How long do cats live after radioactive iodine treatment?
“Studies have shown that cats treated with I-131 live longer than those treated with pills,” added Mosenco, citing a study where I-131-treated cats lived an average of four to five years following treatment, versus an average of only two years for cats on medication.
How effective is radioactive iodine treatment for cats?
Radioiodine is safe and effective with cure rates approximately 95 – 98% with one treatment. Cats can receive a second treatment, if necessary. Radioiodine treatment avoids surgery, anesthesia, and anti-thyroid drugs.
What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine for cats?
Cats may also continue to show signs of hyperthyroidism, including vomiting and diarrhea, for 3-4 weeks after the radioiodine therapy as the disease continues to resolve. The risk to these cats is the simple fact that many cats in the age range when cats develop hyperthyroidism (8+ years) also develop other diseases.
Can hyperthyroidism come back after radioactive iodine in cats?
This happens in approximately 5-10% of hyperthyroid cats treated with radioactive iodine. If it happens, hyperthyroidism may return, necessitating a second radioactive iodine treatment or one of the other treatment options. Occasionally, normal thyroid cells are also destroyed.
Are cats in pain when they have hyperthyroidism?
In addition, hyperthyroidism can cause hypertension or high blood pressure, and result in damage to the eyes, kidneys, and brain. Cats with untreated hyperthyroidism can also endure pain and a lower quality of life due to the symptoms of the disease.
How long does it take for radioactive iodine to work in cats?
Most hyperthyroid cats respond fully to a single injection with radio-iodine. Their hyperthyroidism won’t come back, and they don’t need ongoing medication. Most cats respond to treatment within weeks, although some take up to 6 months to gain the full benefit.
Will my cat gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?
Your cat’s behavior will change within a few weeks. Some cats require 2-3 months for all the clinical signs to return to normal. Your cat will become calmer, gain weight, better grooming, vomiting will stop, and less drinking and less urinating.