Iodine 131 Therapy -
Why I-131 Therapy?
Hyperthyroidism is a very common disease that affects older cats causing a variety of symptoms including hyperactivity, weight loss, excessive appetite, hypertension, and heart disease.
Hyperthyroidism is caused by a tumor of the thyroid glands which causes the release of excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Therapy has included medication which blocks the manufacture of thyroid hormone, surgery, and radioactive Iodine therapy.
Iodine 131 is a radioactive isotope which is very effective in treating hyperthyroidism non-surgically in cats and is considered the best therapy available for hyperthyroidism. A single injection of I-131 will eliminate the disease by destroying the tumor in the thyroid gland. When the I-131 isotope is injected into the patient, the iodine is selectively taken up by the thyroid gland where the radiation given off by the isotope locally irradiates the tumor and destroys it. Other organs in the body are minimally affected and the patient does not have to endure the stress and pain of surgery.
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Learn more:
The Process
What do I Need To Know?
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