will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment

We found out about the radioactive iodine treatment and after lots.of research decided this was the way to go. The radioactive isotope, Iodine-131 ( 131 I), is administered as a one-off injection. This cat is showing weight loss and poor coat - typical signs of hyperthyroidism. Cats may also continue to show signs of hyperthyroidism, including vomiting and diarrhea, for 3-4 weeks after the radioiodine therapy as the disease continues to resolve. And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. Fluffy might be a candidate for a thyroidectomy, surgery to remove the thyroid glands, which usually results in a cure. The radioiodine (I-131) used to treat thyroid disease in people and animals emits both gamma rays and beta particles. The clinical significance of weight gain from the time of diagnosis of hyperthyroidism to 2 years after radioactive iodine therapy is unclear. How does airline travel expose me to radiation? A treated cat has to remain hospitalized until its radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. Since hyperthyroid cats are usually over eight years of age, there is a degree of risk involved. But this generally resolves without intervention. 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. Facilities that use radioactive materials like I-131 must have radioactive materials licenses. Does radioactive iodine treatment cause weight gain? The only method to estimate that dose is to measure the radioiodine within your own thyroid and the types of equipment to measure that uptake are very expensive and difficult to interpret. With your cat's diseased thyroid, after methimazole treatment failed, large doses of iodine might have proven effective. However, it may not be appropriate for all cats (depending on other medical conditions) so important to work with your veterinarian and decide if using this therapeutic diet is the best way to manage your cats condition. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. These complications include cerebrovascular events (i.e., strokes) and the premature exacerbation of pre-existing kidney disease. These include surgical removal of the thyroid gland (thyroidectomy) or treatment with radioactive iodine. Thus, individuals who opt for . 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? It is also common for some cats to hide under the bed for a day or so after returning home as they de-stress following their out of home experience. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! We fed him some Fancy Feast again last night and he ate it all without vomiting. Why is the average risk of developing cancer so high? However, your cat will still have a low amount of radiation in his or her body. The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite. Radioactive iodine targets the thyroid tissue - as this is the only tissue in the body that uses significant quantities of iodine. For the first two weeks after I-131: Keep your cat indoors or supervised when outside to prevent contact with other people. One study looked at patients with Graves' disease who were treated with RAI over five years. What happens after radioactive iodine treatment for cats? 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. Because of these rare but serious side effect risks, your cat will need to be closely monitored by having simple blood tests performed every three to six months when using this medication. Cat Articles | Ultrasound of the heart (called echocardiography) may be recommended based on your cat's condition, especially if there is any concern about cardiomyopathy. Discuss these issues with your veterinarian when considering dietary iodine restriction as a treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. 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. One of the reasons the cat was held for four days was to allow for much of the radioactive 131I to be excreted in urine so that the amount of external radiation exposure is significantly reduced. The remainder is gone in about the next two months or so. When this occurs, a second test, usually afree T4 by equilibrium dialysis (FT4 by ED)or aT3 suppression test,is performed. . 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. It is also common for hyperthyroid cats to exhibit increased vocalizing, particularly at night. Once the correct dose of radioiodine has been determined and administered, most of the time the tumors responsible for causing the elevated thyroid levels resolve and the cats are cured. If you know that your cat has hyperthyroidism, you probably have already seen your vet in order to have this disease properly treated. How does the risk from medical radiation compare to background radiation exposure? And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. 5. You may gain weight after you undergo radioactive iodine treatment. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. By However, these options tend to be expensive and not possible for all pet owners. Weigh the pros and cons of various treatments and discuss options with your vet. Radioactive iodine therapy is a very effective way to treat hyperthyroidism (I-131). Ideally, the total GFR should be above 2.25 mL/min/kg. 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. 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. Environmental risk factors have been investigated and may predispose some cats to hyperthyroidism, although the specific mechanisms are unknown. Annual blood and urine tests are important in all cats seven years and older to detect hyperthyroidism before potentially irreversible damage occurs. What happens after my cat is released from the hospital? Design and methods: Five hundred and four patients over 40 years of age with diffuse toxic goiter were treated with MMI for 18 months. Unfortunately these cats may continue to deteriorate and may even die from their other non-thyroid diseases. Radioiodine treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs. I'm sure if he is still underweight, his body will be telling him to eat, eat, eat. Prominent in the regulations established by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for radioactive materials users are guidelines that limit exposure to radiation workers, and members of the general public. There are currently no known preventive measures for hyperthyroidism, but early diagnosis decreases the secondary problems and improves the prognosis. Although the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism, it is usually a benign or non-malignant change. Radioactive iodine. 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. A medication called methimazole, which interferes with thyroid hormone production, is less expensive but requires daily administration. Clinical Signs 7. In most cases, enlargement of thyroid glands is caused by a non-cancerous tumor called an adenoma. When choosing the best therapy for an individual cat, many factors must be considered. Lifelong treatment, usually involving twice-daily oral dosage, will be required, and for some owners and cats, this dosage schedule may be difficult to maintain. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. Many owners of cats with hyperthyroidism are hesitant to have radiation therapy or surgery because of their cat's advanced age. The risks of ingesting radioactive iodine and the risks of being around a patient that has been treated with radioactive iodine are very different. Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. In the hospital (or veterinary hospitals) we would use a Geiger counter with a thin-window probe to find the radioactive contamination. A standard Chest x-ray is 0.1 mSv. Occasionally cats will act like they may have a sore throat for a couple of days after the radioiodine therapy. NRC Regulations The treatment lowers or eliminates hormone production and may decrease the size of the goiter. Try mixing baby food chicken or turkey in with some Fancy Feast. While my facility does not treat cats with radioactive 131I, I have consulted with a veterinary medicine program at a nearby university that does perform these types of procedures to get myself in the "cat-patient" mode of thought. If thyroid disease is a possibility, your veterinarian will likely order a blood chemistry panel and an analysis of thyroid hormone levels. Hyperthyroidism is a common disease in cats, and mostly afflicts cats middle-aged and older. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis. Clients frequently have the following 2 questions when considering radioiodine therapy for their cat's hyperthyroidism. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. Prognosis Hays M.T., Broome M.R. Subpart D-Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public What is the biggest concern with nuclear meltdown and why? Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. Risk of Ionizing Radiation Exposure to Children: A Subject Review. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle wasting, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, unkempt appearance, and sometimes hyperactivity. Surgical patients may become hyperthyroid again if abnormal cells are missed during surgery or if new abnormal cells develop. Of course, some people receive no radiation and others much, much more. Your cat will not experience nausea, hair loss, lethargy, or decreased appetite as a result of the procedure. 3. Thank you! hypothyroidism was only treated if it was associated with clinical signs like excessive weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. This treatment involves administering an injection of iodine with a radioactive substance attached. Overall, weight gain was associated with development of hypothyroidism despite levothyroxine replacement . A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. If both thyroid glands require removal, there is a risk of developing hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) after surgery. 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. But there are clear reasons for the precautions that the veterinarian has given you and I also recommend that you follow them. However, since wild-caught flaked Alaskan salmon is the first ingredient, it provides a lot of moisture. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. Hair loss. Rarely, a permanent reduction in thyroid-hormone levels called hypothyroidism occurs after radioactive iodine treatment. Cats afflicted with hyperthyroidism usually develop a variety of signs that may be subtle at first but that become more severe as the disease progresses. You'll have to give him this drug twice daily for the rest of his life, which treats but doesn't cure the condition. Consider Hyperthyroid Treatment . Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a treatment method for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Affected cats are often restless and may become cranky or aggressive. Hyperthyroidism is too much thyroid hormone that causes weight loss so kitty should gain some weight back to a normal amount after treatment. Additionally, diet may play a significant role in managing the disease, whether as a sole treatment or as an adjunct tool to address changes in your cats body related to hyperthyroidism. 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. Follow up blood work is essential to ensure kitty does not become hypothyroid which is too little thyroid. Natural background radiation exposure accounts for an average of 3.1 mSv/yr with variations depending on where you live. In a study of 524 hyperthyroid cats treated with I-131, only 11/524 (2.1%) developed The injection has no direct side effects. Your veterinarian has recommended I131 for your cat. You should use the following methods for disposing of your cat's waste that may contain trace amounts of radiation. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. 6. The treatment of choice for hyperthyroid cats is radioactive iodine therapy, which is a cure. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. (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.) 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. Weight change was analyzed in only 228 patients and 84% gained weight by 1 year after radioactive iodine therapy. There are four treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism: medication, radioactive iodine therapy, surgery, and dietary therapy. . A single injection is given subcutaneously (i.e. Whats the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes NHS. In most cases, only enough radioiodine is given to destroy that part of the gland that is functioning . As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients. . Dietary restriction of iodine is, however, somewhat controversial because of concerns about the effects of long-term iodine restriction on overall health and the possibility that such a diet may actually backfire and worsen hyperthyroidism. Not all veterinary facilities perform the procedure. If hypertension is diagnosed along with hyperthyroidism, drugs may be needed to control the blood pressure and reduce the risk of damaging other organs. Surgery or radioactive iodine therapy to regulate overactive hormone production can sometimes leave cats with the opposite problem: their levels of thyroid hormone are now too low. Medication and radioactive iodine therapy are just as effective at treating hyperthyroidism in cats as surgery and are less invasive, so surgical treatment is rarely chosen for treating this condition. It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. Some people may have a feeling of tightness or swelling in their neck for a few days after treatment. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. However, it may not be the best treatment for your particular cat. Signs of anxiety in a cat including pacing, yowling for no apparent reason, and restlessness are a common symptom of feline hyperthyroidism. The 1-month level thyroid may be slightly high, low or normal. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. The thyroid cells are damaged or destroyed, but that's the whole idea other cells are left untouched. Nera just had her 3 month checkup and her T4 level is down to 2.3! This problem resolved rapidly after treatment. The total effective dose equivalent to individual members of the public from the licensed operation does not exceed 1 mSv in a year, exclusive of the dose contributions from background radiation, from any administration the individual has received, from exposure to individuals administered radioactive material. It is given one to three times daily and must be continued for the remainder of the pet's life. Treatment for hypothyroidism in cats is . The thyroid takes up the radioactive iodine, which destroys cells in the thyroid. TheCatSite.com participates in select affiliate advertising programs, including the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. The radioactive iodine damages these cells and causes your thyroid to shrink and thyroid hormone levels to go down over a few weeks. What are other nutritional concerns for my hyperthyroid cat? The current Nuclear Regulatory Commission radiation dose limits for individual members of the public are listed below. Research into this potential treatment option is ongoing. There are two types of radiation exposure that your vet is trying to minimizeexternal exposure from the radioactive material within the cat's body, and the radioactive materials in the cat's urine and other bodily fluids released by the cat that you may come into contact with and may end up being ingested or absorbed by you accidentally. Both cardiomyopathy and hypertension are potentially reversible with appropriate treatment of the disease. Chance of significant, unhealthy weight gain is increased. It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. GFR results are used to determine the functional status of the kidneys, and identify cats with subclinical renal disease. 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. But those instruments are quite expensive and are not readily available in stores. Special attention should be given to the thyroid glands to look for evidence of enlargement and the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. About TheCatSite.com. This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy. Cats can receive a second treatment, if necessary. However, unless the retinal detachment is treated immediately, permanent blindness can occur. For example, some families cant medicate cats every day, so a more permanent solution such as radioactive iodine treatment or surgery may be best. It will take about a month for thyroid levels to return to normal in most cats. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. Radioactive-iodine therapy is becoming increasingly popular when dealing with hyperthyroidism in cats. Interestingly, when higher doses are given, like those received by the patient treated for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, then the injury to the cells is terminal and hence the cells do not survive to go on to become malignant. In cats, an underactive thyroid is extremely rare. There are fundamental differences between a continuous dose over a year (background radiation) and a dose that occurs over a few seconds like in CT, but these are helpful comparisons. Clients owning hyperthyroid cats undergoing radioiodine therapy are always considered members of the general public. The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses). 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. They will then need to take a thyroid supplement. Side effects may include fluid retention, weight gain, elevated . Milner R.J., Channell C.D., Levy J.K., et al., Survival Times for Cats with Hyperthyroidism Treated with Iodine 131, Methimazole, or Both: 167 Cases (1996-2003). You would actually have to ingest the cats waste for it to be harmful to you. Certain studies suggest that in some hyperthyroid cats, limiting the amount of iodine in the diet may be a viable option for treating this disease. Wet food is much better for him anyhow, so this is a good time to get him settled on it. About 25% of cats with hyperthyroidism become hypertensive. Hypocalcemia can be life-threatening and may require either short-term or long-term medication postoperatively should it occur. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism is rare after I-131 therapy. It is used less commonly in younger children. If the total GFR is below this number, medical therapy for hyperthyroidism may be recommended, although I-131 treatment may still be an option in specific patients. Miles K.G., Simpson S.A., Zimmerman R.B., et al. The cell repairs itself with mistakes (rare). 4. If you can't bear to be away from him, or if he becomes very stressed or frightened when you're not around, that isolation could be difficult. Risks related to radioiodine: Already have a myVCA account? Out little Nera was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 4-5 months ago. It is best to perform a nuclear scan before surgery to rule out ectopic thyroid tissue. The American Thyroid Association notes that weight gain develops over a long time and may have many causes other than the underactive thyroid. Further, the litter will be radioactive as most of the radioactive iodine will be excreted via this route. There are no studies that directly link cancer to the low dose radiation used in current medical imaging. After administration of 131 Iodine, your cat is . Fewer than 2% of hyperthyroid cases in cats involve malignant thyroid gland tumors. This lowers the amount of radiation exposure to your bladder. It is important to remember that old age is not a disease. Finally, thyroid hormone has a role in kidney function and blood flow that may result in either directly damaging the kidney or obscuring underlying kidney disease that your cat may already have. 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. Some cats develop side effects from methimazole, such as vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, fever, liver damage, anemia, and a decrease in white blood cells. 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. 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. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. Now let's deal with the issue of radioactive iodine released by the cat, which I believe is actually the bigger concern. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy may develop because the heart enlarges and thickens to meet the increased metabolic demands. TheCatSite.com is a community of cat lovers dedicated to quality cat care and cat welfare. Copyright 2023 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. A blood chemistry panel and urinalysis will provide information about other organs and provide your veterinarian with an overall picture of your cats health. Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit. The treatment options for hyperthyroidism are: Oral medication. Studies show that weight gain is inevitable after radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism. Risks from other illness. Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of continuous methimazole (MMI) therapy. As with surgery, you may need to take thyroid hormone . Hyperthyroid cats are also at risk for complications related to the hypertension that frequently accompanies hyperthyroidism. Most cats with uncomplicated hyperthyroidism will live several years following treatment of hyperthyroidism, unless they develop another disease. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . Recurrence of the disease is a possibility in some cats. It has the advantage of being curative in most cases with no ongoing treatment. These include weight loss, increased activity, and kitten like behaviour. Secondary Problems The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. . Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. Answer posted on 30 March 2019. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. The good news is that there are many treatment options available to our hyperthyroid cats. . 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. Gradual weight gain and return to healthy body condition are expected. 2000-2023 TheCatSite.com. Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, its important to monitor your cats weight and muscle mass. There are three common forms of treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats: medication, radioactive iodine therapy and surgery. Why? Unfortunately, 131I has a rather high-energy gamma emission that is difficult to shield. Feeding an iodine-limited diet (Hills Prescription Diet y/d) can resolve clinical signs and lower thyroid hormone concentration. Will he come around at some point or have we created a monster who will run off to the food dish every time we get up from the chair. What this means is that occasionally we invest clients economic and perhaps more importantly, emotional resources in treating and resolving hyperthyroidism is cats with other, currently unknown diseases. Dr. Heinze is an employee of Mark Morris Institute and has provided professional serviceshas done consulting for Lafeber and WellPet, given sponsored talks for Nestl Purina PetCare and the Pet Food Institute, and provided professional services to Balance IT.com and Mark Morris Institute. 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. Weight gain after RAI is typical. There are several hypothesized causes of hyperthyroidism. How long can a cat live after radioactive iodine treatment? 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. Risks unrelated to radioiodine therapy: Cats treated with radioactive iodine for their hyperthyroidism have several risks unrelated to the radioiodine therapy itself. The study followed people for 26 years after two or more treatments. I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. Purraise. A prescription diet is available that lowers thyroid hormone, but for it to work your cat can't ever eat any other food. Remember that theNRC regulationsrequire that release criteria and discharge instructions provided to owners of hyperthyroid cats prevent exposures of more than 1 mSv. Let's tackle the external exposure first as it is the simplest concept. Prescription nutrition. Over time, this progresses to increased blood pressure, severe weight loss, heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. . 15(1): p. 47-51. 122(6): p. 2444-61. Therefore, by using the veterinary therapeutic diet that is currently available and restricted in iodine (the only source the body has of iodine) this will prevent the thyroid from making thyroid hormone. Some people also feel flushed. The beta particles, which are much more potent forms of radiation, travel an average distance of less than 1 mm.

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