will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment
Learn more about the Clinical Nutrition Team at Tufts. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Try mixing baby food chicken or turkey in with some Fancy Feast. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. It is important to drink fluids after your treatment and for the next 2 days. There are three common forms of treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats: medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery. In the hospital (or veterinary hospitals) we would use a Geiger counter with a thin-window probe to find the radioactive contamination. It has the advantage of being curative in most cases with no ongoing treatment. What is taken up by the thyroid will be released slowly over the next days/weeks to the other bodily fluids which is why they have the precautions that you describe. Want to read more information on feeding your pet? The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. The treatment of choice for hyperthyroid cats is radioactive iodine therapy, which is a cure. The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment. In a study of 524 hyperthyroid cats treated with I-131, only 11/524 (2.1%) developed When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. Over time, this progresses to increased blood pressure, severe weight loss, heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. The veterinarian's recommendations are to isolate my cat for at least two weeks. The outcomes following most hyperthyroid therapies are usually excellent, and most cats have a very good chance of returning to a normal state of health. Now that he's back home, he still exhibits the behavior of wanting food all the time but I wonder if it's a habit he picked up before treatment or perhaps the symptoms won't completely gone away until the treatment has time to take hold. Subpart D-Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. Due to the damaging effects of hyperthyroid-induced hypertension on your cats kidneys, blood kidney values must be reassessed once the thyroxine level has normalized, even if they were normal on initial blood tests. Certain studies suggest that in some hyperthyroid cats, limiting the amount of iodine in the diet may be a viable option for treating this disease. Another significant risk for hyperthyroid cats is not actually related to their thyroid disease. Did You Know? In some of these cats, blood pressure can become so high that retinal bleeding or retinal detachment will occur, resulting in sudden blindness. As a cat owner, I completely understand your desire to get your cat back to his normal routine as soon as possible. Subscribe to always know when we add new material! If left untreated, a hyperthyroid cat can exhibit many, if not all, of the following signs: extreme weight loss, excessive appetite in most cases, but decreased appetite in some, muscle weakness, heart disease (increase in the size of the heart, increased rate, changes in heart rhythm, cardiac arrest), intolerance to stress, and eventually death. More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here. Affected cats produce too much thyroid hormone. 122(6): p. 2444-61. One of the reasons the cat was held for four days was to allow for much of the radioactive 131I to be excreted in urine so that the amount of external radiation exposure is significantly reduced. You should talk with your veterinarian about what diets may be best for him in this case. Even after treatment it may take a long time to reverse weight loss and muscle loss that occurred before your cats diagnosis. Milner R.J., Channell C.D., Levy J.K., et al., Survival Times for Cats with Hyperthyroidism Treated with Iodine 131, Methimazole, or Both: 167 Cases (1996-2003). You'll need to consider whether to have radioactive iodine (RAI) vs. other treatments for hyperthyroidism and Graves' disease (an immune system disorder that can cause hyperthyroidism). The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. JavaScript is disabled. The majority of cancers occur later in life and the average lifetime risk of dying from cancer is 25%. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. With your cat's diseased thyroid, after methimazole treatment failed, large doses of iodine might have proven effective. Actually it is quite safe, because the radioactive iodine is absorbed only by thyroid cells; no other cells in the body are exposed to the radiation. Most cats with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, but a small percentage of cats with hyperthyroidism have T4 levels within the normal range. Therefore, by using the veterinary therapeutic diet that is currently available and restricted in iodine (the only source the body has of iodine) this will prevent the thyroid from making thyroid hormone. Too cold? Of course, some people receive no radiation and others much, much more. Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . Thank you! It has to do with how important your thyroid is in regulating your metabolism and your weight. And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. Most hyperthyroid cats respond fully to a single injection with radio-iodine. Radioactive iodine (I-131) is a very safe and effective treatment for hyperthyroidism. This cat is showing weight loss and poor coat - typical signs of hyperthyroidism. You would actually have to ingest the cats waste for it to be harmful to you. Prior to the onset of symptoms he was eating a high quality dry cat food but when he started losing weight and begging for food we were told we could give him some baby food and wet cat food. The estimates of risk currently used are extrapolated from patients that have received much higher doses (e.g., atomic bomb survivors) using the linear, no-threshold model of radiation exposure risk. Pediatrics, 1998. If these tests are not diagnostic, athyroid scan (thyroid scintigraphy)can be performed at a veterinary referral center, or the TT4 can be measured again in a few weeks. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. All rights reserved. Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, it's important to monitor your cat's weight and muscle mass. Once the correct dose of radioiodine has been determined and administered, most of the time the tumors responsible for causing the elevated thyroid levels resolve and the cats are cured. Also called thyrotoxicosis, hyperthyroidism is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones (known as T3 and T4) from an enlarged thyroid gland in a cats neck. Although this procedure is usually very effective, it is more expensive and requires the cat being . Dr. Heinze is an employee of Mark Morris Institute and has provided professional serviceshas done consulting for Lafeber and WellPet, given sponsored talks for Nestl Purina PetCare and the Pet Food Institute, and provided professional services to Balance IT.com and Mark Morris Institute. Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism (I-131). If both thyroid glands require removal, there is a risk of developing hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) after surgery. I am certain that your veterinarian probably told you to take care when handling the litter and to wash your hands thoroughly after handling litter, the cat, and items that the cat came into contact with. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2004. Clients owning hyperthyroid cats undergoing radioiodine therapy are always considered members of the general public. The injection has no direct side effects. Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. If this is the case with your cat, paying special attention to specific nutrients such as dietary phosphorus (a key player in chronic kidney disease) may be required. The treatment options for hyperthyroidism are: Oral medication. Weight seemed to stabilize in the long-term setting, with minimal increases between 8 and 12 months and at 24 months after radioactive iodine treatment. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a common disease of older cats. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. This means that in order for this diet to work, your cat must eat the therapeutic diet exclusively and cannot eat any treats or supplements that might contain iodine and allow the thyroid gland to continue to make thyroxine. Hence additional separation between the patient and children are unnecessary. There are no studies that directly link cancer to the low dose radiation used in current medical imaging. You may gain weight after you undergo radioactive iodine treatment. If your cat requires daily medications for issues other than hyperthyroidism, he's not a candidate for radioactive iodine therapy. Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients. Although many cats diagnosed with hyperthyroid disease already have kidney disease, untreated hyperthyroidism can also cause kidney disease due to the damaging effects of hypertension on the kidneys. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". When choosing the best therapy for an individual cat, many factors must be considered. Thyroid scintigraphy may also be recommended to confirm a diagnosis and determine the size of the organ before surgery or radioactive iodine. However, it may not be appropriate for all cats (depending on other medical conditions) so important to work with your veterinarian and decide if using this therapeutic diet is the best way to manage your cats condition. Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon Wet Cat Food. An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. However, these options tend to be expensive and not possible for all pet owners. Chance of significant, unhealthy weight gain is increased. Methimazole is also given before surgery to determine if the cat has a secondary medical condition, such as kidney or liver disease masked by hyperthyroidism. Surgery will be performed if your cat successfully undergoes the initial treatment without complication. Clinical Signs Lifelong treatment, usually involving twice-daily oral dosage, will be required, and for some owners and cats, this dosage schedule may be difficult to maintain. Risks from other illness. 35(3): p. 204-209. Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. Risk of Ionizing Radiation Exposure to Children: A Subject Review. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. Dr. Freeman has received research or residency funding from, given sponsored lectures for, or provided professional services for Aratana Therapeutics, Elanco, Guiding Stars Licencing Co LLC, Hills Pet Nutrition, Nestl Purina PetCare, P&G Petcare (now Mars), and Royal Canin. When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. When a radioactive form of iodine is given to hyperthyroid cats, the radiation destroys a portion of the thyroid gland. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma. Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems. You'll have to give him this drug twice daily for the rest of his life, which treats but doesn't cure the condition. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. How can the age of a material be determined from the decay of a radioactive element quizlet? Medication typically. Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10. Exposure to high levels of dietary iodine may cause susceptible cats to develop hyperthyroidism. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to our hyperthyroid cats. What are the risks of my cat becoming hypothyroid? All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. Currently, there's only one FDA approved medication to treat feline hyperthyroidism called methimazole. The brand name of methimazole is called Felimazole. The dosage may vary but typically a cat is given this oral medication twice a day, every 12 hours. . The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. This may be particularly useful in cats with medical conditions that make other treatment options impossible. Occasionally, a cat suspected of having hyperthyroidism has a TT4 level within the upper range of normal. . For comparison, the dose for a standard Chest CT is 7 mSv. Site Help | The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. Once his radiation levels come down and you can bring him home, you still have to keep him away from young children and pregnant women, as he'll pass small amounts of radioactive iodine through his urine for approximately two weeks. Out little Nera was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 4-5 months ago. However, once the underlying hyperthyroidism has been controlled, the cardiac changes will often improve or may even resolve completely. To convert these to traditional units we have prepared a. Already have a myVCA account? Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? These licenses establish the basis for the facilities compliance with federal regulations established by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. under the skin, like a vaccine) and the radioactive iodine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. Risks unrelated to radioiodine therapy: What they are trying to prevent is the intake (ingestion, etc.) Treatment for Hypothyroidism in Cats. In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. Since fewer than 2% of cats with hyperthyroidism have cancerous growths of the thyroid gland, treatment is usually very successful. In the US, the average person is exposed to an additional 3.0 mSv/yr from medical sources (predominantly CT scans). Your cat can receive methimazole, a medication that inhibits thyroid hormone production. To help your cat gain weight, you need to increase the protein and . Further, the litter will be radioactive as most of the radioactive iodine will be excreted via this route. Methods: Therapy and body weight related data of 100 consecutive RITh-patients were retrospectively analysed from the time before up to three years after RITh. As stated above, it may also be used for a few weeks to stabilize a cat at increased surgical risk because of cardiac complications. It is used less commonly in younger children. Radioactive iodine is an effective and safe treatment option for children and teenagers with an overactive thyroid gland, but will usually be given as a second-line treatment after a reasonably long course of antithyroid medication. If the nearest facility is far away, there's the stress or travel for both you and Fluffy, as well as possible hotel and other travel expenses. However, your cat will still have a low amount of radiation in his or her body. Thus, individuals who opt for . For the same reasons as surgical treatment, your cat will likely be started on methimazole for about a month before radioactive iodine therapy. This can best be done by monitoring your cats body condition, muscle condition, and weight. While the treatment is fairly expensive, over the long term it could be cheaper than medication and is on a par with surgical treatment. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. . hypothyroidism was only treated if it was associated with clinical signs like excessive weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. ), family history (genetics) or radiation exposure. This usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid, which will cure hyperthyroidism.