Radioactive iodine therapy

Veterinarian information

The current evaluation and treatment protocol includes an examination, blood work, thoracic radiographs, I-131 treatment, hospitalization in our radioactive isolation ward, and radioactive waste disposal. The approximate cost for evaluation and treatment (all inclusive) is $1700.

Radioactive Iodine therapy protocol

The pretreatment diagnostic testing will be performed on the day of the initial evaluation and consultation. Treatment with I-131 will be scheduled after review of the results of the diagnostic tests. Methimazole will be discontinued at least 1 week prior to treatment.

Cats are admitted to the hospital on the day prior to their treatment and the medication will be ordered for next day delivery. After I-131 treatment, hospitalization is mandated by the state of Louisiana until the radioactivity of the cat decreases to an acceptable level. The majority of cats are hospitalized for 10-14 days, but this is variable. During that time, no visitation is allowed. Our doctors and trained technicians are the only people allowed access to the I-131 ward and the patients housed there.

Although we provide Hill’s Science Diet food products, owners can bring specific food for their pet. We provide a litter box, litter, and clean bedding for the animal. Any toys, bedding, or other items that the owner would like their cat to have in its cage during treatment, cannot be returned. The items are considered hazardous waste and must be destroyed in a hazardous waste facility.

Since hyperthyroidism can mask renal insufficiency/chronic kidney disease (CKD) by increasing GFR, a methimazole trial is recommended prior to I-131 treatment. The instructions for doing this are reviewed here.