Regional Feline Hyperthyroidism Radio-Iodine Center

COMPARISON OF TREATMENTS:

Treatment of Feline Hyperthyroidism (a comparison of methods):

A. Injection of Radio-Iodine (I-131):	B. Oral Anti-thyroid drugs (Tapazole):	C. Surgery thyroidectomy):
Single injection of non-toxic I-131	n/a	n/a
Destroys the thyroid tumor, regardless of location	Never destroys the tumor, merely inhibits the synthesis of T-4/T-3	Destroys tumor only as far as surgeon's ability to visualize it
Cures the disease 95% of the time.	Never cures the disease.	*50-80% develop a second tumor within eighteen months.*
Safe, Gentle, & non-toxic.	Side effects very common, potential long-term damage to liver, kidneys, & suppressed WBCs, suppressed platelets & aplastic anemia.	“Normal” risks of surgery in senior citizen patients. Severe consequences if parathyroid gland(s) are damaged/removed.
Does *not* damage parathyroid gland(s)	Does not damage parathyroid gland(s).	Very easy to damage or accidentally remove.#
Does *not* damage normal thyroid tissue.##	Does not damage normal thyroid tissue.	Very easy to damage or remove
Does *not* require anesthesia!	Does not require anesthesia.	Requires general anesthesia.

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#In fairness to surgeons, experienced thyroid surgeons rarely damage/remove the parathyroid(s).

##The incidence of post-treatment (I-131) clinical hypothyroidism is rare to uncommon (less than 2%).

NOTE: If your cat has stopped eating, it is not a good candidate for radio-iodine therapy.