Advantages of Radio-iodine

When is radio-iodine appropriate?

According to published studies, radio-iodine is the treatment of choice in most cases as it gives the best long-term prognosis. Life expectancy is double following radio-iodine treatment when compared with methimazole. The prevalence of thyroid carcinoma can increase from <2% to approximately 20% following prolonged methimazole use. Patients non-azotemic at the time of diagnosis do not usually require trial medication and can be referred for radio-iodine treatment without delay.

Radio-iodine treatment is particularly helpful for:

• cases with an early diagnosis. These have most to gain from radio-iodine treatment as an early cure prevents the underlying tumour progressing to malignancy and avoids the chronic secondary effects of hyperthyroidism
• patients intolerant of medical management (whether as adverse effects or difficulty of medicating)
• patients that are non-compliant with iodine-restricted diets
• patients where anaesthetic risk is unacceptable, or where surgery is inappropriate (eg intra-thoracic thyroid tissue).

Radio-iodine treatment is generally not suitable for:

• cases with concurrent disease when daily medication (requiring prolonged staff time in close proximity) is essential
• cases of advanced renal insufficiency when medical management is usually preferable.

Radio-iodine is curative in approximately 99% of cases we have dealt with, with less than 1% requiring 2 treatments to respond fully. Most cases respond within 1 week of treatment, although it can take up to 6 months for the full benefit of the treatment to be realised. Recurrence of hyperthyroidism following successful treatment may affect approximately 2% of cases with a mean interval of 3 years.

Iatrogenic hypothyroidism can occur and supplementation is appropriate in approximately 2% of cases, including those with concurrent azotemia or clinical hypothyroidism.

Does your client have to travel to the Centre for all the blood tests?

Our aim is for your client to have to travel to us for only two appointments, admission to and discharge from the Centre. If you would prefer all the pre- and post-referral tests to be undertaken by us then additional appointments will be required.

Why refer to the Hyperthyroid Cat Centre?

• Andrew Bodey has been providing this treatment since 2008 and has managed in excess of 3500 cases.
• Our premises are purpose-designed by us, making use of our experience, providing comfortable spacious cattery-style accommodation complete with natural daylight.
• The Hyperthyroid Cat Centre is the first in the UK authorised to allow cats home from 4 days after treatment.
• Our Centre is 100% dog free.
• Approximately 99% success rate for a permanent cure.
• There is ample free parking at the Centre which is easily accessed just off the A1M at Wetherby.