Feline Hyperthyroidism and Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Hyperthyroidism is one of the more common conditions that affect cats, and it’s especially common in older cats. At White Haven Veterinary Hospital, we’re proud to be fully equipped and trained to provide radioactive iodine therapy to treat hyperthyroidism in cats.
What Is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a hormonal (endocrine) disorder that results in a cat’s thyroid glands producing too much thyroid hormone. This condition has serious, negative effects on the rest of a cat’s body and causes symptoms such as:
- Excessive appetite (most common) or decreased appetite (less common)
- Extreme weight loss
- Heart disease
- Muscle weakness
- Stress intolerance
Left untreated, hyperthyroidism eventually leads to death.
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common issues in older cats, affecting about 10% of cats 10 years of age and older. While it’s more common in older cats, cats as young as five years of age have been diagnosed.
What Is Feline Radioactive Iodine Therapy?
Radioactive iodine therapy is a special treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism. During a treatment, a specially trained veterinarian injects a dose of radioactive iodine beneath the patient’s skin. The thyroid gland (the only part of the body that concentrates iodine) then takes up the radioactive iodine. The iodine then emits particles of radiation that specifically destroy only the cat’s abnormal thyroid tissue, leaving the healthy tissues intact. As a result, the cat’s thyroid function returns to normal and hyperthyroid symptoms resolve on their own.
Why Choose Radioactive Iodine Therapy to Treat Feline Hyperthyroidism?
Although hyperthyroidism can be treated with lifelong medication, feline radioactive iodine therapy is the preferred and most effective treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. After a single radioactive iodine therapy treatment, 95% of cats with hyperthyroidism are cured.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Cats at White Haven Veterinary Hospital
At White Haven Veterinary Hospital, we’re not only proud to be able to provide our feline patients with this exceptional treatment for hyperthyroidism, but we also have several certified fear-free veterinary professionals. We take special care to make each of our feline patient’s visits to our veterinary clinic stress-free, calm, and effective. This not only simplifies veterinary appointments by taking the stress away, but it also helps our veterinarians perform more thorough and accurate examinations while delivering more effective treatments.
To learn more about radioactive iodine therapy for cats or to schedule a check-up for your pet, we welcome you to contact us today.
