Radioactive Iodine Treatment, Any experiences to share? Options

[J T]

Our cat Stormy has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and after reviewing all the options, we have decided to have her treated with radioactive Iodine-131. The surgery just seemed to have too much of a risk of leaving her hypothyroid/hypocalcemic(plus the risk of anesthesia in general for a 13-year old), and treating her with pills or topical every day just didn't seem like a good choice. Has anyone had this done and have any experience to share?

She is on methimazole(Tapazole) topical gel for the couple of weeks until her treatment; she goes in to the clinic for workups on May 8, and will receive her treatment on May 12. Prayers very much appreciated.

[Muffins]

Hi!

I'm sorry to hear that Stormy was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism.

Ernestine (who went to Rainbow's Bridge Feb 7, 2004), two months shy of her 20th birthday, was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism at age 14.

I do remember that I had a choice for her treatment -- either surgery, or treating her with radioactive iodine.
Because she was in good health, and I had found a vet who specialized in thyroidectomy (1/2 of her thyroid), I decided to go that route. (she remained on Tapazole from age 14 & on -- Thyroid levels were drawn every 8 weeks or so).

I was very interested in the iodine treatment, but at that time, it was something that I couldn't afford.
From what I understood, it is considered a "cure", in that Stormy won't have to continue on the Tapazole.
I think that if it was something that I could have afforded, I probably would've chosen the radioactive iodine treatment.

I'm sorry that I don't have more information on the iodine treatment, but please know that your precious Stormy will be in my prayers as she undergoes her upcoming treatment.

God Bless!

Denise

[J T]

We're fortunate that we can afford it now, and hopeful that it will indeed cure her (blood tests don't go over very well with Stormy). She'll be on the Tapazole for another week, then has to be off it for a week before her final workups. Thanks for the prayers!

[Kim R.]

I would just like to say that as a former vet tech with many years experience under my belt, I think that you are absolutely making the right choice! It has absolutely wonderful results, and as muffins said, it is somewhat of a 'cure' !! No more pills!! It is so much more 'normal' of a life for them and I know you will be glad that you decided to do it, and so will Stormy! I hope that one day they will make it more cost effective so everyone who is faced with this ever so common problem in their kitties can have the same option!
Kim

[J T]

Well, the treatment is done, and the one-month follow-up shows thyroid hormone levels normal. Stormy is putting on some weight...maybe a little too fast. She still has plenty enough energy to whip up on her little "brother" Webster though.

The only complication was that our cat-sitter who was going to have to bag and store the litter for the last 3 days while we were on vacation backed out at the last minute; luckily we have another very good friend who stepped in to pick up the slack.

Our radiologist (Dr. Tracy LaDue ) and the clinic staff (Southeast Veterinary Oncology in Orange Park, FL) were just awesome...answered all the questions, called us every day while Stormy was sequestered.

It definitely is a shame that the cost prevents it from being used more often.