Radioiodine treatment
at The Cardiff Cat Clinic
The Cardiff Cat Clinic is the first centre in Wales able to offer radioiodine treatment.
Hyperthyroidism refers to the increased production of thyroid hormone by one or both lobes of the thyroid gland which is situated in the neck. It is a very common disorder of older cats.
Common symptoms include increased appetite and thirst, weight loss, an increase in heart and breathing rates and general loss of coat condition. Some hyperthyroid cats become restless and vocalise excessively.
The disease is most commonly caused by a benign tumour in one or both of the thyroid lobes. In most cases an enlarged gland can be felt in the neck.
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed by a simple blood test.
Four common treatments are available:
Medication
in the form of a tablet, liquid or transdermal gel. The medication is lifelong and regular blood tests are required to monitor therapeutic dosage. In some cases, side-effects occur which preclude the drug use.
Surgery
which may not always be successful, and with the older cat there may be greater risk of anaesthetic complications. The parathyroid glands may inadvertently be damaged during surgery, causing problems with calcium regulation. Common practice is to remove one gland at a time, often necessitating a second operation. Thyroid tumours may occur in the chest which are not amenable to a surgical approach.
A low-iodine diet
which has to be fed exclusively for the remainder of the cat’s life. Even the slightest deviation from the diet, which your cat may not find palatable, negates the effectiveness. In addition to this, the cat must be indoor only.
A single injection of Radioactive Iodine
which is successful in approximately 95%+ of cases and is a safe, effective and permanent treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism. Radioiodine treatment is considered to be the gold standard of feline hyperthyroidism.
The Cat Clinic provides bespoke accommodation in a cat-friendly environment. We recognise that some clients may have to travel long distances to the Clinic and we are able to carry out the pre-treatment assessments ourselves to enable us to admit the cat and avoid repeat journeys.
Great care has gone into the design of the unit to enrich the environment.
A purpose-built, spacious unit with large cabins.
Virtual aquarium for visual stimulation
24 hour surveillance camera to allow safe monitoring.
Feline pheromones perfusing the air.
A large window permitting natural light and views of the outside greenery.
