Any long-term side effects from radioiodine for cat hyperthyroidism?

I-131 (radioactive iodine) is a fantastic option if your cat's T4 (thyroid hormone) and kidney values on bloodwork have remained stable while she's been taking methimazole. In fact, it's considered the gold standard treatment modality in cats that are considered good candidates. There are some cats that have existing kidney disease "unmasked" once treatment for hyperthyroidism begins, so these cats are not considered good candidates for I-131 therapy. Hyperthyroidism is a condition that requires lifelong management, so your vet is correct in stating that treatment should continue indefinitely. However, you're correct in that you may have another good option. Methimazole is not advantageous over I-131. If anything, it has more potential side effects than I-131, but we use it since the good far outweighs the bad for the vast majority of cases. Few specialty hospitals actually administer I-131, but if you have one in your area, it is absolutely worth scheduling a consultation to help determine if your cat is a good candidate for this treatment modality. I hope that everything goes well!

The radiation is good treatment option, however it's important start with the oral pill (methimazole) first to make sure his body tolerates having lower thyroid levels first. When we get the thyroid disease under control sometimes we uncover kidney disease that was always there. The other down sides of A131 are cost, availability of the treatment (you have to go to a facility, this isn't something your vet can do), and the process (needing to stay at the facility, I believe it's 3 days but you'd have to check on the protocol at your local facility).

Luv Bug is so very fortunate to have you as an owner. I am sure that you are one of the main reasons that she is going strong at 17 years of age. Kudos to you for your consideration and compassion for your pet. In terms of hyperthyroidism in cats, there are only three real treatments on the market today. These are methimazole treatment, thyroidectomy surgery, and radioactive iodine treatment. It is believed in the veterinary community that radioactive iodine is the gold standard treatment today. With the information you have provided, I can offer you a few possibilities for future treatment: 1. Perhaps you can get the math him is all in a tablet form to crush it into a fine powder and then mix it with any palatable substance that she likes and then squirt it in her mouth with a syringe. This, however, may cause some behavior problems because she may not like this either. 2. If you are willing to accept the costs and all of the different parts that go with the radioactive iodine treatment, I say go for it because the success rate for that specific treatment is excellent. Thank you very much for your question and I know you will make the right decision on her behalf. Have a great day.

Interesting question. I would follow your doctors recommendations about exposure to people and stick to those guidelines. I think that there would not be enough radioactive exposure to harm the cats. Their lifespan is so much shorter than people’s the effects of radiation would not develop for many years when they would be already gone. Again please be cautious and follow your doctors recommendations. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cats.

Surgery will be a definitive option and treatment won't be needed anymore in the long term. Unfortunately the down side of it is the cost and invasiveness of procedure. Medical treatment on other hand requires constant monitoring and continue treatment but it is a good option as well. The decision is very subjective, but usually where cat and client are right candidates, I tend to suggest surgery. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Hypothyroidism is very uncommon in cats, unless the cat had treatment for overactive thyroid problem (surgery, radioactive iodine). Because it is so uncommon, we do not have any products that are licensed for cats. To treat hypothyroidism in cats, most often we use levothyroxine tablets that are licensed for dogs.

You can use a transdermal gel to treat Max's thyroid condition. This gel is applied to the inner ear and is absorbed through the skin. Discuss this option as well as radioactive iodine Therapy with your veterinarian. There is a company in Stamford, Connecticut that performs the treatment. Follow the link for more information. http://m.thyrocat.com/index.php