My cat was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, and his thyroid levels are currently normal thanks to methimazole. But methimazole, unfortunately, does not provide a permanent cure and could have side-effects, or it could one day stop being effective depending on the cat. This is why I am considering radioactive iodine therapy (I-131).
I know that radioactive iodine therapy is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism, since it provides a cure, however I have read posts from people whose cats died after I-131. These cats did have other problems such as those associated with the heart and kidneys, and thankfully my cat does not (blood test and EKG proved that he is fine in this area), but I am still heavily conflicted about this treatment due to my cat's extreme nervous nature in unfamiliar environments.
My cat cannot handle car rides and confined spaces -- being in the car even with his carrier door open for literally TWO minutes drives my cat crazy. He yowls to the point of panting. When he went to get his EKG, he yelled as if he were in a cat fight and got aggressive with the vet staff. He only calmed down slightly when the vet allowed me in the room to calm him down. The EKG was non-invasive and took less than 15 minutes. At home, he is very relaxed and loving.
Knowing the above information, would you still reccomend my cat undergo I-131 treatment? The treatment would require him to be confined in a small space in a hospital for 4-7 days without any visitation. The hospital is a 45 minute car ride away. I feel that all of the stress might put too much pressure on his heart and ruin his appetite. I'm just imagining him yowling for hours in his cage.
I know that radioactive iodine therapy is the best treatment for hyperthyroidism, since it provides a cure, however I have read posts from people whose cats died after I-131. These cats did have other problems such as those associated with the heart and kidneys, and thankfully my cat does not (blood test and EKG proved that he is fine in this area), but I am still heavily conflicted about this treatment due to my cat's extreme nervous nature in unfamiliar environments.
My cat cannot handle car rides and confined spaces -- being in the car even with his carrier door open for literally TWO minutes drives my cat crazy. He yowls to the point of panting. When he went to get his EKG, he yelled as if he were in a cat fight and got aggressive with the vet staff. He only calmed down slightly when the vet allowed me in the room to calm him down. The EKG was non-invasive and took less than 15 minutes. At home, he is very relaxed and loving.
Knowing the above information, would you still reccomend my cat undergo I-131 treatment? The treatment would require him to be confined in a small space in a hospital for 4-7 days without any visitation. The hospital is a 45 minute car ride away. I feel that all of the stress might put too much pressure on his heart and ruin his appetite. I'm just imagining him yowling for hours in his cage.
. I am not willing to take the risks associated with that. My poor boy has been high strung since he was a kitten (14-15 years ago). As a kitten, he was in a car full of other kittens on the way to get spayed and neutered, and he was the only one yowling non-stop in the car!
