will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment

This can best be done by monitoring your cats body condition, muscle condition, and weight. 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. When choosing the best therapy for an individual cat, many factors must be considered. You may gain weight after you undergo radioactive iodine treatment. Note that the reference above excluding licensee's from considering "exposure to individuals administered radioactive material" in their compliance with the NRC regulartions does not apply to animals. If the nearest facility is far away, there's the stress or travel for both you and Fluffy, as well as possible hotel and other travel expenses. Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. Depending on the dose of radioactive iodine chosen, and the disease under treatment (Grave's vs toxic goitre, vs hot nodule etc), success rate in achieving definitive resolution of the hyperthyroidism . All rights reserved. If both thyroid glands require removal, there is a risk of developing hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) after surgery. A special diet for cats with hyperthyroidism. Once his radiation levels come down and you can bring him home, you still have to keep him away from young children and pregnant women, as he'll pass small amounts of radioactive iodine through his urine for approximately two weeks. Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. Answer posted on 30 March 2019. Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10. The majority of cats treated with radioactive iodine have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment. This lowers the amount of radiation exposure to your bladder. 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 an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. AAFCO Doesnt Approve Pet Foods, A broken heart: Risk of heart disease in boutique or grain-free diets and exotic ingredients, Its Not Just Grain-Free: An Update on Diet-Associated Dilated Cardiomyopathy. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine therapy. What they are trying to prevent is the intake (ingestion, etc.) The current Nuclear Regulatory Commission radiation dose limits for individual members of the public are listed below. What happens after radioactive iodine treatment for cats? Iodine-131, Hyperthyroidism, and Radioactive Iodine Therapy Iodine-131 (I-131) is a radioisotope of iodine with a physical half-life of 8.02 days; its primary decay emissions include a 606 keV - particle with 89.6% abundance and a 364 keV -ray with 81.5% abundance (Knolls Atomic Power Lab 2010). No ill effects have been noted in the children born to parents who received radioactive iodine in the past. Because each cat is different, your veterinarian will advise you on the best treatment for your cat. 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. This single treatment will cure 95-98% of cats. Many owners of cats with hyperthyroidism are hesitant to have radiation therapy or surgery because of their cat's advanced age. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. Occasionally, a cat suspected of having hyperthyroidism has a TT4 level within the upper range of normal. You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy. You may feel a lump on your cat's throat under his jaw. Because of the short distances they travel they never exit the patient and as a result no one other than the patient is at risk from exposure to the beta particles unless they internalized the radioiodine excreted by the patient. Cats managed with diet or medication generally do well as long as their feeding is consistent, their medication is administered routinely, and follow-up blood and diagnostic tests are performed as scheduled. Special attention should be given to the thyroid glands to look for evidence of enlargement and the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. The anti-thyroid pill is methimazole, also known as Tapazole. This cat is showing weight loss and poor coat - typical signs of hyperthyroidism. I-131 is normally a health concern after the . 2 The goal of RAI treatment is to restore euthyroidism while avoiding the development of hypothyroidism. In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. Annual blood and urine tests are important in all cats seven years and older to detect hyperthyroidism before potentially irreversible damage occurs. The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. Another significant risk for hyperthyroid cats is not actually related to their thyroid disease. 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. How long can a cat live after radioactive iodine treatment? In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. Radioiodine treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs. Exposure limitations: What about radioactive iodine treatment for children and teenagers? The "radiation badge" worn by x-ray techs for example is good for measuring external exposure to radiation but does nothing to measure intakes of radioactive materials which is the primary concern in the case of a cat treated with radioactive 131I. These complications include cerebrovascular events (i.e., strokes) and the premature exacerbation of pre-existing kidney disease. No individual breed is known to have a greater risk, although Siamese, Burmese, Persian, Abyssinian, Tonkinese, and British shorthair breeds appear to have a somewhat decreased incidence of hyperthyroidism compared to other breeds. All three have risks and benefits. However, your cat will still have a low amount of radiation in his or her body. This may be particularly useful in cats with medical conditions that make other treatment options impossible. 2004. The inaccurate repair of DNA is rare, but can cause a cell to act wildly or grow into a cancer. Radioactive iodine treatment is a therapy that your veterinary surgeon may recommend if your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. First we need to put this exposure level into some context: How do x-rays increase your risk for cancer? If this is accompanied by clinical signs such as lethargy, obesity, and poor hair coat, then thyroid hormone supplementation may be required. The School of Veterinary Medicine's Ryan Hospital, however, is one of the few veterinary centers in the region to offer a treatment that can cure the disease: a single shot of radioactive iodine, I-131. She has a Bachelor of Arts in English from New York University and an Associate of Arts from the American Academy of Dramatics Arts, New York City. Should we just cut him off "cold turkey" (pun intended) and hope he finds fulfillment and eventual weight gain with his old diet of dry food? Secondary Problems If radioactive iodine therapy won't work for you and your cat, alternatives are available. Exposure to high levels of dietary iodine may cause susceptible cats to develop hyperthyroidism. When a radioactive form of iodine is given to hyperthyroid cats, the radiation destroys a portion of the thyroid gland. 7. Facilities that use radioactive materials like I-131 must have radioactive materials licenses. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. The iodine is taken into the thyroid gland and incorporated into thyroxine. In some cases, complications involving other organs may worsen this prognosis. The outcomes following most hyperthyroid therapies are usually excellent, and most cats have a very good chance of returning to a normal state of health. Clients frequently have the following 2 questions when considering radioiodine therapy for their cat's hyperthyroidism. Feeding Hyperthyroid Cats Iodine restriction may help; weight loss is a . That was part of the problem we had before treatment. You'll have to give him this drug twice daily for the rest of his life, which treats but doesn't cure the condition. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society. Does radioactive iodine treatment cause weight gain? What is happening in this procedure is that a portion of the radioactive iodine is being taken up by the cat's thyroid to treat its condition (hyperthyroidism, I assume?). The injection has no direct side effects. To scientifically prove a connection would require nearly one million patients followed closely over decades to detect the small increased risk with any confidence. 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. Often, treating hyperthyroidism will unmask hidden kidney failure that will require additional care and is best detected early in the course of the disease. Blog written by Dr. Daisy Spears in conjunction with Dr. Linder. These include weight loss, increased activity, and kitten like behaviour. Gained over three pounds! The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is approximately 12 years and about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. JavaScript is disabled. Surgical removal of the gland under general anesthetic was another option. Some cats develop side effects from methimazole, such as vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, fever, liver damage, anemia, and a decrease in white blood cells. . Cats can receive a second treatment, if necessary. Laura Porter / Verywell of the radioactive iodine into your body because, just like the cat, any 131I intake you have will result in an uptake by your thyroid and in larger quantities could result in significant thyroid dose. Research into this potential treatment option is ongoing. These tests are needed to evaluate your cats overall health and predict the likelihood of complications with the chosen treatment protocol. When an injection of radioactive iodine is given, it destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without endangering other organs. Dietary Therapy Title 10, Code of Federal Regulations Weight gain was similar for patients who received antithyroid drugs or radioiodine treatment but was significantly greater for patients who had been treated with thyroidectomy (5 kg vs 10 kg; P = 0.007). It is acceptable to feed your feline products containing at least 30% protein and less than 15% carbohydrates. In an effort to put some weight back on him we are still feeding him turkey and gravy baby food in the morning to supplement the dry food. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. Jeff Brunette, CHP, Ask the Experts is posting answers using only SI (the International System of Units) in accordance with international practice. Discuss these issues with your veterinarian when considering dietary iodine restriction as a treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. DNA can also be damaged directly by radiation. Prior to the onset of symptoms he was eating a high quality dry cat food but when he started losing weight and begging for food we were told we could give him some baby food and wet cat food. It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. There are several treatment options, and your veterinarian will determine the best choice for your cat. Because the thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones, the thyroid takes the radioiodine into the thyroid cells and the radiation destroys the overactive thyroid cells over time. Some places realize that the stress of being away from home for so long is not good for older cats. At the time of discharge, exposure levels measured at 6 feet from the patient are virtually indistinguishable from background levels. Further, the litter will be radioactive as most of the radioactive iodine will be excreted via this route. 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. 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. Standards for Protection against Radiation. Iodine is an element normally taken up in large amounts by the thyroid gland, even more so in cats that are hyperthyroid. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Other than unexplained weight loss, your cat may also become more restless, hyperactive, vocal, and extremely hungry! Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. It is given one to three times daily and must be continued for the remainder of the pet's life. With this therapy, you take radioactive iodine (radioiodine) by mouth. Since you'll have to leave your cat at the facility for several days or more, it's not a question of dropping him off at a distant veterinary hospital and then picking him up the next day. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. Of course some cats treated with radioiodine for their hyperthyroidism will go on to get cancer, but in the same proportion as hyperthyroid cats treated with methimazole or surgery. Overall, weight gain was associated with development of hypothyroidism despite levothyroxine replacement . They were randomized into 2 groups for continuous antithyroid and radioiodine treatment. 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. I might even suggest using disposable gloves when handling the litter box duties and when caring for the cat during the isolation time. You must log in or register to reply here. Too cold? In most cases, only enough radioiodine is given to destroy that part of the gland that is functioning . Supporting Cat Health with Information and Health Studies. Elevated thyroid hormones stimulate an increased heart rate and a stronger contraction of the heart muscle, and can cause thickening of the left ventricle of the heart over time. For this prescription diet to work, it must be the only food fed, which means no cheating with treats. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. However, caution should be taken in disposal of products that may contain trace amounts of this radioactive substance. You may also be advised to suck on sour candy after treatment to help the radioactive iodine come out in your saliva. If methimazole dosing is discontinued, hyperthyroidism will return. Hair loss. In more serious cases, surgical removal of the thyroid glands may be required. Ultrasound of the heart (called echocardiography) may be recommended based on your cat's condition, especially if there is any concern about cardiomyopathy. Committee on Environmental Health. Miles K.G., Simpson S.A., Zimmerman R.B., et al. However once the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism has been made, and no other illnesses are identified, the motivation to perform further diagnostics, especially those that require the need for anesthetics or are invasive may be lost. Hyperthyroidism in cats is a commonly diagnosed endocrinopathy with an overall prevalence of 2.4% in England which increases to 8.7% in cats aged 10 years or older. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . More specific information on what to expect when your cat is treated with radioactive-iodine therapy at Cornell can be found here. 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. Clinical Signs Protein and Carbohydrate Sources of Home-cooked Pet Diets, Deborah E. Linder, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Nutrition), Diet-associated dilated cardiomyopathy: The cause is not yet known but it hasnt gone away, Too hot? However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. Thus, pate is a better choice for your cat than gravy food due to the latter's higher . American Academy of Pediatrics. People may take RAI . But those instruments are quite expensive and are not readily available in stores. (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.) Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. Your veterinarian's instructions regarding separation for the two weeks are simply doing the same thing we do with people. 35(3): p. 204-209. So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients. Radioactive iodine (RAI) is a treatment method for hyperthyroidism and thyroid cancer. Cats exclusively fed the prescription diet will remain normal, but if the diet is discontinued, they will once again become hyperthyroid. Risks from hyperthyroidism. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. In some cases, the cat will develop a heart murmur associated with cardiomyopathy. 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. Hypertension develops due to the increased pumping pressure and elevated heart rate that occurs with hyperthyroidism. Once your cat's radiation levels have declined below the maximum allowed by federal and state law prior to being released from the hospital (usually 1-5 days), your cat is able to return home. As youre on this website right now, we can assume that you love pets and likely have a special dog or cat (or many) in your life. Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before . Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. The radioiodine (I-131) used to treat thyroid disease in people and animals emits both gamma rays and beta particles. Upon discharge from PVESC (after an average of 4 to 7 days after treatment), treated cats will still be excreting radioiodine in their urine, saliva, and feces. The radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. Occasionally cats will act like they may have a sore throat for a couple of days after the radioiodine therapy. Methimazole is also given before surgery to determine if the cat has a secondary medical condition, such as kidney or liver disease masked by hyperthyroidism. Luckily these risks will diminish in time following successful radioiodine therapy and a return to a persistently normal thyroid level. Because the risk from exposure to radiation in children is generally considered greater than the risk from the same exposure in adults[7], radiation precautions for children and pregnant women are more restrictive than for adults.The release instructions advising clients of hyperthyroid cats being discharged following radioiodine therapy at AVMI advise that pregnant women and children (defined as individuals less than 18 years of age) avoid contact (defined as a proximity of less than 6 feet) with the patient for a period of 12 days following discharge. 197(2): p. 125-136. One way to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism is with an oral medication that contains methimazole. Radioactive iodine is a treatment for an overactive thyroid gland. When x-rays, or any ionizing radiation, pass through the body they cause electrons to be ejected from atoms, leaving behind positive ions. Excessive weight gain. The risks associated with low level ingestion of radioactive iodine relate to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. All bodily fluids in the cat will have trace amounts of radioactive material within them, but it will be most prevalent within the urine. There are virtually no side effects, and there is no pain associated with 131I treatment. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. 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. 2. I'm sure if he is still underweight, his body will be telling him to eat, eat, eat. One to two weeks after surgery, another TT4 level is measured. Surgical patients may become hyperthyroid again if abnormal cells are missed during surgery or if new abnormal cells develop. Calabrese E.J., Hormesis: From Marginalization to Mainstream: A Case for Hormesis as the Default Dose-Response Model in Risk Assessment. 6. They will then need to take a thyroid supplement. Limit close contact (closer than 1 foot) to one hour per day. If these tests are not diagnostic, athyroid scan (thyroid scintigraphy)can be performed at a veterinary referral center, or the TT4 can be measured again in a few weeks. Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon Wet Cat Food. Several complications of hyperthyroidism can be significant, includinghypertension(high blood pressure) and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Lack of appetite. Risks from other illness. Unfortunately, 131I has a rather high-energy gamma emission that is difficult to shield. Since hyperthyroidism can predispose a cat to other conditions, it is important to evaluate general health, with particular focus on the heart and kidneys. The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses). Whats the difference between type 1 and 2 diabetes NHS. They may have increased water consumption and urination. The normal thyroid cells will therefore not take up any radioactive iodine. But this generally resolves without intervention. Nearly all cats will be cured by a second treatment. The coat of affected cats may appear unkempt, matted, or greasy (see Figure 1). Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. Montreal. Keeping your pets food temperature just right. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. 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. Many times the only symptoms these other conditions cause are weight loss. Gradual weight gain and return to healthy body condition are expected. Learn more about the Clinical Nutrition Team at Tufts. Survival Times for Cats with Hyperthyroidism Treated with Iodine 131, Methimazole, or Both, http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/, Determination of Release Criteria for I-131 Therapy Cats, Risk of Ionizing Radiation Exposure to Children: A Subject Review, Hormesis: From Marginalization to Mainstream: A Case for Hormesis as the Default Dose-Response Model in Risk Assessment. Category: Nuclear Medicine Patient Issues Questions Concerning Domestic Animals. Prognosis One major risk associated with surgical thyroidectomy is inadvertent damage to the parathyroid glands, which lie close to or within the thyroid gland and are crucial in maintaining stable blood calcium levels. Now that he's back home, he still exhibits the behavior of wanting food all the time but I wonder if it's a habit he picked up before treatment or perhaps the symptoms won't completely gone away until the treatment has time to take hold. Studies have shown that cats treated with I-131 live longer than those treated with pills, added Mosenco, citing a study where I-131-treated cats lived an average of four to five years following treatment, versus an average of only two years for cats on medication.Dec 19, 2016. Weight seemed to stabilize in the long-term setting, with minimal increases between 8 and 12 months and at 24 months after radioactive iodine treatment. And not only do we love the pets, we also love their people, and you are our reason for making this site. 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. The advantages of radioactive iodine therapy are that the procedure most often cures hyperthyroidism, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. Medications for hyperthyroidism in cats are prescribed on a case by case basis. Ten patients (6.4%) had DS (Down Syndrome) and 33 (21.0%) had received ATDs before RAI ablation. 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. Hence additional separation between the patient and children are unnecessary. The treatment options for hyperthyroidism are: Oral medication. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". Treating Hyperthyroidism in Cats. Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. As with surgery, you may need to take thyroid hormone . After initial stabilisation with oral medications, a number of curative treatments are also available. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. Actually it is quite safe, because the radioactive iodine is absorbed only by thyroid cells; no other cells in the body are exposed to the radiation. Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of continuous methimazole (MMI) therapy. Also, you might get some good ideas about what to feed him on Dr. Lisa Pierson's web site. Of course, some people receive no radiation and others much, much more. She has spoken at national and international conferences and a Capitol Hillbriefing, and is an expert in pet obesity, nutrition communication, and in the human-animal bond. This is because the parathyroid glands (responsible for calcium balance in the body) are near the thyroid gland and may be damaged or accidentally removed during surgery. Part 20, Standards for protection against radiation (For example, for human patients we provide instructions such as "sleep in separate beds" and "stay at least 1 meter away from others as much as possible.") The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. Nera just had her 3 month checkup and her T4 level is down to 2.3! Copyright 2019 Advanced Veterinary Medical Imaging. The routine stay in our radioactive iodine unit is currently 12 days. Over ten years of clinical nutrition research revealed that by controlling dietary levels of iodine, the hyperthyroid cat's body would resume normal thyroid hormone production. The average US total radiation exposure (all sources) is 6.2 mSv/yr which is an increase from 20 years ago (3.6 mSv/year) when CT scans were much less common. As a cat owner, I completely understand your desire to get your cat back to his normal routine as soon as possible. We fed him some Fancy Feast again last night and he ate it all without vomiting. The principle advantage of Radioactive Iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism is that it tends to have a much higher success rate than medications. During that time, the ravenous appetite should subside, your cat will probably gain weight, and her blood pressure and heart rate should normalize. Most cats with hyperthyroidism have elevated levels of the thyroid hormone T4 in their bloodstream, but a small percentage of cats with hyperthyroidism have T4 levels within the normal range. Until then, the radiation safety guidelines of Michigan and the NCR are followed. There are currently no known preventive measures for hyperthyroidism, but early diagnosis decreases the secondary problems and improves the prognosis. The overwhelming majority of cats (>95%) are cured by a single therapy with only a small percentage of cats requiring additional radioiodine therapy (4%) or becoming persistently hypothyroid (1%). Within one year after discontinuation of MMI, hyperthyroidism recurred in 104 patients. Before deciding the form of treatment, several tests are performed, including additional blood tests, a urinalysis, chest radiographs (X-rays), an ECG, and blood pressure measurements.

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