References
Setting up and running the radioactive iodine unit
Abstract
Feline hyperthyroidism commonly affects cats in the UK within the senior to geriatric age range. There are various treatment options available however the disease can still be difficult to manage. Radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) is classed as the ‘gold standard’ option for controlling this disease, with a success rate of around 95%. It is very effective but not all veterinary practices are able to offer this treatment. This article will look into what is required to successfully run a radioactive iodine unit.
Feline hyperthyroidism (FH) is a disease affecting the thyroid glands whereby an increase in the thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), speed up the body's metabolism. As a result, clinical signs such as weight loss, poor body condition, polyphagia, polydipsia and a poor coat may be seen in uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. In addition, a goitre is usually palpable in the ventral neck region on physical examination (Mooney and Peterson, 2012).
FH can be a difficult disease to control however there are various treatment options available. Management with medication (methimazole/carbimazole) can be in the form of oral tablets, oral liquid or a transdermal gel. These methods rely on the owner's ability to give the medication daily as well as the cooperation of the cat. Unwanted side effects of the drugs such as vomiting, anorexia and pruritus around the ears and eyes can also become a problem (Gunn-Moore, 2005).
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