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 Iodine-131 Therapy
The literature has shown
that I-131 is the treatment of choice for feline hyperthyroidism, having a
spectacular success rate; avoiding side-effects and refractory reactions to
Tapazole/PTU, client difficulties in pilling their pets, complications of
anesthesia, post-surgical persistence or recurrence, and possible surgical
damage to the parathyroid glands. Radiocat® 's I-131 treatment program
includes x-ray interpretation and an average of 3-5 days hospitalization
post-injection. We are very reasonably priced. The referring vet performs all
pre- and post-therapy workups.
I-131 therapy is ideal
for patients who are stable prior to admission, without significant
cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, endocrine (other than
hyperthyroidism), or neurologic disease. Medical problems should be discussed
with Radiocat® personnel to determine if I-131 is appropriate for your
patient.
Please review the
following information when considering referring a patient for I-131 therapy.
Thank you in advance for supporting this exciting treatment option for your
client's pets.
- Your pre-therapy workup: CBC/Chem
screen, diagnostic T4 within 30 days of therapy, thoracic x-rays & urinalysis(helpful).
If the patient is currently on Tapazole/PTU -- and has been for more
than 90 days -- we require a T4 taken 7 days after cessation of this
medication. Radiocat® personnel can suggest a schedule for stopping,
being retested, and arriving for therapy. Please supply all previous T4
values, histories of biopsies, cancer, & acute episodes.
- Patients MUST be off
Tapazole/PTU for at least seven days prior to admission for I-131
therapy. Other medications which may interfere with therapy include:
ACTH, Anticoagulants, Antihistamines, Antiparasitics, Bromides,
Butazolidine, Mercurials, Nitrates, Penicillin, Pentothal, Perchlorate,
Salicylates (large doses), Sulfonamides, Thiocyanate, and some Vitamin
preparations.
- Patients are admitted for
therapy by appointment only.
- Patients are hospitalized in
the nuclear medicine ward for approximately three to five days. Clients
cannot visit patients during therapy, nor can patients be removed from
the ward until officially released. Clients cannot terminate therapy or
arrange for early release once therapy has begun. We're sorry, but these
rules are dictated by Federal guidelines on radiation safety.
- After admission for I-131
therapy, information on a patient's daily status will be given by
Radiocat® personnel, or may be obtained by calling our
toll-free number.
- I-131 therapy includes:
- Review of all pertinent case
records and radiographs;
- Hospitalization in the
nuclear medicine ward;
- Radioisotope (I-131) and
appropriate radiation monitoring;
- Daily care and feeding (and
as much love as we can safely give);
- Three month and/or as needed
follow-up consultations regarding test results between Radiocat® &
the referring veterinarian.
- Not included:
- Diagnostic tests performed
at your clinic prior to therapy;
- Emergency medical tests,
procedures, or medications needed during the patient's hospitalization
for therapy;
- Post-therapy T4
determination performed at your clinic.
- Patients are released to
owners according to strict Federal regulations. Patients will be
excreting a small amount of radioiodine on release. Clients are
instructed before admission -- and given written instructions -- on
handling of patients for two weeks post-release from therapy. A
litter disposal kit consisting of clumping, flushable litter, latex
gloves, and a litter scoop, is given to clients. If clients are
unable/unwilling to comply with these precautions, they should consider
surgical or medical management. If a patient requires medical attention
or hospitalization during the two weeks immediately following treatment,
please contact Radiocat® at 800-323-9729.
- Possible but very rare
complications of radioiodine therapy include:
- Patients may become
hypothyroid. Rare cases may need exogenous thyroid supplement.
- Sore throat, dysphagia. This
is usually transient, but a permanent voice change is possible.
- We're excited to help you
offer this service to your clients, and know they'll be grateful for the
care and concern you've shown in finding a cure for their pet's
hyperthyroidism. Thank you again for your support.
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