Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Our Wotton Under Edge Hospital is now one of only a handful of Veterinary Hospitals in the UK that is able to offer radioactive iodine for the treatment of hyperthyroidism in cats.

Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid glands) is a very common disorder of older cats. It is caused by an increase in production of thyroid hormones from the thyroid glands, which are situated in the neck. Common signs of hyperthyroidism include an increase in appetite with a decrease in bodyweight, some cats can become seriously ill with this condition.

A single radioactive iodine injection is successful in treating hyperthyroidism in approximately 95% of cats.

A one off injection and a 10 day stay in hospital could be all that your cat requires to treat the condition. The benefits of radiotherapy treatment include:

• No more struggling with daily medications!
• No more routine bloods to check thyroid levels
• No need for surgery

Although your cat has to be hospitalised in our approved treatment unit whilst undergoing radiotherapy, we do our best to ensure they have a comfortable stay by providing:

• Air conditioned / temperature controlled facilities
• Television for visual stimulation
• Audio tracks specially geared towards your cats unique hearing range
• Radio
• 24 hr surveillance camera to enable safe monitoring of your cat

The current cost of treatment is £2545.00 inc VAT. This cost is essentially a ‘package deal’ covering pre-treatment investigations, the treatment itself  and hospitalisation for 10 days, after which time your cat can be discharged if you can limit the time spent in direct contact with your cat for a further 18 days. Alternatively, your cat can be hospitalised for 28 days after treatment. If this option is chosen, the expected price for uncomplicated cases is £3045.00. This does not include the cost of treatment for any concurrent medical problems, any unexpected diagnostic tests or post-treatment blood tests.

If you would like to find out more about how our radiotherapy unit may be able to help your cat, please ring our dedicated referrals hotline on 01454 521000 and select option 2.

Are you a pet owner and have further questions? View our FAQ's!