Hyperthyroidism + I-131 Treatment
Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic & Cat Specialty Center now offers on-site radioactive iodine (I-131) therapy, the most effective and preferred treatment for feline hyperthyroidism.
What Is Feline Hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism is the most common endocrine disease in older cats. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (T4), which can cause:
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
If left untreated, hyperthyroidism can damage the heart, kidneys, and overall quality of life.
Radioactive Iodine (I-131) is widely considered the long-term treatment of choice for cats with hyperthyroidism. This non-invasive procedure offers a potential permanent cure, eliminating the need for daily medication and routine bloodwork.
How It Works
The treatment involves a single injection of radioactive iodine. Overactive thyroid tissue absorbs the iodine, and the radiation destroys the abnormal cells—while leaving normal thyroid tissue unaffected. Most cats return to a normal thyroid state within 2–4 months following treatment.
Why Choose I-131 Treatment
Advantages
>95% cure rate in most cases
No surgery and no long-term medications required
Most successful treatment for thyroid carcinoma
Rare serious side effects
Preferred standard of care in human medicine
Considerations
Higher upfront cost
Requires a licensed facility and trained professionals
2–4-day hospital stay required
Small risk (<5%) of developing hypothyroidism, usually manageable
Post-treatment radiation safety guidelines must be followed at home for a short time
Eligibility for I-131
Before your cat can be approved for I-131, a methimazole trial is required. This ensures your cat’s kidney function remains stable while thyroid hormones are medically controlled.
Required Labs:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Comprehensive Biochemistry Profile with Electrolytes
- Total T4
- Urinalysis
These labs must be completed within four weeks prior to I-131 treatment. Cats must be otherwise stable and not have uncontrolled medical conditions.
A Unique I-131 Treatment Experience
Faithful Friends Veterinary Clinic is one of the few veterinary facilities in Columbus equipped and licensed to perform this advanced therapy.
If your cat is stable and meets the criteria for I-131 treatment, we will schedule their stay in our dedicated radioactive iodine suite, Club I-131, located in our Cat Specialty Center. There, your cat will receive a single injection of radioactive iodine and then stay in our care for 2-4 days while their radiation levels decrease.
The Club I-131 Experience:
- Gold Level Cat Friendly® and AAHA Certified Practice
- Designed for comfort, safety, and enrichment
- Spacious double kennels with shelves, sleeping, and toileting areas
- 24/7 live camera access so you can check on your cat anytime
- Cat-approved entertainment: bird watching or fish tank movies
- Medications administered safely by our feline-certified veterinary technician specialist
This stay is more than just a treatment. It’s a retreat designed with your cat’s comfort in mind.
Become a RADcat
Cats who complete I-131 therapy at Faithful Friends will be inducted into our “RADcat” club.
Becoming a “RADcat” is a badge of honor that reflects their journey through the most advanced treatment available for hyperthyroidism. They become an exclusive life-long member of the RADcat club which means status, fame and most importantly, SWAG!
This stay is more than just a treatment. It’s a retreat designed with your cat’s comfort in mind.
Aftercare: What to Expect When Your Cat Comes Home
Although radiation levels are low at discharge, we follow strict guidelines to protect you and your family:
For 3 Weeks After Treatment:
- No contact with infants, pregnant women, or nursing mothers
- Limit snuggling and sleeping near your cat
- Children should remain 6+ feet away
- Wash hands after contact with your cat or cleaning the litter box
Litter Box Protocol:
- Wear rubber gloves for 30 days when handling waste
- All waste must go into a designated “hot trash” bag
- Do not dispose of this bag until 90 days post-treatment
- Keep stored waste in a garage, basement, or outdoor location
- Gloves and soiled items also go into this designated bag
- Do not discard early – waste facilities may detect radiation, which can lead to investigation and fines
Trusted Care from an Experienced Board-Certified Feline Specialist
All I-131 treatments are overseen by Dr. Ashlie Saffire, DABVP (Feline), an experienced, board-certified feline specialist in Ohio. With expertise in feline-specific medicine, advanced diagnostics, and fear-free handling, Dr. Saffire leads our Cat Specialty Center with compassion and credibility.
Ready to Learn More?
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, contact our team to schedule an eligibility consultation or learn more about the I-131 process.
