Radioiodine Therapy

We are pleased to be able to offer a radioiodine service for feline hyperthyroidism at ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists.

This is led by our internal medicine Clinician Menai Heyes. We are currently the only specialist referral centre in the North West able to offer this service.

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats, which means that the thyroid gland is producing too much thyroid hormone.

Signs of hyperthyroidism

• Weight loss despite an increased appetite.
• Increased thirst.
• Vomiting and diarrhoea.
• Increased activity levels.
• Unkempt appearance.

A blood test can identify the condition. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can adversely affect the heart and the kidneys and can cause high blood pressure.

PDF Guides

Guidance for clients please click here.

Guidance for vets please click here

Benefits of radioiodine (RI) treatment

• Permanent cure in 95% of cases.
• All over-active thyroid tissue is treated (including ectopic).
• No general anaesthetic required.
• No risk of hypocalcaemia post-treatment.
• Normal (atrophied) thyroid tissue is spared.
• Reduced requirement for long term monitoring of thyroid status.

Potential risks of treatment

• Small percentage of cats become hypothyroid and also azotaemic, requiring thyroxine supplementation.
• Handling of the patient is somewhat restricted meaning that high dependency cats are not always suitable candidates.
• Kidney disease can become apparent following treatment (this is usually predictable if the patient has completed a medical management trial and assessment as above).
• Note that conventional dose RI treatment is ineffective for thyroid carcinomas.