What to Expect After Cat's Radioactive Iodine Treatment

Hyperthyroidism

Older cats, averaging about age 13, are susceptible to hyperthyroidism. This condition is normally caused by a benign, or harmless, tumor on or near the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland controls the cat's metabolism. Hyperthyroidism causes the gland to excrete excess hormones into the cat's system. As a result, the cat has a heightened appetite, although it will lose weight at the same time. The cat may also vomit or have diarrhea.

Radioactive iodine treatment is a relatively simple procedure, consisting of one injection underneath the cat's skin. The treatment effectively destroys the tumor cells causing the hyperthyroidism. After the treatment, the cat must remain quarantined from five days to two weeks. The animal's isolation from people and other animals is mandatory so the radioactivity will not affect its companions.

Radioactive iodine has a high tumor cure rate of about 95 percent, making it a common treatment for hyperthyroidism, states the Bregman Veterinary Group. But you need to follow the veterinarian's after-treatment instructions for the initial home cat care. The cat should not sleep with any people until two weeks have passed from the treatment date. Physical contact, such as petting, should be limited to a few minutes for a period of two weeks. Fill the litter box with flushable litter for the two-week period. All of the precautions are to limit any excessive exposure to remaining radioactivity within the cat.

Radioactive iodine rarely has any side effects after treatment. In fact, no anesthesia is required during the injection, so no side effects will result from anesthesia factors. Return your cat to to the veterinarian's office after three months for a followup visit. Typically, he will test the thyroid's glandular production to verify it is functioning within the normal range. The treatment's success rate commonly reflects a normal thyroid function after three months.

Each treatment facility varies the isolation period, depending upon local health department regulations. Verify a specific facility's policies before selecting a veterinarian for the best treatment options.