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Radio pharmaceutical
Iodine 131
The safest, most effective and least harmful
(side effects) of all the treatments. Anti-thyroid
medications are removed 7-10 days prior to treatment.
Treatment consists of injection of a small dose of Radioactive Iodine
131 and closely monitoring the patient's radiation levels. After the level of radiation in the cat's body has decreased to a
safe level to permit handling the cat, it is
released to go home (usually 3-5 days). Normal thyroid
levels are reached in 90 days. A follow up test of thyroid level and
kidney tests is recommended. Side effects are few. They include:
1. Hypothyroidism. Approximately 2% of cases may require
supplementation.
2. Retreatment. 95% of cats are cured with one treatment. 3% retreatment.
Anti-thyroid
medications
Most common, Methimazole (Tapazole) interferes
with the production of thyroid hormone in several
stages of production. Normal levels of thyroid hormone
are usually achieved 2-3 weeks after the start of therapy. Cats should
be monitored every 2-3 weeks during the first 3 months of therapy. Side effects include poor appetite, anemia, and hemorrhage.
The goal of anti-thyroid medication therapy is to
find the lowest dose possible to control the disease
and to minimize the dose related side effects.
Surgical
therapy
In many cases the abnormal thyroid tissue
enlarges to the point that a lump can be felt in the
throat. This treatment is highly effective if all of the hyperactive tissue
resides in the tissue removed. The patient is placed
on anti-thyroid medication as described previously, then when a normal level
is achieved; surgery can be performed safely. There
are several risks associated with any surgical procedure thyroidectomy
are not alone. The risks include:
1. Incomplete removal of hyperfunctioning tissue (problem returns).
2. Loss of function of the parathyroid glands located at the end of the
thyroid gland resulting in problems of blood calcium regulation.
3. Laryngeal nerve paralysis - the nerve that controls the larynx, or
voice box, is closely associated with the thyroid gland.
4. Hypothyroidism - If both glands are removed (one on each side of the windpipe), thyroid supplementation will be necessary. Usually
once daily for the remainder of the cat's life.
Note: Other concurrent conditions may require therapy.
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