INFORMATION FOR VETERINARIANS

I-131 therapy can be administered safely to most hyperthyroid patients. Although many of these older cats have concurrent diseases (CKD, infiltrative bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, cardiac disease, etc.), radioiodine treatment can typically be given once other medical conditions are stabilized.

Each patient’s case is reviewed by our Medical Director to ensure that every cat referred to us receives the most appropriate diagnostics and medical care before, during, and after our treatment.

When considering referral of one of your patients for radioiodine therapy:

• A complete medical workup must be performed within 30 days of your patient’s appointment with us. This will always include a complete database, chest radiographs/radiologist review, and a T4 level from an approved reference laboratory.
• Following review of the case by the Medical Director, additional diagnostics (TSH levels, echocardiograms, quantitative proBNPS, etc.) may be required in addition to the basic work up.
• Because of this, please DO NOT perform full work ups on a patient until we have reviewed the records and provided you with a timeline so that all diagnostics fall within our 30 day window.
• Patients on methimazole must discontinue the medication 1-2 weeks prior to the laboratory testing.
• Patients on Y/D, raw, or freeze dried diets must discontinue these foods 30 days prior to laboratory testing.
• Patients must have had a complete physical exam within 90 days of treatment.
• Rabies vaccination must be current.
• Certain medications and supplements may interfere with radioiodine therapy; we will advise you if this is the case after reviewing your patient’s records.

Treatment with radioiodine and aftercare:

• Cats are hospitalized in the nuclear medicine ward for 2-5 days, depending on the state regulations in that location. Federal guidelines prohibit client visitation during this brief hospitalization.
• Our team will provide the owner with daily updates on their pet.
• Once the patient has been released from the nuclear medicine ward, they will continue to excrete very small amounts of radioiodine for two weeks. During the scheduling phone call, our patient care liaison discusses the safety guidelines that your client must, by federal and state law, adhere to once the cat returns home.
• We provide detailed written discharge instructions and review them with the owner.
• Complications from radioiodine therapy are uncommon but may include iatrogenic hypothyroidism, temporary dysphagia, and rarely, a change in voice.

Radiocat I-131 Therapy includes:

• Review of the patient’s medical records by our Medical Director
• Administration of radioiodine and appropriate radiation monitoring
• Follow up consultations regarding the patient’s progress and future testing with our Medical Director and technical team

Radiocat I-131 therapy does not include:

• Diagnostic testing performed at your clinic prior to treatment
• Any unforeseen emergency care required during hospitalization
• Post-therapy diagnostic testing at your hospital

We’re excited to provide this service to your clients, and we know they’ll be grateful for the care and concern you’ve shown in finding a cure for their pet’s hyperthyroidism. Please reach out with any questions you may have.