Grayson Valley Pet Clinic now offers radioactive iodine treatment also known as I-131 for hyperthyroidism in cats. We also offer alternate treatments such as food, medication, and surgery for hyperthyroidism. Grayson Valley Pet Clinic is now licensed by the State of Alabama to administer Radioactive Iodine (I-131) injection for Feline Hyperthyroidism. Grayson Valley Pet Clinic is the only facility in the Birmingham/central Alabama area approved for this cutting edge therapy for your hyperthyroid cat. SOME FACTS ABOUT FELINE HYPERTHROIDISM AND IT’S TREATMENT
Feline Hyperthyroidism is a condition caused by overactive thyroid tissue (tumor) which produces excessive thyroid hormones. This condition can cause symptoms which include weight loss, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in behavior, hair loss, weakness and lethargy, rapid heart rate, heart mummer, and elevated blood pressure. There are several methods of treatment that can be used for this condition:
1. Medical treatment requires treating your cat daily with pills (methimazole/Tapazole)for the rest of your cat’s life. This method does not cure the disease and does not stop the continued growth of diseased tissue. The medication can have side effects of its own including liver dysfunction, anemia, vomiting and lethargy, and can become ineffective overtime. It also requires regular monitoring and blood tests. Cost of medical therapy can run in excess of $800.00 a year.
2. Surgery can remove the tumor responsible for the disease but has the risks of anesthesia and other negative results such as damage to the parathyroid glandsresponsible for calcium balance in the body and may result in a deficiency of thyroid hormone. Cost of this delicate surgery is generally high and may not be effective in removing all of the affected tissue.
3. Radioactive Iodine (I-131) therapy is administered with one injection under the skin, much like your cat’s yearly vaccines. There is no anesthesia no harmful side effects and no damage to healthy tissue or organs. Normal thyroid function returns usually within 1 month. It is safe, cost effective, and successful (approximately 94%) and can be given to otherwise healthy cats of any age. Cost of I-131 treatment at Grayson Valley Pet Clinic is $1000.00 and includes Radioactive Iodine injection, hospitalization, monitoring and radioactive waste removal, storage, and decay. If you and your Veterinarian decide that Radioactive Iodine injection is right for you and your cat, there will need to be some pre-treatment tests and health screenings done by your Doctor. If you cat is an appropriate candidate for treatment, an appointment will be made for you to bring your cat to Grayson Valley Pet Clinic for a 4 day stay and release forms stating necessary restrictions and at home care after discharge will be thoroughly discussed and signed. If Grayson Valley Pet Clinic is your veterinary office, please contact us directly for questions and information.
