will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment

Number of cases per 100,000 persons exposed to a single dose of 0.1 Gy. We love them, too! The treatment of choice for hyperthyroid cats is radioactive iodine therapy, which is a cure. This I131 injection accumulates in the abnormal thyroid tissue, and the radioactivity kills the abnormal tissue without harming other vital structures nearby. If you know that your cat has hyperthyroidism, you probably have already seen your vet in order to have this disease properly treated. 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. Is radioactive iodine treatment safe? The most common clinical signs of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, increased appetite, and increased thirst and urination. 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. . Only about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". You must log in or register to reply here. 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. These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. . Some hyperthyroid cats have thyroid cells in abnormal locations calledectopicthyroid tissue (thyroid tissue under the tongue, further down the neck, or all the way to the base of the heart), and they may remain hyperthyroid after surgery. 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. 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. Gained over three pounds! Older cats are at greater risk for developing hyperthyroidism. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . 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 radioactive iodine is useful in treating the condition that your veterinarian has diagnosed in your cat. Hyperthyroidism & Liver Function in Cats, Intervals of Depo-Medrol Injections for Cats. Your cat can receive methimazole, a medication that inhibits thyroid hormone production. If both thyroid glands require removal, there is a risk of developing hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) after surgery. Follow up blood work is essential to ensure kitty does not become hypothyroid which is too little thyroid. Cats can receive a second treatment, if necessary. Amazingly despite over 35 years of veterinary experience treating hyperthyroid cats with radioiodine there are virtually no reported side effects. RAI is a form of radioactive nuclear medication that permanently destroys thyroid tissue. 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. 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. One to two weeks after surgery, another TT4 level is measured. Your veterinarian has recommended I131 for your cat. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. 1. Radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice, however, because it destroys abnormal thyroid tissue without damaging the surrounding tissue, providing a more permanent form of treatment. 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. Environmental risk factors have been investigated and may predispose some cats to hyperthyroidism, although the specific mechanisms are unknown. But there are clear reasons for the precautions that the veterinarian has given you and I also recommend that you follow them. The treatment you and your vet choose depends on several factors including how severe the disease is, your cats health, and what works best for your family. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism is rare after I-131 therapy. Having said that, the clients who own the cats we treat with radioiodine should make every effort to avoid ingesting any contents from the litter box. This may be particularly useful in cats with medical conditions that make other treatment options impossible. Reduce the time near a source, increase the distance from the source, or use some sort of radiation absorbing shielding between you and the source of radiation and you will reduce your radiation dose. When the dose of radiation to the thyroid is very low, like might occur by accidental ingestion of litter box contents, then mutations leading to cancer can ensue. Purraise. However, unless the retinal detachment is treated immediately, permanent blindness can occur. Risks from hyperthyroidism. Did she have stage 1 prior to treatment for hyperthyroidism or did the stage 1 unmask after treatment started and then jump to stage 4? This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. In the hospital (or veterinary hospitals) we would use a Geiger counter with a thin-window probe to find the radioactive contamination. If we use the linear no-threshold model we could estimate that the exposure to 1 mSv would therefore have a risk of less than 0.01% (or 1/100th of 1 %) of causing cancer over the remaining life of an adult. All rights reserved. Ideally, the total GFR should be above 2.25 mL/min/kg. Fewer than 2% of hyperthyroid cases in cats involve malignant thyroid gland tumors. In some cats, anorexia develops as the disease progresses. The delivery of iodine is targeted to the overactive thyroid gland(s), the cat does not experience any radiation side effects at the normal therapy doses used to treat hyperthyroidism. For this prescription diet to work, it must be the only food fed, which means no cheating with treats. 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? Clinical Signs How to choose the right food for your cat. In the US, the average person is exposed to an additional 3.0 mSv/yr from medical sources (predominantly CT scans). Because metabolism is altered in hyperthyroidism, its important to monitor your cats weight and muscle mass. The advantages of medication are that the drugs are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Ultimately of course, these conditions can be diagnosed. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! Clients owning hyperthyroid cats undergoing radioiodine therapy are always considered members of the general public. Due to the damaging effects of hyperthyroid-induced hypertension on your cats kidneys, blood kidney values must be reassessed once the thyroxine level has normalized, even if they were normal on initial blood tests. With your cat's diseased thyroid, after methimazole treatment failed, large doses of iodine might have proven effective. A small number of cats will remain hyperthyroid after treatment, if this is the case your cat will need . Set up your myVCA account today. After administration of 131 Iodine, your cat is . Long-Term Follow-up of Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine-131. Treatment for Hypothyroidism in Cats. NRC Regulations In many cats, only one thyroid lobe is abnormal, so only one surgery is needed. 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? 4. During that time, the ravenous appetite should subside, your cat will probably gain weight, and her blood pressure and heart rate should normalize. You should talk with your veterinarian about what diets may be best for him in this case. Treatment for hypothyroidism in cats is . 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. Despite the extensive blood and urine tests, chest x-rays and physical exams that we require before radioiodine therapy, some of these conditions remain undiagnosed at the time of radioiodine therapy. . Unfortunately these cats may continue to deteriorate and may even die from their other non-thyroid diseases. I might even suggest using disposable gloves when handling the litter box duties and when caring for the cat during the isolation time. All three have risks and benefits. As the thyroid levels return to normal, some cats may be able to adjust to their new diets quickly after treatment. Radioactive Iodine Therapy 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. 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%). The study followed people for 26 years after two or more treatments. Blog written by Dr. Daisy Spears in conjunction with Dr. Linder. Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. Now the question is what risk does one obtain from receiving an exposure of 1 mSv? The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. That was part of the problem we had before treatment. As stated above, it may also be used for a few weeks to stabilize a cat at increased surgical risk because of cardiac complications. The ALARA recommendation follows the classic "less is more" argument and hence adherence to this philosophy suggests that exposures to ionizing radiation should be minimized whenever possible. For this long-term treatment, the cat is injected with the radioactive iodine, which destroys the tissue of the overactive thyroid gland. We were told that 90% of the Radioactive Iodine is gone from the cat in two days. These statistics are averages and do not predict what is going to happen to you. Since hyperthyroid cats are usually over eight years of age, there is a degree of risk involved. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. Dietary Therapy J Am Vet Med Assoc, 2006. Affected cats produce too much thyroid hormone. In cases where radioactive iodine therapy is not successful, the treatment can be repeated. 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. To date the studies following hyperthyroid cats treated with radioiodine have not shown any increased incidence of cancer (thyroid or other types) associated with radioiodine therapy. How can the age of a material be determined from the decay of a radioactive element quizlet? This is more common if you still had a large part of your thyroid gland when you have radioactive iodine treatment. 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. In most cases, only enough radioiodine is given to destroy that part of the gland that is functioning . This can best be done by monitoring your cat's body condition, muscle condition, and weight. A medication called methimazole, which interferes with thyroid hormone production, is less expensive but requires daily administration. The cell repairs itself with mistakes (rare). Learn more about the Clinical Nutrition Team at Tufts. If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. If your cat is showing signs of illness or depression, please contact PVESC. With this therapy, you take radioactive iodine (radioiodine) by mouth. While the concept of radiation hormesiswould suggest a potential benefit from exposure to low levels of ionizing radiation by stimulating the immune system's ability to repair DNA, any potential benefit is poorly defined and hence the current recommendations surrounding radiation exposure follow the As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA) concept. Rarely, people can feel pain in their neck. 228(4): p. 559-63. By 14 days after treatment, the radioactivity will have decayed to a very low level. Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. The risks associated with low level ingestion of radioactive iodine relate to an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Anti-thyroid drugs act by reducing the production and release of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. Both cardiomyopathy and hypertension are potentially reversible with appropriate treatment of the disease. 4. A seven hour airplane trip exposes passengers to 0.02 mSv of radiation, which is a fraction of the exposure of a standard Chest x-ray (0.1 mSv). Because of strict treatment guidelines, most facilities will not allow visitors during this quarantine period. Out little Nera was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism about 4-5 months ago. What is the biggest concern with nuclear meltdown and why? Special attention should be given to the thyroid glands to look for evidence of enlargement and the clinical signs of hyperthyroidism. Too cold? The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is approximately 12 years and about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. 2007 07/19/2011; Available from: http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/cfr/part020/. So in this case the targeted radiation exposure is actually increasing survival for these patients. You can't visit Fluffy during his stay at the veterinary facility. The recommended food for cats with thyroid problems is high in protein yet low in carbohydrates, iodine (around 0.32 ppm) and phosphate. It takes several weeks for methimazole to restore thyroid hormone levels to normal. (8,9) Replacement hormone products currently on the market, both synthetic and glandular, are not comparable to our own hormone, and in some people, never feel "right". The estimates of risk currently used are extrapolated from patients that have received much higher doses (e.g., atomic bomb survivors) using the linear, no-threshold model of radiation exposure risk. All middle-aged and senior cats should receive a complete physical examination by a veterinarian every six months. I-131 is normally a health concern after the . Studies show that weight gain is inevitable after radioiodine-induced hypothyroidism. It has the advantage of being curative in most cases with no ongoing treatment. Surgery. Several complications of hyperthyroidism can be significant, includinghypertension(high blood pressure) and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. Scaly skin. At 1 and 3 months after the treatment, a blood test for thyroid and kidney function should be done by your veterinarian. Although the cause of feline hyperthyroidism is not known, possible contributing factors include deficiencies or excesses of certain compounds in the diet and chronic exposure to thyroid-disrupting chemicals in food or the environment. It is important to drink fluids after your treatment and for the next 2 days. 3. In order to produce thyroid hormone (thyroxine), the body needs a supply of iodine. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. and Turrel J.M., A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. Natural background radiation exposure accounts for an average of 3.1 mSv/yr with variations depending on where you live. Radioactive-iodine therapy is becoming increasingly popular when dealing with hyperthyroidism in cats. Occasionally, a cat suspected of having hyperthyroidism has a TT4 level within the upper range of normal. These include an iodine-restricted diet, medications, and radioactive iodine therapy. The radioiodine (I-131) used to treat thyroid disease in people and animals emits both gamma rays and beta particles. Objective: To investigate the long-term effects of continuous methimazole (MMI) therapy. Treatment Of 247 patients receiving RAI for GD, 157 (79.6% female) had complete data and were included in the analysis. A blood chemistry panel and urinalysis will provide information about other organs and provide your veterinarian with an overall picture of your cats health. The clinical significance of weight gain from the time of diagnosis of hyperthyroidism to 2 years after radioactive iodine therapy is unclear. Consider Hyperthyroid Treatment . Hair loss. Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. And, if you destroy your thyroid gland, it turns out that that may have consequences on your metabolism. The radioactive isotope, Iodine-131 ( 131 I), is administered as a one-off injection. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a common disease of older cats. The American Thyroid Association notes that weight gain develops over a long time and may have many causes other than the underactive thyroid. Employees of facilities that utilize radioactive materials may be categorized as "radiation workers" depending on their role. Weigh the pros and cons of various treatments and discuss options with your vet. In some cases, the cat will develop a heart murmur associated with cardiomyopathy. ), family history (genetics) or radiation exposure. Dr. Linder has received speaker fees or research fudning from Hills Pet Nutrition, Nestl Purina PetCare, Royal Canin, and Virbac, and has provided professional services for Mark Morris Institute. Chance of significant, unhealthy weight gain is increased. 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. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. For the first two weeks after I-131: Keep your cat indoors or supervised when outside to prevent contact with other people. There are currently no known preventive measures for hyperthyroidism, but early diagnosis decreases the secondary problems and improves the prognosis. Also, you might get some good ideas about what to feed him on Dr. Lisa Pierson's web site. . under the skin, like a vaccine) and the radioactive iodine is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. This isnotan iodine-free diet but a diet with a controlled iodine content of 0.2ppma minimal amount. Nearly all cats will be cured by a second treatment. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. Part 20, Standards for protection against radiation 1 INTRODUCTION. Often, treating hyperthyroidism will unmask hidden kidney failure that will require additional care and is best detected early in the course of the disease. When clicking a link here and buying, we may be able to make a small commission, at no additional cost to you. An important take-away message about your newly-diagnosed hyperthyroid cat is that there is a wide range of treatment options, so you can likely find something that works for your family. This is due to increased stimulation in the nervous system which is a common occurrence in cats with feline hyperthyroidism. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. 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. Risks from other illness. 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. If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes: Hopefully this answers your questions and good luck with your cat. These include weight loss, increased activity, and kitten like behaviour. However, your cat will still have a low amount of radiation in his or her body. A veterinarian who suspects a cat has a thyroid problem will conduct a physical examination and palpate the cats neck area to check for an enlarged thyroid gland (see Figure 2). Each treatment option has its advantages and disadvantages. This may take 8 to 12 weeks or longer. I-131 therapy does not require anesthesia and eliminates the need for daily medication. You may also be advised to suck on sour candy after treatment to help the radioactive iodine come out in your saliva. She's lost a pound in less than two weeks, so yeah, I'm glad I let her eat as much as she wanted. This test can also help the doctor determine the cause of your hyperthyroidism and get other information about your thyroid tissue. How does the risk from medical radiation compare to background radiation exposure? Treatment usually requires one or two weeks of hospitalization at a veterinary hospital licensed to administer radiation therapy. Radioactive iodine therapy is curative within three months of therapy in approximately 95 percent of all hyperthyroid cases. The good news is that virtually every client will already take steps to avoid this, even when radioactive iodine in their cat's urine is not the motivation. A swollen or tender neck and feeling flushed. 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. Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats. Cats receive a single dose of radioactive iodine by either subcutaneous injection or by a capsule given by mouth.

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