The Cat Hospital

The Cat Hospital is a feline only practice that offers a full array of veterinary care for your feline pet in a quiet stress free environment. In 1999 we established the Feline Hyperthyroid Treatment Center at The Cat Hospital. For the last ten years, we have been able to offer Radioactive Iodine therapy for hyperthyroid cats.

What is Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is a metabolic disease that is caused by excessive secretion of thyroid hormone. It is most often caused by a benign tumor of the thyroid gland. Weight loss, vomiting, increased appetite, and poor hair coat are the most common clinical signs

How can hyperthyroidism be treated?
• Medical Treatment: This consists of the twice daily administration of a drug called methimazole. This will usually control the disease but is not a cure, and must be given for the rest of the cat’s life.
• Radioactive Iodine: This is a simple treatment consisting of a single subcutaneous injection of radioactive iodine. It carries a 95% cure rate.


Why Radioactive Iodine
• It is curative
• Some cats are difficult if not impossible to pill and Iodine removes the necessity for daily medicating.
• Methimazole can cause systemic reactions in some cats
• Frequent blood tests are no longer required as Iodine cures the disease
• Anesthesia is not required for the treatment
• No surgical complications related to the parathyroid gland

How is the Iodine administered?
• A single subcutaneous injection similar to vaccination

How long will my pet be hospitalized?
Because Iodine is radioactive, the New York State Department of Health requires a period of isolation. Your pet will be cared for in our feline only facility. Large comfortable cubicles with a private bathroom area are provided. There is a wonderful view of the tennis courts behind the facility. Your pet will be evaluated twice daily. Because our iodine facility is located at the Cat Hospital, there is always a doctor familiar with nuclear medicine available to evaluate your pet’s condition.

Aftercare
At discharge you will be given an instruction sheet that outlines what precautions you need to take when you bring you pet home. For a period of two weeks the following actions should be taken:


• You should use flushable litter for a period of two weeks
• You should not sleep with your pet for two weeks
• Limit close contact to a few minutes for two weeks.
• You do not need to quarantine your cat from other pets

Success Rates
We expect a 90-95% cure rate with radioactive iodine. This means that you cat is no longer hyperthyroid and does not need medication of any type