IODIONE - 131 THERAPY VETERINARY INFORMATION

The literature has shown that I-131 is the treatment of choice for feline hyperthyroidism, having a spectacular success rate; avoiding side-effects and refractory reactions to Tapazole/PTU, client difficulties in pilling their pets, complications of anesthesia, post-surgical damage to the parathyroid glands. Radiocat®’s I-131 treatment program includes x-ray interpretation and 3 days hospitalization post-injection. We are very reasonably priced. The referring vet performs all pre and post-therapy workups.

I-131 therapy is ideal for patients who are stable prior to admission, without significant cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, renal, hepatic, endocrine (other than hyperthyroidism), or neurological disease. Medical problems should be discussed with Radiocat® personnel to determine if I-131 is appropriate for your patient.

Please review the following information when considering referring a patient for I-131 therapy. Thank you in advance for supporting this exciting treatment option for your client’s pets.

PRE-TREATMENT

  • Required pre-therapy workup: CBC, Complete Chemistry Screen, Urinalysis, Diagnostic T4 by an outside lab (ie, Antech or Idexx), Thoracic Radiographs (two views) within thirty days of the treatment. Rabies Vaccine must be up to date and a Blood Pressure Measurement is strongly recommended. If the patient is currently on Tapazole/PTU or Y/D Diet – and has been for more than thirty days – we require a T4 taken seven days after cessation of the Tapazole/PTU and thirty days after cessation of the Y/D Diet. Radiocat® staff can suggest a schedule for stopping, being retested, and arriving for therapy. We ask that you keep in mind that some of our locations schedule over a month in advance. Please supply all previous T4 values, histories for biopsies, cancer, and acute episodes.
  • Other medications that may interfere with therapy include ACTH, Anticagulants, Antihistamines, Antiparasitics, Bromides, Butazolidine, Mercurials, Nitrates, Penicillin, Pentothal, Salicylates (large doses), Sulfonamides, Thiocyanate, and some Vitamin preparations.
  • Patients are admitted for therapy by appointment only.

HOSPITALIZATION

  • Patients are hospitalized in the nuclear medicine ward for three nights. Clients cannot visit patients during therapy, nor can patients be removed from the ward until officially released. Clients cannot terminate therapy or arrange for early release once therapy has begun. We’re sorry, but these rules are directed by Federal guidelines on radiation safety.
  • After admission for I-31 therapy, information on the patient’s daily status will be given by Radiocat® staff.
  • I-131 therapy includes:
    • Review of all pertinent case records and radiographs;
    • Hospitalization in the nuclear medicine ward;
    • Radioisotope (I-131) and appropriate radiation monitoring;
    • Daily care and feeding (and as much love as we can safely give);
    • As needed, follow-up consultations regarding test results between Radiocat® and the referring veterinarian.
  • NOT INCLUDED:
    • The diagnostic test performed at your clinic prior to therapy;
    • Emergency medical test, procedure, or medications needed during the patient’s hospitalization for therapy;
    • Post-therapy T4 determination performed at your clinic.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS

  • Patients are released to owners according to strict Federal regulations. Patients will be excreting a small amount of radioiodine on release. Clients are instructed before admission – and given written instructions – on handling of patients for two weeks post-release from therapy. If clients are unable/unwilling to comply with these precautions, they should consider surgical or medical management. If a patient requires medical treatment, please contact Radiocat® at 800-323-9729.
  • Possible but very rare complications of Radioiodine therapy include:
    • Possibility for patient to become hypothyroid. Rare cases may need exogenous thyroid supplement.
    • Sore throat, dysphagia. This is usually transient, but a permanent voice change is possible.
  • We’re excited to help you offer this service to your clients, and know they’ll be grateful for the care and concern you’ve shown in finding a cure for their pet’s hyperthyroidism