Dr. Ward is available for consultations for referring doctors and patients with questions. Call us, toll free, at 1-877-RADCATS.

• Radioactive Iodine Therapy is the optimal treatment for hyperthyroidism in cats. It is the safest and most effective treatment currently available. A single dose of 131I results in a rapid return to normal thyroid function in most cats.
• Surgical Treatment is limited to the removal of tumor tissue in the neck region and carries several risks. In addition to the anesthetic risk for older cats and the stress of surgery, there can be post-operative complications affecting surrounding structures. For example, damage to or removal of the parathyroid glands can cause hypocalcemia resulting in tetanic seizures. Damage to regional nerves can also occur resulting in paralysis of the vocal cords. The estimated cost for surgery is between $800 and $1,200. In cases where one affected gland is removed, 70% of the cats develop tumors in the other gland or at other sites in the body.
• Medical Management does not cure the disease. To properly regulate hormone levels, anti-thyroid drugs such as Tapazole must be given twice daily for the rest of the cat's life. If medication is stopped, hyperthyroid symptoms return. Undesirable side effects such as vomiting, itching, hair loss, and serious blood disorders occur in a large percentage of cats. In many cats, drugs eventually become ineffective in controlling hormone levels. For this reason, monitoring of thyroid levels and blood counts must be done on a quarterly bases. The estimated cost for medical therapy and monitoring can run up to $800 per year.