Radioactive Iodine Therapy (I-131)
The Treatment of Choice for Feline Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a clinical condition resulting from the excessive production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland, and is common in middle-age to older cats. In fact, more than 95% of cases occur in cats over 8 years of age. This is usually due to benign changes (hyperplasia or adenomas) in the thyroid gland. Cancer of the thyroid gland can occur in cats, however it is rare.
Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid
- Weight Loss
- Increased Appetite
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Hypertension
- Polydipsia – Increased Thirst
- Polyuria – Increased urination
- Nervousness
- Hyperactivity or lethargy
- Behavioral changes
- Cardiac Issues:
- Tachycardia – rapid heartbeat
- Heart Murmurs
- Arrhythmias – irregular heartbeat
Department Doctors
John Lucy, DVM, DACVIM
Internal Medicine
Reena Shah, DVM
To schedule an appointment or consultation please call us at 201.262.0010
Treatment Options For Feline Hyperthyroidism
- Anti-thyroid medications – Methimazole (Tapazole), Ipodate
- Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
- Radioactive Iodine (1-131)
Medical treatment consists of giving oral medication two or three times daily for the remainder of the cat’s life. The medication does not cure the disease; it merely controls the release of thyroid hormone. There is an incidence of side effects such as vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and skin lesions. Missed medication will result in relapses. Surgical removal of the affected thyroid gland(s) will cure the disease, however, there are risks of anesthesia and surgical complications in older and often frail cats.
Radioactive Iodine Therapy
Radioactive Iodine (I-131) is a safe and effective, minimally invasive option to treat cats with overactive thyroids. Following one subcutaneous injection of I-131, over 98% of affected cats are cured of the disease. If needed, a second injection can be given. There are no harmful side effects.
Cats remain in the hospital for approximately four days until the radioactivity is below the legal level as determined by the nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). For the comfort of your cat, and your own peace of mind, we have a designated I-131 treatment room that your cat will remain in during their short stay.
How Does Radioactive Iodine Work?
Iodine is normally taken up by the thyroid gland. One form of iodine, I-131, is radioactive. When I-131 enters the thyroid gland it destroys the abnormally functioning cells. This reduces the size of the gland and its ability to produce thyroid hormone. I-131 is administered to hyperthyroid cats by a subcutaneous injection. Cats treated with radioactive iodine need to be hospitalized for 4-7 days following the injection. This is when they are most radioactive. Their level of radioactivity is checked daily with a Geiger counter and only when it reaches an acceptably low level as determined by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) can they go home.
Department Doctors
John Lucy, DVM, Diplomate, ACVIM (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Lucy grew up in Ocean County, and developed a fondness for working with animals at an early age. After completing his undergraduate training at Rutgers University, he traveled to upstate New York and received his DVM from Cornell’s world-renowned College of Veterinary Medicine. He completed his rotating internship in medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital and residency in small animal internal medicine at Cornell. Dr. Lucy's medical interests include endocrinology, hepatology, immune-mediated disorders and minimally invasive diagnostics and therapeutics. Dr. Lucy is the director of our Radioiodine Clinic for the treatment of hyperthyroid cats. He was the 2015 recipient of the Society for Comparative Endocrinology’s early career award and his research on feline hyperthyroidism was awarded the prestigious Oxford Award for clinical endocrine publication of the year in 2018. In his spare time, Dr. Lucy enjoys running, swimming, travel and watching copious amounts of HGTV.
Reena Shah, DVM (I-131)
Dr. Shah graduated from Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. She completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital and since then has remained on staff.
Dr. Shah is involved with Oradell Animal Hospital's radioactive iodine program for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats. She likes to cook and spend time with her family.