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FELINE HYPERTHYROID TREATMENT PROGRAM

ADMISSION INFORMATION:

  1. You or your referring veterinarian may request an admission appointment.
  2. Anti-thyroid drugs (Tapazole, Methimazole, etc.) Should be discontinued 1-2 weeks prior to admission. Most other medications are allowable but should be discussed prior to the admission process.
  3. Food containing fish products should be discontinued 2 weeks prior to admission. Fish products have been found to prohibit the uptake of radioactive iodine.
  4. You are welcomed and encouraged to bring your cat's favorite foods and/or treats. We provide an ample, tasty feline menu as well.
  5. Cat toys may be kept with your cat but they cannot be returned.
  6. Unfortunately, the State of Maine, in accordance with the strict regulatory guidelines of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission cannot permit client visitation while cats are in the radiotherapy unit.
  7. Once admitted and treated with I-131, your cat cannot be released to you until his or her radioactivity levels drop to a specific range. In the extremely unlikely event that a patient dies from another illness while being housed in the I-131 unit, the remains must be held by us until radioactivity diminishes (eighty days).

COST OF THE PROGRAM.

Radioiodine therapy is considered the optimal treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism. It has an extremely high success rate and safety record and we are pleased to offer this state-of-the-art treatment.

The costs of therapy reflect costs associated with providing these services:

  1. Pre-admission consultation with a veterinary medical specialist
  2. Cost and administration of the radioactive iodine
  3. Hospitalization and patient care in the radiotherapy unit
  4. Litter, food, and patient monitoring with radiation monitoring equipment according to stringent state nuclear medicine regulatory guidelines
  5. Time and expertise of the staff
  6. Costs associated with nuclear regulatory licensing and adherence to strict safety guidelines for hospital personnel
  7. Radioactive waste-removal

The total cost for consultation and I-131 treatment alone is $1200.00. Pre-admission diagnostic tests that are deemed necessary or recommended are associated with separate fees.  These diagnostics may be completed at your primary care veterinary office or at PVS and include such tests as echocardiogram, radiographs, blood work, urinalysis and blood pressure. There will be an extra fee for cats that require more than 5 mCi of radioactive iodine for treatment.  

Charges for the initial pre-admission consultation and any tests completed are due at the time of the consultation appointment, and the remainder of the balance is due at the time of admission for treatment.

Post treatment progress examination and blood work is recommended four to six weeks after therapy. This examination and blood work may be completed at your primary veterinary office or at PVS.  

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Read about Hyperthyroidism in cats in our library.

Portland Veterinary Specialists
Tel: (207) 780-0271
2255 Congress Street, Portland, Maine 04102

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