Mid-South Regional Feline Hyperthyroidism Radio-Iodine Center
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Frequently Asked Questions:
“How Much Does it Cost?” New price & New Payment options [01-01-08] The full $685 fee may be paid on the day the cat is admitted to our Clinic (cash, debit card, credit card, or check). Or, pay $255 on admission, then two monthly payments of $255 each (via post-dated checks). This fee includes the I-131 treatment plus hospitalization in our Radiation Safety Thyroid Treatment Ward. (Typically 6-8 days). This fee does not include any laboratory tests nor any other medications nor any other treatments [However, in most cases your local veterinarian will have completed all recommended pre-treatment testing]. We do not have any hidden add-on fees. However, as the vast majority of clients routinely elect to do their own 14 day home quarantine (after release from our hospital...please see "Thyroid Ward Release Instructions"), the above noted $685 fee does not include the rare case where a client requests that we conduct the "14 day home quarantine" at our facility. As, by regulation, such cats would be hospitalized only in our radiation safety ward; and, as they would thus displace an incoming new hyperthyroid patient, the fee for conducting the "14 day home quarantine" at our facility is $55 per day; and is by advance appointment only. (Yes, we prefer that the "home quarantine" actually be done at your home. Our goal is to release your feline friend from our thyroid ward as soon as radiation safety regulations allow). Due to complex issues with the decay rate of the I-131, plus the requirements of the nuclear pharmacy that dispenses the radio-iodine, any appointments that are cancelled within 72 hours of the scheduled date will incur a $245 fee (this fee also applies even if the client reschedules at a later date; in which case then the client will be paying both the $245 fee plus the regular $685 fee).
“Is My Cat Too Old for this Procedure?” “Excellent question! Almost all Feline Hyperthyroid patients are senior citizens. Unless they have other concurrent illnesses, they are excellent candidates for the Radio-Iodine treatment. Statistically, Feline radio-iodine patients average two years of good quality life post-treatment."
“Won’t my Cat Miss being at Home?” “Yes, your cat will miss you and its familiar surroundings; however, as we pamper the thyroid patients with special care, they tend to settle in well within 24 hours…especially with the daily buffet. The real lonely person will be yourself, but we promise to return “Fluffy” to you as soon as possible, usually within 7 days.” At the time of release from our Clinic, the cat’s owner will be given detailed instructions regarding radiation safety for the following two weeks. (a copy of that info sheet is enclosed). Practically speaking, it primarily involves special handling of the litter box for two weeks. After that the cat is just as safe as normal!. [Please note: these Thyroid Ward Release Instructions contain some detailed radiation safety requirements which are mandated by State regulatory authorities. These radiation safety requirements should be treated as absolute. Their purpose is human safety. I can promise you that as far as the cat is concerned, I-131 treatment is safe, gentle, & benign]. Also, it bears repeating: In spite of all the information on radiation safety, I-131 treatment is indeed safe & gentle for the Feline patient! Treated cats do not experience radiation sickness of any kind!
“Which is the Best Treatment for Feline Hyperthyroidism?” Please click here for a comparison of treatments
“Tell Me about your Doctor” Click here to Meet Dr. Stan Carlin
“Can I Fly my Cat to your Clinic?” Click here for instructions on how to fly to the clinic
Click here for instructions on how to drive to the clinic
That is all for now folks… if you have any particular questions, please email me: Stan Carlin, DVM |