Hair loss. 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. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a common disease of older cats. Treatment for Hypothyroidism in Cats. If you suspect your cat might be experiencing some of these symptoms, the next step is visiting your veterinarian for a blood test to check your cats thyroid hormone levels. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. In cases where radioactive iodine therapy is not successful, the treatment can be repeated. Remember that theNRC regulationsrequire that release criteria and discharge instructions provided to owners of hyperthyroid cats prevent exposures of more than 1 mSv. Giving him medication once or twice a day isn't an option, although if it's a medication that can be mixed in with his food, it's something you could discuss with the veterinary staff at the facility. At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. Unfortunately these cats may continue to deteriorate and may even die from their other non-thyroid diseases. This cat is showing weight loss and poor coat - typical signs of hyperthyroidism. Affected cats are often restless and may become cranky or aggressive. Most of the extra radioactive iodine is eliminated in your urine. Montreal. You may feel a lump on your cat's throat under his jaw. (8,9) Replacement hormone products currently on the market, both synthetic and glandular, are not comparable to our own hormone, and in some people, never feel "right". If both thyroid glands require removal, there is a risk of developing hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) after surgery. Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism (I-131). Thus, individuals who opt for . Set up your myVCA account today. He's radioactive, so it's not safe even for humans wearing protective clothing to spend too much time around him. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. The beta particles, which are much more potent forms of radiation, travel an average distance of less than 1 mm. The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite. Cats exclusively fed the prescription diet will remain normal, but if the diet is discontinued, they will once again become hyperthyroid. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. (At my facility we treat people but many of the concepts are the same, it is just that patient compliance is easier to obtain with people.) Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, it's important to monitor your cat's weight and muscle mass. Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. Treatment usually requires one or two weeks of hospitalization at a veterinary hospital licensed to administer radiation therapy. 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. Treatment for hypothyroidism in cats is . Even after treatment it may take a long time to reverse weight loss and muscle loss that occurred before your cat's diagnosis. More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here. Because of the short distances they travel they never exit the patient and as a result no one other than the patient is at risk from exposure to the beta particles unless they internalized the radioiodine excreted by the patient. Of course some cats treated with radioiodine for their hyperthyroidism will go on to get cancer, but in the same proportion as hyperthyroid cats treated with methimazole or surgery. Secondary Problems Radioactive Iodine Therapy Medication and radioactive iodine therapy are just as effective at treating hyperthyroidism in cats as surgery and are less invasive, so surgical treatment is rarely chosen for treating this condition. Generally, about 5 to 10 pounds of excess weight can likely be attributed to the lack of thyroid hormones that occurs in people diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Although the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism, it is usually a benign or non-malignant change. Slater M.R., Komkov A., Robinson L.E., et al., Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. radioactive iodine All three treatments will reduce thyroid hormone levels and the signs of hyperthyroidism. If your cat is showing signs of illness or depression, please contact PVESC. Both cardiomyopathy and hypertension are potentially reversible with appropriate treatment of the disease. Recurrence of the disease is a possibility in some cats. 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. This is because the parathyroid glands (responsible for calcium balance in the body) are near the thyroid gland and may be damaged or accidentally removed during surgery. Hyperthyroidismis characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in metabolic rate. However, unless the retinal detachment is treated immediately, permanent blindness can occur. Additionally, diet may play a significant role in managing the disease, whether as a sole treatment or as an adjunct tool to address changes in your cats body related to hyperthyroidism. While I do not know the amount of radioactive 131I that was administered to your cat, the recommendations that your veterinarian has given you are very standard for the industry. While the concept of radiation hormesiswould suggest a potential benefit from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation by stimulating the immune system's ability to repair DNA, any potential benefit is poorly defined and hence the current recommendations surrounding radiation exposure follow the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) concept. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . The iodine, which is required for the production of both T3 and T4, is taken up by the thyroid gland and the emitted radiation destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without damaging the surrounding tissues or the parathyroid glands. 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. To scientifically prove a connection would require nearly one million patients followed closely over decades to detect the small increased risk with any confidence. Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. Want to read more information on feeding your pet? Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, its important to monitor your cats weight and muscle mass. Because the risk from exposure to radiation in children is generally considered greater than the risk from the same exposure in adults[7], radiation precautions for children and pregnant women are more restrictive than for adults.The release instructions advising clients of hyperthyroid cats being discharged following radioiodine therapy at AVMI advise that pregnant women and children (defined as individuals less than 18 years of age) avoid contact (defined as a proximity of less than 6 feet) with the patient for a period of 12 days following discharge. Of course, some people receive no radiation and others much, much more. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society. I'm sure if he is still underweight, his body will be telling him to eat, eat, eat. Reduce the time near a source, increase the distance from the source, or use some sort of radiation absorbing shielding between you and the source of radiation and you will reduce your radiation dose. What happens after my cat is released from the hospital? There are currently no known preventive measures for hyperthyroidism, but early diagnosis decreases the secondary problems and improves the prognosis. The slow onset of signs means that cat owners will often miss these changes until the late stages of disease. Standards for Protection against Radiation. Ten patients (6.4%) had DS (Down Syndrome) and 33 (21.0%) had received ATDs before RAI ablation. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. Vet Rad & Ultrasound, 1994. The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. Hypocalcemia can be life-threatening and may require either short-term or long-term medication postoperatively should it occur. Aim: Analysis and follow up of body weight after radioiodine therapy (RITh) of hyperthyroidism, since excessive weight gain is a common complaint among these patients. DNA can also be damaged directly by radiation. In more serious cases, surgical removal of the thyroid glands may be required. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. 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. As for your dose, my primary concernespecially if you were allowing the cat to have direct, prolonged contact within the first week of releasewould be the potentially contaminated materials that could result in your intake of radioactive 131I. This can be accomplished in several ways: Radioactive iodine therapy. Cats havetwo thyroid glands in the neck that are vital in regulating the body's metabolic rate. Finally, thyroid hormone has a role in kidney function and blood flow that may result in either directly damaging the kidney or obscuring underlying kidney disease that your cat may already have. Special attention should be given to the thyroid glands to look for evidence of enlargement and the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. There are several hypothesized causes of hyperthyroidism. The study followed people for 26 years after two or more treatments. 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. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. After initial stabilisation with oral medications, a number of curative treatments are also available. However, since wild-caught flaked Alaskan salmon is the first ingredient, it provides a lot of moisture. He also can't sleep with you during that time, and the facility will inform you about special arrangements you'll have to make for disposing of his litter. . What Are The Side Effects Of Radioactive Iodine Treatment In Cats? 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. You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. An important take-away message about your newly-diagnosed hyperthyroid cat is that there is a wide range of treatment options, so you can likely find something that works for your family. If possible, I would like to wear protective clothing so we can return to our familiar habit of living/sleeping in 24-hour close physical contact to minimize his stress and promote his recovery. Cats can receive a second treatment, if necessary. This surgery requires general anesthesia, however, and there might be added risks if older cats have heart, kidney, or other problems that could cause complications. After treatment, the normal thyroid tissue will regain full function within 1-3 months. 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. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. Scaly skin. Since hyperthyroidism can predispose a cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate general health, with particular focus on the heart and kidneys. Many older cats with overactive thyroids have actual enlargement of the gland which can be felt in the neck by your veterinarian. The chronic elevation of circulating thyroid hormone levels in cats with hyperthyroidism leads to changes in their heart muscle that predispose them to developing heart failure. It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. The advantages of medication are that the drugs are readily available and relatively inexpensive. You should use the following methods for disposing of your cat's waste that may contain trace amounts of radiation. 1 INTRODUCTION. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. Oftentimes it takes decades for cancer to be detected following radiation exposure. . This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy. Try mixing baby food chicken or turkey in with some Fancy Feast. And I'm so glad she did, since her kidney disease (that unmasked after methimazole treatment) went from Stage 1 chronic to Stage 4 acute on chronic last weekend. This can best be done by monitoring your cat's body condition, muscle condition, and weight. In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. 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. . If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes: Because of the important role the thyroid gland plays in the body, some cats with hyperthyroidism develop secondary problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. Annual blood and urine tests are important in all cats seven years and older to detect hyperthyroidism before potentially irreversible damage occurs. While my facility does not treat cats with radioactive 131I, I have consulted with a veterinary medicine program at a nearby university that does perform these types of procedures to get myself in the "cat-patient" mode of thought. For this reason, some cats with hyperthyroidism may require additional treatment to control secondary heart disease. 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. An anti-thyroid medication, like methimazole. Weight gain was similar for patients who received antithyroid drugs or radioiodine treatment but was significantly greater for patients who had been treated with thyroidectomy (5 kg vs 10 kg; P = 0.007). Cat Articles | Because the thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones, the thyroid takes the radioiodine into the thyroid cells and the radiation destroys the overactive thyroid cells over time. While the treatment is fairly expensive, over the long term it could be cheaper than medication and is on a par with surgical treatment. I'll be honest, the last thing I (or my vet) worried about with Sara was gaining weight. What happens after my cat is released from the hospital? However, there are a number of reasons for the precautions that your veterinarian has provided you that I will discuss below. This test can also help the doctor determine the cause of your hyperthyroidism and get other information about your thyroid tissue. Occasionally, a cat suspected of having hyperthyroidism has a TT4 level within the upper range of normal. You must log in or register to reply here. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to our hyperthyroid cats. It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. No individual breed is known to have a greater risk, although Siamese, Burmese, Persian, Abyssinian, Tonkinese, and British shorthair breeds appear to have a somewhat decreased incidence of hyperthyroidism compared to other breeds. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. Even after treatment it may take a long time to reverse weight loss and muscle loss that occurred before your cats diagnosis. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. 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. Hyperthyroidism is too much thyroid hormone that causes weight loss so kitty should gain some weight back to a normal amount after treatment. The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate therapy. What is the biggest concern with nuclear meltdown and why? and Turrel J.M., A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism is rare after I-131 therapy. Already have a myVCA account? However, your cat will still have a low amount of radiation in his or her body. In order to produce thyroid hormone (thyroxine), the body needs a supply of iodine. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. 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. Blog written by Dr. Daisy Spears in conjunction with Dr. Linder. When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another potential complication of hyperthyroidism, and can cause additional damage to several organs, including the eyes, kidneys, heart, and brain. Domestic airline pilots are exposed to an additional 2.2 mSv per year, about the same dose as a brain CT. As you can see from the table below, the estimated risk of developing cancer from exposure to 0.1 Gy (= 100mSv), while it varies with the age of the individual, is something less than 1% for adults. . If the total GFR is below this number, medical therapy for hyperthyroidism may be recommended, although I-131 treatment may still be an option in specific patients. You'll have to give him this drug twice daily for the rest of his life, which treats but doesn't cure the condition. I-131 is normally a health concern after the . They do not take into consideration individual risk factors including lifestyle (smoking, diet, exercise, etc. A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. We found out about the radioactive iodine treatment and after lots.of research decided this was the way to go. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. The current Nuclear Regulatory Commission radiation dose limits for individual members of the public are listed below. The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. 4. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Nearly all cats will be cured by a second treatment. When the dose of radiation to the thyroid is very low, like might occur by accidental ingestion of litter box contents, then mutations leading to cancer can ensue. The inaccurate repair of DNA is rare, but can cause a cell to act wildly or grow into a cancer. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. 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. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats because of an excess of circulating thyroid hormone, called thyroxine. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for the bodys metabolism. For comparison, the dose for a standard Chest CT is 7 mSv. Because the radioactive iodine used (known as iodine 131) may expose those around you to the effects of radiation (and theoretically negatively affect their thyroid glands), you will be given guidelines on how to prevent such exposure. If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. The thyroid takes up the radioactive iodine, which destroys cells in the thyroid. Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? These licenses establish the basis for the facilities compliance with federal regulations established by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. There are fundamental differences between a continuous dose over a year (background radiation) and a dose that occurs over a few seconds like in CT, but these are helpful comparisons. My pet has kidney disease what kind of diet should I feed. Unfortunately, 131I has a rather high-energy gamma emission that is difficult to shield. You should talk with your veterinarian about what diets may be best for him in this case. It has to do with how important your thyroid is in regulating your metabolism and your weight. Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism (I-131). ), family history (genetics) or radiation exposure. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. It is best to perform a nuclear scan before surgery to rule out ectopic thyroid tissue. The dose of radiation used during radioactive iodine treatment is very low, but there are some precautions you'll need to take after treatment: avoid prolonged close contact with children and pregnant women for a few days or weeks women should avoid getting pregnant for at least 6 months men should not father a child for at least 4 months . So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients. Environmental risk factors have been investigated and may predispose some cats to hyperthyroidism, although the specific mechanisms are unknown. 2007 07/19/2011; Available from: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/. In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. "The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite.". I have a cat also and I know when she is happy and purring while sitting on my lap getting strokes, she drools. 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. The radioactive isotope, Iodine-131 ( 131 I), is administered as a one-off injection. It is important to drink fluids after your treatment and for the next 2 days. Also, you might get some good ideas about what to feed him on Dr. Lisa Pierson's web site. 6. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses).
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