will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment

The medication can be given life-long or to stabilize the cat before other treatment. Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, is a common disease of older cats. Treatment usually requires one or two weeks of hospitalization at a veterinary hospital licensed to administer radiation therapy. 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. Clients frequently have the following 2 questions when considering radioiodine therapy for their cat's hyperthyroidism. Over time, this progresses to increased blood pressure, severe weight loss, heart disease, blindness, and kidney damage. However, the risk is minimal if your cat is otherwise healthy, and the initial diagnostic tests and treatment did not reveal any underlying conditions. The iodine, which is required for the production of both T3 and T4, is taken up by the thyroid gland and the emitted radiation destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue without damaging the surrounding tissues or the parathyroid glands. Will he come around at some point or have we created a monster who will run off to the food dish every time we get up from the chair. A Multicompartmental Model for Iodide, Thyroxine, and Triiodothyronine Metabolism in Normal and Spontaneously Hyperthyroid Cats. What they are trying to prevent is the intake (ingestion, etc.) With this therapy, you take radioactive iodine (radioiodine) by mouth. DNA can also be damaged directly by radiation. Surgical removal of the gland under general anesthetic was another option. The treatment options for hyperthyroidism are: Oral medication. Thus, pate is a better choice for your cat than gravy food due to the latter's higher . 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. Risks related to radioiodine: This is very important meaning that cats rarely develop an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) after radioiodine therapy. Some cats may experience side effects from medication, however, including vomiting, anorexia, fever, anemia, and lethargy. 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. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. 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. Hyperthyroidism & Liver Function in Cats, Intervals of Depo-Medrol Injections for Cats. You may feel a lump on your cat's throat under his jaw. There are fundamental differences between a continuous dose over a year (background radiation) and a dose that occurs over a few seconds like in CT, but these are helpful comparisons. 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. The treatment of choice for hyperthyroid cats is radioactive iodine therapy, which is a cure. The three ways that we control exposures to external sources of radiation are time, distance, and shielding. 1 Radioactive iodine (RAI)] is generally considered the optimal treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. Milner R.J., Channell C.D., Levy J.K., et al., Survival Times for Cats with Hyperthyroidism Treated with Iodine 131, Methimazole, or Both: 167 Cases (1996-2003). These include weight loss, increased activity, and kitten like behaviour. 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?). Slater M.R., Geller S. and Rogers K., Long-Term Health and Predictors of Survival for Hyperthyroid Cats Treated with Iodine 131. If DNA is damaged, there are three possible outcomes: Since hyperthyroid cats are usually over eight years of age, there is a degree of risk involved. The word "individuals" in this context means "people". Research into this potential treatment option is ongoing. (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.) This single treatment will cure 95-98% of cats. What are the risks of my cat becoming hypothyroid? 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. Not all veterinary facilities perform the procedure. Jane Meggitt has been a writer for more than 20 years. He's radioactive, so it's not safe even for humans wearing protective clothing to spend too much time around him. The goal of hyperthyroidism treatment is to lower the levels of thyroid hormones in the body. Many organs are affected by hyperthyroidism, especially the heart. 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. It does, however, involve the handling and injection of a radioactive substance that is only permitted at facilities specially licensed to use radioisotopes. Radioactive iodine is an effective and safe treatment option for children and teenagers with an overactive thyroid gland, but will usually be given as a second-line treatment after a reasonably long course of antithyroid medication. Radioactive iodine therapy offers a cure through a simple injection that returns thyroid function to normal levels. Dr. Heinze is an employee of Mark Morris Institute and has provided professional serviceshas done consulting for Lafeber and WellPet, given sponsored talks for Nestl Purina PetCare and the Pet Food Institute, and provided professional services to Balance IT.com and Mark Morris Institute. If possible, I would like to wear protective clothing so we can return to our familiar habit of living/sleeping in 24-hour close physical contact to minimize his stress and promote his recovery. 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. Hence for a transient period following radioiodine therapy, the patient's urine contains excreted radioiodine which will emit beta particles as it continues to decay. 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. You'll have to give him this drug twice daily for the rest of his life, which treats but doesn't cure the condition. NRC Regulations 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. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. The first step is determining the blood level of one of the thyroid hormones calledtotal thyroxine (TT4). Determination of Release Criteria for I-131 Therapy Cats in Conference Proceedings American College of Veterinary Radiology. Dietary Therapy Of 135 patients with documented pubertal status . 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. . 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. The remainder is gone in about the next two months or so. Of 247 patients receiving RAI for GD, 157 (79.6% female) had complete data and were included in the analysis. What is the biggest concern with nuclear meltdown and why? 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. Because of the important role the thyroid gland plays in the body, some cats with hyperthyroidism develop secondary problems, including heart disease and high blood pressure. While I do not know the amount of radioactive 131I that was administered to your cat, the recommendations that your veterinarian has given you are very standard for the industry. Keeping your pets food temperature just right. Risks from other illness. Also, I wonder if there is home-testing equipment to track the household dispersal of the radioactive contaminants that he emits after his treatment and something else to monitor and determine my exposure to the 131I remnants. This can best be done by monitoring your cat's body condition, muscle condition, and weight. Dry, dull coat. In almost all cases, your thyroid hormone levels will return to normal or below normal after radioactive iodine treatment. This treatment involves administering an injection of iodine with a radioactive substance attached. Standards for Protection against Radiation. When available, radioactive iodine therapy is the treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. 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. These tests are needed to evaluate your cats overall health and predict the likelihood of complications with the chosen treatment protocol. Weight gain after RAI is typical. Pediatrics, 1998. Radioactive iodine therapy is becoming the treatment of choice for felines with hyperthyroidism. Before treatment he was ravenous and losing weight -- typical of cats with that disorder I'm told. However, because your cat will be radioactive for several days after receiving the shot, precautions must be taken during and after the treatment. GFR results are used to determine the functional status of the kidneys, and identify cats with subclinical renal disease. What is taken up by the thyroid will be released slowly over the next days/weeks to the other bodily fluids which is why they have the precautions that you describe. 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. Only the bare necessitiesfood and water and quick litter cleanupsare provided by veterinary technicians during your cat's hospital stay. First we need to put this exposure level into some context: How do x-rays increase your risk for cancer? The cell dies (only occurs with very high doses). Ultimately of course, these conditions can be diagnosed. Thyroid hormones affect nearly all of the organs in the body; therefore, thyroid disease often causes secondary problems. The radioiodine (I-131) used to treat thyroid disease in people and animals emits both gamma rays and beta particles. If thyroid disease is a possibility, your veterinarian will likely order a blood chemistry panel and an analysis of thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms include weight loss, muscle wasting, increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, vomiting, unkempt appearance, and sometimes hyperactivity. These positive ions, or free radicals, can cause damage to DNA. They may have increased water consumption and urination. Part 20, Standards for protection against radiation 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. For this prescription diet to work, it must be the only food fed, which means no cheating with treats. Prescription nutrition. Although it has a slightly higher iodine content than the previous option, Tiki Cat Hanalei Luau Wild Salmon is the best value for money. "The most common clinical sign of hyperthyroidism is weight loss due to the increased rate of metabolism despite an increased appetite.". Blog written by Dr. Daisy Spears in conjunction with Dr. Linder. 2. Radioactive iodine may also affect a woman's ovaries, and some women may have irregular periods for up to a year after treatment. If methimazole dosing is discontinued, hyperthyroidism will return. 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. RAI is a form of radioactive nuclear medication that permanently destroys thyroid tissue. 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 . It might not be an option for a frail cat who shouldn't undergo anesthesia. 8. Lifelong administration of methimazole can control the effects of an overactive thyroid gland. Purraise. Subpart D-Radiation Dose Limits for Individual Members of the Public 228(4): p. 559-63. In a study of 524 hyperthyroid cats treated with I-131, only 11/524 (2.1%) developed 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. All rights reserved. Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit. Annual blood and urine tests are important in all cats seven years and older to detect hyperthyroidism before potentially irreversible damage occurs. For the same reasons as surgical treatment, your cat will likely be started on methimazole for about a month before radioactive iodine therapy. Diagnosis She gained and ate a lot and we were more than happy. With your cat's diseased thyroid, after methimazole treatment failed, large doses of iodine might have proven effective. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? 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. However, it may not be the best treatment for your particular cat. . Cats receive a single dose of radioactive iodine by either subcutaneous injection or by a capsule given by mouth. Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. Answer posted on 30 March 2019. The radioiodine is eliminated in urine and feces. 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. 15(1): p. 47-51. This usually leads to permanent destruction of the thyroid, which will cure hyperthyroidism. You should talk with your veterinarian about what diets may be best for him in this case. For some cats, a veterinary therapeutic diet low in iodine may be all thats required to control symptoms. Dr. Deborah Linder, a board-certified veterinary nutritionist, is the head of the Tufts Obesity Clinic for Animals and has had articles appear in Eating Well, the Boston Globe, AARP, SHAPE, and XM Sirius Radio Doctor Channel. 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. Why isn't there a study directly linking medical imaging and cancer? If this is the case with your cat, paying special attention to specific nutrients such as dietary phosphorus (a key player in chronic kidney disease) may be required. Iodine is an element normally taken up in large amounts by the thyroid gland, even more so in cats that are hyperthyroid. Several complications of hyperthyroidism can be significant, includinghypertension(high blood pressure) and a heart disease called thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy. To answer these questions we have to separate the risks associated with internalizing (i.e., ingesting) radioactive iodine from the risks of being around a patient that has been treated with radioactive iodine. 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. Mean baseline age was 12.7 3.0 years and mean baseline BMI SDS was 0.003 1.18 kg/m 2. These statistics are averages and do not predict what is going to happen to you. He rejected the Fancy Feast stuff and gobbled the baby food along with eating a little variety of the many dry foods we tried in an effort to find one that he really liked. Scaly skin. 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. Site Help | 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. Now that I know my cat has hyperthyroidism, what do I do? If left untreated and unmanaged, these changes may eventually compromise the normal function of the heart and can even lead to heart failure. Is radioactive iodine treatment safe? By 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. It is actually the best approach to take to minimize exposures to you and your family while allowing the cat to have post-treatment recovery time at home and not in a veterinary hospital. The chronic elevation of circulating thyroid hormone levels in cats with hyperthyroidism leads to changes in their heart muscle that predispose them to developing heart failure. A standard Chest x-ray is 0.1 mSv. We fed him some Fancy Feast again last night and he ate it all without vomiting. It is best to perform a nuclear scan before surgery to rule out ectopic thyroid tissue. Def scared about this possibility with Fluff, Our cat was treated for hyperthyroidism and has been back home for about two weeks. 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. If you can't bear to be away from him, or if he becomes very stressed or frightened when you're not around, that isolation could be difficult. This can best be done by monitoring your cats body condition, muscle condition, and weight. If we restrict iodine, production of thyroxine decreases. Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Krista Williams, BSc, DVM; Robin Downing, DVM, CVPP, CCRP, DAAPM; Ernest Ward, DVM. They may develop periodic vomiting or diarrhea, and fur may appear unkempt. Therefore if you adhere to the release instructions we provide you with (copies provided on admission and again at discharge), you should be assured of getting less than 1 mSv exposure from interacting with your cat. Your doctor will order a test called a radioactive iodine uptake and scan to determine the dose you will need. Hypertension develops due to the increased pumping pressure and elevated heart rate that occurs with hyperthyroidism. Risks from hyperthyroidism. In a cat treated with radioactive iodine, the drool will contain radioactive materials. Hays M.T., Broome M.R. The food isnotmedicated. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) may be very effective. 1 INTRODUCTION. Does radioactive iodine treatment cause weight gain? The average age of cats with hyperthyroidism is approximately 12 years and about 5% of hyperthyroid cats are younger than 10 years of age. The thyroid cells are damaged or destroyed, but that's the whole idea other cells are left untouched. Treatment for Hypothyroidism in Cats. Most cats with uncomplicated hyperthyroidism will live several years following treatment of hyperthyroidism, unless they develop another disease. Cats with hyperthyroidism exhibit symptoms that are similar to those of humans with the disease: weight loss, increased appetite, excessive . However, since wild-caught flaked Alaskan salmon is the first ingredient, it provides a lot of moisture. A medication called methimazole, which interferes with thyroid hormone production, is less expensive but requires daily administration. Thyrotoxic cardiomyopathy may develop because the heart enlarges and thickens to meet the increased metabolic demands. One way to treat a cat with hyperthyroidism is with an oral medication that contains methimazole. 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? Although the thyroid gland enlarges in hyperthyroidism, it is usually a benign or non-malignant change. There are no studies that directly link cancer to the low dose radiation used in current medical imaging. These licenses establish the basis for the facilities compliance with federal regulations established by the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In some of these cats, blood pressure can become so high that retinal bleeding or retinal detachment will occur, resulting in sudden blindness. In addition to reporting for a major newspaper chain, she has been published in "Horse News," "Suburban Classic," "Hoof Beats," "Equine Journal" and other publications. Natural background radiation exposure accounts for an average of 3.1 mSv/yr with variations depending on where you live.