Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Radioiodine treatment of hyperthyroidism.
- Journal:
- Clinical techniques in small animal practice
- Year:
- 2006
- Authors:
- Peterson, Mark E
- Affiliation:
- The Caspary Institute and Bobst Hospital of The Animal Medical Center · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Radioactive iodine is a safe and effective treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism, which is when the thyroid gland is overactive. This treatment is especially helpful for cats with both thyroid glands affected, those with thyroid tissue in unusual places, or even rare cases of thyroid cancer. Unlike daily medications that can have side effects or the need for surgery, this treatment is done in one easy session and usually brings the thyroid levels back to normal without causing harm. However, it does require special facilities and trained staff to handle the radioactive material safely. Overall, this treatment works well for most cats with hyperthyroidism.
Abstract
Radioactive iodine provides a simple, effective, and safe treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism and is regarded by most authorities to be the treatment of choice. It is a particularly useful treatment for cats with bilateral thyroid involvement (found in approximately 70% of cats), cats with ectopic (intrathoracic) thyroid tissue, and the rare patient with thyroid carcinoma. Treatment with radioiodine avoids the inconvenience of daily, oral administration of an antithyroid drug, as well as the side effects commonly associated with these drugs. Use of radioiodine also avoids the risks and perioperative complications associated with anesthesia and surgical thyroidectomy. Radioiodine treatment involves a single, nonstressful procedure that is without associated morbidity or mortality. A single treatment restores euthyroidism in most cats with hyperthyroidism. Whereas the therapy is simple and relatively stress-free for cats, it does require special licensing and hospitalization facilities, nuclear medicine equipment, and extensive compliance with local and state radiation safety laws.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16584029/