
● Post-Treatment Stay: After treatment, your cat will emit low levels of radiation for a
short period of time. Your cat will be housed in our radiation-safe hospital suite for
around 5-7 days to allow radiation levels to decline to safe levels.
● Follow up checks: We recommend a check up and blood test at 6 weeks, 3 months
and 6 months after treatment. In the vast majority of cases, the thyroid level
normalises quickly and remains normal for life.
What care will my cat receive while in the radioiodine suite?
Your cat will be cared for by a dedicated and highly trained team of vets and nurses. They
will receive visits 2-3 times per day including for fresh food and water, litter box changes and
medications. Our suite is also designed to allow us to check on our patients remotely using
24/7 video monitoring. To help keep your cat feeling comfortable, we have installed a sound
system for calming music, and a TV screen for kitty entertainment.
Unfortunately, you will not be allowed to visit your cat while in the radioiodine ward, due to
radiation safety regulations.
Why is isolation necessary for cats after radioactive iodine treatment, and is it safe?
Administering radioactive iodine to cats requires specialized licensing, hospital equipment,
and strict adherence to health and safety guidelines set by the Tasmanian Department of
Health.
For up to 4 weeks after treatment, cats will excrete small amounts of radioactivity from their
body, as well as through their urine, stools, and saliva and fur.
The level of radioactivity is highest immediately after treatment. For this reason, your cat
would be housed in our purpose built radiation-safe environment for the first 5-7 days until
their measured radiation levels are below the safety threshold.
Your cat can then return home after this period, but as they will still be emitting low levels of
radiation, some precautions are required at home to avoid exposing family members to
excessive radiation.
Detailed instructions will be shared with you in detail prior to treatment, but in summary it will
involve:
● Limiting close contact with your cat. This includes keeping them in a spare room for
the first two weeks to reduce radiation exposure to the family. You can visit them for
short periods several times per day, but should avoid spending prolonged periods in
close contact.
● Use disposable gloves to clean the litter box
● Washing hands after patting your cat
This treatment is very safe for both cats and their owners. If your family follows our
discharge guidelines regarding caring for your cat at home, any radiation exposure to
humans would be extremely low.
Are there risks of side effects?
Radioiodine treatment is extremely safe, but as with any medical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. Rare side effects may include low thyroid levels, or unmasking of underlying kidney issues. Our team will discuss all potential risks during your consultation.
Why Choose The Cat Clinic?
Our dedicated team at The Cat Clinic is committed to providing exceptional care for your
beloved cat. With state-of-the-art facilities and compassionate staff, we ensure your cat
receives the safest and most effective treatment. Our facilities include large purpose-built
hospital suites, carefully designed with your cat’s best interests in mind. In line with our feline
friends and fear-free ethos, the treatment area and protocols are designed to keep your cat
as comfortable as possible while in our care.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation for radioiodine therapy. Together,
we can give your cat the best chance at a long, healthy and happy life.