Iodine Treatment for Cats at The Regional Veterinary Referral Center
We don’t use the word breakthrough lightly. But consider the following facts about Radioiodine treatment:
- It’s the only method that consistently eliminates thyroid tumors.
- It’s more cost-effective than drugs or surgery.
- There are no harmful side effects.
- There is no tissue or organ damage – including the parathyroid glands.
- There is no damage to healthy thyroid tissue.
- There is no anesthesia required.
- There is no daily pilling.
- It destroys thyroid tumors wherever they are located.
- It returns thyroid function to normal usually within one month.
Compare I-131 Treatment With Its Alternatives
| Parameters | I-131 | Surgery | Tapazole | Y/D |
| Cures Hyperthyroidism | ||||
| Destroys all the thyroid tumor | ||||
| Cost-effective | ||||
| No harmful side effects | ||||
| Requires anesthesia | ||||
| Possible post-operative complications | ||||
| After surgeries, may require I-131 | ||||
| Requires daily pilling | ||||
| Can have harmful side effects | ||||
| Can become ineffective over time | ||||
| Does not stop tumor growth | ||||
| Requires repeated blood work | ||||
| Unproven over time | ||||
| Cannot supplement diet with any treats or other foods | ||||
| Inappropriate for outdoor cats or multiple cat households |
I-131 Therapy Alternatives
As you can see from the information below, Radioiodine therapy is the clear treatment of choice and the only consistent cure for Feline Hyperthyroidism.
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Medical Therapies
Does not cure the disease or kill the thyroid tumors; in fact, the tumor can keep growing, making medical management less and less effective. Causes harmful side effects like nausea, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite and hair loss/facial scabbing. Causes loss of vital white blood cells and blood clotting abilities. Causes long-term damage to liver and kidneys. Damages owner-pet relationship by requiring pilling, 1-3 times daily. Increases the need for blood tests to monitor thyroid hormone levels and potential side effects. Costs $250-$700 per year, for the rest of your cat’s life.
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Surgical Therapy
Requires anesthesia. May damage parathyroid glands. Creates difficulty in identifying/removing the entire tumor. Leads to persistence of Hyperthyroidism post-surgery (80% of cases already have another tumor on the opposite side that will become clinically significant within 1.5 years). Costs $1500-$2000 for one surgery. Is often performed in two surgeries. Leaves thyroid tissue in the chest where the tumor can recur. Leaves many cats still needing I-131 therapy, even after undergoing one or more surgeries.
