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The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1). Risks from hyperthyroidism. Laura Porter / Verywell He rejected the Fancy Feast stuff and gobbled the baby food along with eating a little variety of the many dry foods we tried in an effort to find one that he really liked. Hyperthyroid cats are also at risk for complications related to the hypertension that frequently accompanies hyperthyroidism. It is used less commonly in younger children. Exposure to high levels of dietary iodine may cause susceptible cats to develop hyperthyroidism. There are several hypothesized causes of hyperthyroidism. . American Academy of Pediatrics. The risk to these cats is the simple fact that many cats in the age range when cats develop hyperthyroidism (8+ years) also develop other diseases. Iodine is an element normally taken up in large amounts by the thyroid gland, even more so in cats that are hyperthyroid. Some people also feel flushed. Thyroid hormone regulates the metabolic rate of an animal. These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. They do not take into consideration individual risk factors including lifestyle (smoking, diet, exercise, etc. J Vet Intern Med, 2001. If surgery is the chosen treatment method, the anti-thyroid medication methimazole (Tapazole, Felimazole) may be prescribed for several weeks before the operation. 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. Cats havetwo thyroid glands in the neck that are vital in regulating the body's metabolic rate. Risks from other illness. Hence people who's hyperthyroid cats are treated with radioiodine would be expected to have a potentially increased risk of developing cancer over the remainder of their lifetime as the result of that exposure of no more than 1/100th of 1 percent. Part 20, Standards for protection against radiation Subscribe to always know when we add new material! This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. There are three common forms of treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats: medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery. The cell repairs itself with mistakes (rare). The advantage of surgery is that it is likely to produce a long-term or permanent cure in most cats, and therefore eliminates the need for long-term medication. If your cat is showing signs of illness or depression, please contact PVESC. Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. What is happening in this procedure is that a portion of the radioactive iodine is being taken up by the cat's thyroid to treat its condition (hyperthyroidism, I assume?). 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. Chance of significant, unhealthy weight gain is increased. 197(2): p. 125-136. Gained over three pounds! First we need to put this exposure level into some context: How do x-rays increase your risk for cancer? The required dose of methimazole can change over time, so monitoring thyroid levels in treated animals is recommended every 3-6 months once their condition is stable. Calabrese E.J., Hormesis: From Marginalization to Mainstream: A Case for Hormesis as the Default Dose-Response Model in Risk Assessment. About TheCatSite.com. A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed. This disease is common in older cats. 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. One major risk associated with surgical thyroidectomy is inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands, which lie close to or within the thyroid gland and are crucial in maintaining stable blood calcium levels. (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.) Therefore if you adhere to the release instructions we provide you with (copies provided on admission and again at discharge), you should be assured of getting less than 1 mSv exposure from interacting with your cat. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Site Help | Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before . Hyperthyroidism may also cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperactivity. Many doctors recommend that women avoid becoming pregnant for 6 months to a year after treatment. The AVMI radioactive materials license utilizes release criteria and precautionary instructions specifically based on the evaluation of the relative exposure levels to clients following radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroid cats treated with I-131. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. This I131 injection accumulates in the abnormal thyroid tissue, and the radioactivity kills the abnormal tissue without harming other vital structures nearby. In order to produce thyroid hormone (thyroxine), the body needs a supply of iodine. 3. Surgical patients may become hyperthyroid again if abnormal cells are missed during surgery or if new abnormal cells develop. A large study found an increase in some cancer types in people who had radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism compared with the general population. I'll be honest, the last thing I (or my vet) worried about with Sara was gaining weight. Feeding an iodine-limited diet (Hills Prescription Diet y/d) can resolve clinical signs and lower thyroid hormone concentration. However, these options tend to be expensive and not possible for all pet owners. Unfortunately these cats may continue to deteriorate and may even die from their other non-thyroid diseases. As to your question about "home-testing equipment" and "something else to monitor and determine (your) exposure," there really are no good options for that. What may work for one cat may not work for another. What is not taken up by the thyroid will be present in the cat's bodily fluids and will primarily be voided in the cat's urine (in those first four days at the vet hospital). It requires two round-trips for you. Learn more about radioiodine therapy for hyperthyroidism, Learn about radioiodine therapy for thyroid carcinoma, Learn more aboutSamariumtherapy for primary or metastatic bone tumors. How can the age of a material be determined from the decay of a radioactive element quizlet? Hyperthyroid cats suffer overactive thyroid glands, circulating too much thyroid hormone through their system and affecting nearly every organ. We love them, too! You'll have to give him this drug twice daily for the rest of his life, which treats but doesn't cure the condition. They will then need to take a thyroid supplement. If we use the linear no-threshold model we could estimate that the exposure to 1 mSv would therefore have a risk of less than 0.01% (or 1/100th of 1 %) of causing cancer over the remaining life of an adult. 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 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. 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. 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 Facilities that use radioactive materials like I-131 must have radioactive materials licenses. Although the cause of feline hyperthyroidism is not known, possible contributing factors include deficiencies or excesses of certain compounds in the diet and chronic exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals in food or the environment. She has spoken at national and international conferences and a Capitol Hillbriefing, and is an expert in pet obesity, nutrition communication, and in the human-animal bond. Ultimately of course, these conditions can be diagnosed. In the US, the average person is exposed to an additional 3.0 mSv/yr from medical sources (predominantly CT scans). I'm sure if he is still underweight, his body will be telling him to eat, eat, eat. 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 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. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. During that time, the ravenous appetite should subside, your cat will probably gain weight, and her blood pressure and heart rate should normalize. Depending on the dose, radioactive iodine can kill a portion, or all, of your thyroid. Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. After treatment, the normal thyroid tissue will regain full function within 1-3 months. As stated above, it may also be used for a few weeks to stabilize a cat at increased surgical risk because of cardiac complications. Consider Hyperthyroid Treatment . Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit. Hyperthyroidism is too much thyroid hormone that causes weight loss so kitty should gain some weight back to a normal amount after treatment. However, caution should be taken in disposal of products that may contain trace amounts of this radioactive substance. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. Side effects may include fluid retention, weight gain, elevated . Learn more about the Clinical Nutrition Team at Tufts. This can best be done by monitoring your cats body condition, muscle condition, and weight. 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. The treatment a cat receives for hyperthyroidism will depend on specific circumstances, including the patients overall health status, the owners ability and willingness to medicate the cat regularly, and financial considerations. In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. However, since wild-caught flaked Alaskan salmon is the first ingredient, it provides a lot of moisture. Clinical Signs Because each cat is different, your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment for your cat. However, it may not be the best treatment for your particular cat. Now let's deal with the issue of radioactive iodine released by the cat, which I believe is actually the bigger concern. We were told that 90% of the Radioactive Iodine is gone from the cat in two days. Blog written by Dr. Daisy Spears in conjunction with Dr. Linder. Environmental risk factors have been investigated and may predispose some cats to hyperthyroidism, although the specific mechanisms are unknown. What about radioactive iodine treatment for children and teenagers? If your cat requires daily medications for issues other than hyperthyroidism, he's not a candidate for radioactive iodine therapy. Occasionally cats will act like they may have a sore throat for a couple of days after the radioiodine therapy. You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. Category: Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues Questions Concerning Domestic Animals. You must log in or register to reply here. Remember that theNRC regulationsrequire that release criteria and discharge instructions provided to owners of hyperthyroid cats prevent exposures of more than 1 mSv. Radioiodine treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs. Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, its important to monitor your cats weight and muscle mass. 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. Gradual weight gain and return to healthy body condition are expected. As with surgery, you may need to take thyroid hormone . He's radioactive, so it's not safe even for humans wearing protective clothing to spend too much time around him. Regardless of the medication, blood tests should be conducted periodically during treatment to evaluate whether the therapy is effective and to monitor kidney function and for potential side effects. A single injection is given subcutaneously (i.e. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. Medication The overwhelming majority of cats (>95%) are cured by a single therapy with only a small percentage of cats requiring additional radioiodine therapy (4%) or becoming persistently hypothyroid (1%). How does airline travel expose me to radiation? In cats > 95% of the radioiodine is excreted in the urine. Many organs are affected by hyperthyroidism, especially the heart. Clients frequently have the following 2 questions when considering radioiodine therapy for their cat's hyperthyroidism. I have a cat also and I know when she is happy and purring while sitting on my lap getting strokes, she drools. In some cases, a decrease in blood platelets (thrombocytopenia) may also occur. Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? For comparison, the dose for a standard Chest CT is 7 mSv. Is radioactive iodine treatment safe? Ideally, the total GFR should be above 2.25 mL/min/kg. Some cats may experience side effects from medication, however, including vomiting, anorexia, fever, anemia, and lethargy. This is why one of the first signs of thyroid disease may be a change in weight weight gain if the thyroid is underactive and weight loss if the thyroid is overactive. Home & Forums | Standards for Protection against Radiation. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. 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. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field: What testing equipment and protective clothing do you recommend for a nontechnical person who will be giving home care to an 18-year-old blind cat after he has spent four days recovering in the animal hospital from 131I treatment? More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here. In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. 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. The average US total radiation exposure (all sources) is 6.2 mSv/yr which is an increase from 20 years ago (3.6 mSv/year) when CT scans were much less common. Radioactive Iodine Therapy Thus, individuals who opt for . For this long-term treatment, the cat is injected with the radioactive iodine, which destroys the tissue of the overactive thyroid gland. Did she have stage 1 prior to treatment for hyperthyroidism or did the stage 1 unmask after treatment started and then jump to stage 4? The School of Veterinary Medicine's Ryan Hospital, however, is one of the few veterinary centers in the region to offer a treatment that can cure the disease: a single shot of radioactive iodine, I-131. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . 4. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. 101(4 Pt 1): p. 717-9. While in radiology we use radiation shielding garments (lead aprons) to reduce gamma and x-ray exposure, the energy of the 131I gamma is four to five times higher and those garments are ineffective as a shield. When it comes to survival, the studies that have been done show that cats cured of their thyroid disease by radioactive iodine live much longer (up to twice as long) when compared to hyperthyroid cats treated by methimazole. Having lost my 18-year-old feline member of the family a few years ago, I completely understand the attachment and your desire to not stress the cat. 7. Hopefully this answers your questions and good luck with your cat. 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. It is given one to three times daily and must be continued for the remainder of the pet's life. This can best be done by monitoring your cat's body condition, muscle condition, and weight. A blood chemistry panel and urinalysis will provide information about other organs and provide your veterinarian with an overall picture of your cats health. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". Dr. Linder has received speaker fees or research fudning from Hills Pet Nutrition, Nestl Purina PetCare, Royal Canin, and Virbac, and has provided professional services for Mark Morris Institute. A medication called methimazole, which interferes with thyroid hormone production, is less expensive but requires daily administration. The recommended food for cats with thyroid problems is high in protein yet low in carbohydrates, iodine (around 0.32 ppm) and phosphate. Subpart D-Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public 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. The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite. Some rare cases of hyperthyroid disease are caused by malignant tumors known as thyroid adenocarcinomas. Some hyperthyroid cats have thyroid cells in abnormal locations calledectopicthyroid tissue (thyroid tissue under the tongue, further down the neck, or all the way to the base of the heart), and they may remain hyperthyroid after surgery. 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. If your cat does not have elevated T4 levels but your veterinarian still suspects your cat has hyperthyroidism, additional tests may be recommended. The goal of hyperthyroidism treatment is to lower the levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10. Radioactive iodine. Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. 2007 07/19/2011; Available from: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/. Hence for a transient period following radioiodine therapy, the patient's urine contains excreted radioiodine which will emit beta particles as it continues to decay. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. Get exceptional Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Feline Hyperthyroidism services from highly experienced & loving pet care professionals in Downers Grove, IL. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. In some of these cats, blood pressure can become so high that retinal bleeding or retinal detachment will occur, resulting in sudden blindness. The remainder is gone in about the next two months or so. 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. 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. (a) Each licensee shall conduct operations so that -. Your veterinarian has recommended I131 for your cat. However, once the underlying hyperthyroidism has been controlled, the cardiac changes will often improve or may even resolve completely. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, 2004. This treatment is appropriate for cats with more surgical risk due to other health problems or who are exceptionally old. The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. These licenses establish the basis for the facilities compliance with federal regulations established by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. Most cats with uncomplicated hyperthyroidism will live several years following treatment of hyperthyroidism, unless they develop another disease. RAI is a form of radioactive nuclear medication that permanently destroys thyroid tissue. Oftentimes it takes decades for cancer to be detected following radiation exposure. I-131 is normally a health concern after the . 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 . How does the risk from medical radiation compare to background radiation exposure? At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. All three have risks and benefits. Once your cat's radiation levels have declined below the maximum allowed by federal and state law prior to being released from the hospital (usually 1-5 days), your cat is able to return home. Hair loss. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. However, an overactive thyroid is quite common. Before deciding the form of treatment, several tests are performed, including additional blood tests, a urinalysis, chest radiographs (X-rays), an ECG, and blood pressure measurements. A small number of cats will remain hyperthyroid after treatment, if this is the case your cat will need . It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. Prescription nutrition. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. However, your cat will still have a low amount of radiation in his or her body. She's lost a pound in less than two weeks, so yeah, I'm glad I let her eat as much as she wanted. The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. Hence additional separation between the patient and children are unnecessary. What they are trying to prevent is the intake (ingestion, etc.) The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment. If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes: 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. The risks associated with low level ingestion of radioactive iodine relate to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. A treated cat has to remain hospitalized until its radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. Most hyperthyroid cats respond fully to a single injection with radio-iodine. . Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems. A standard Chest x-ray is 0.1 mSv. Although the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism, it is usually a benign or non-malignant change. Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats, and mostly afflicts cats middle-aged and older. For the same reasons as surgical treatment, your cat will likely be started on methimazole for about a month before radioactive iodine therapy. No ill effects have been noted in the children born to parents who received radioactive iodine in the past. Hyperthyroidism & Liver Function in Cats, Intervals of Depo-Medrol Injections for Cats. The anti-thyroid pill is methimazole, also known as Tapazole. The prognosis for cats with hyperthyroidism is generally good with appropriate 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. Radioactive iodine therapy. It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. 4. As in the case of heart disease, after the hyperthyroidism has been successfully treated, high blood pressure will often resolve, and permanent treatment for it may not be required. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism is rare after I-131 therapy. All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. If thyroid disease is a possibility, your veterinarian will likely order a blood chemistry panel and an analysis of thyroid hormone levels. The other conditions that cats can develop at this age are numerous and varied. I might even suggest using disposable gloves when handling the litter box duties and when caring for the cat during the isolation time. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. Out little Nera was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 4-5 months ago. 2. 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. (For example, for human patients we provide instructions such as "sleep in separate beds" and "stay at least 1 meter away from others as much as possible.") Fluffy might be a candidate for a thyroidectomy, surgery to remove the thyroid glands, which usually results in a cure. Clinical signs include lethargy, dullness, obesity, oily skin, and matted fur. So, we must use distance and reduction of time near the source when dealing with patients and pets treated with 131I. What Are The Side Effects Of Radioactive Iodine Treatment In Cats? Already have a myVCA account? It will take about a month for thyroid levels to return to normal in most cats. In an effort to put some weight back on him we are still feeding him turkey and gravy baby food in the morning to supplement the dry food. What Treats Can I Give my Dog with CalciumOxalateStones? Methimazole blocks excess thyroid hormone production rather than destroying the abnormal thyroid tissue, so the medication must be given for the rest of the cat's life. Vet Rad & Ultrasound, 1994. 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. Conveniently, the main use of iodine in the body is the production of thyroid hormone, so a deficient diet shouldnt cause any other health issues in a hyperthyroid cat. That was part of the problem we had before treatment. Since fewer than 2% of cats with hyperthyroidism have cancerous growths of the thyroid gland, treatment is usually very successful. This means that our radioactive materials license requires our practice ensure that our clients receive less than 1 mSv of radiation exposure as the result of our treatment of their hyperthyroid cat with radioiodine. GFR results are used to determine the functional status of the kidneys, and identify cats with subclinical renal disease. The more common symptoms are an increase in thirst, urination, and appetite, as well as weight loss. For this prescription diet to work, it must be the only food fed, which means no cheating with treats. Also, I wonder if there is home-testing equipment to track the household dispersal of the radioactive contaminants that he emits after his treatment and something else to monitor and determine my exposure to the 131I remnants. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. Survival Times for Cats with Hyperthyroidism Treated with Iodine 131, Methimazole, or Both, http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/, Determination of Release Criteria for I-131 Therapy Cats, Risk of Ionizing Radiation Exposure to Children: A Subject Review, Hormesis: From Marginalization to Mainstream: A Case for Hormesis as the Default Dose-Response Model in Risk Assessment.