My cat's health issues

[Koronin]

Talked with my vet about going with the radiation iodine (my grandmother is going to help us with the costs). My vet wants Tiger brought in tomorrow to get a urine sample and she said as long as that comes back good that she'll get me in touch with the clinic she'll be referring us to to get this treatment done.

[makbike]

Koronin, I have two cats which have had the radioactive iodine treatment for their hyperthyroidism. The clinic administering the treatment should require a complete blood panel, a urinalysis and possible x-rays before they approve the treatment. Once cleared for the treatment the clinic administering the radioactive iodine should, as part of the price for the treatment, complete a full body ultrasound. If the ultrasound does not reveal any issues they should administer the iodine. Once your cat comes home you will also have some special instructions to follow for a week or so given your cat will still be shedding radioactive particles. After the treatment you should be required to return to your vet for additional lab work (typically a month and three months post treatment). Kidney function needs to be closely monitored as hyperthyroidism actually does the kidneys a favor and once corrected can reveal kidney issues post treatment. Be sure to follow their directions to the letter regarding post lab work. Best of luck and keep us posted.

[Koronin]

Thanks. My vet had the lab she sends stuff to do a full blood panel on Monday and is going to do the urinalysis tomorrow. (Don't know if the place doing the treatment will need to redo these two things as she will be sending the paperwork to them). I'll ask about the X-rays and ultrasound. My vet did say that she knew they would be sending her home with specific instructions and a specific type of litter she'll have to use. One thing I will have the ask the adminstering vet is if I need to make sure to keep her separated from our other cats? I'm thinking that would probably be a good idea anyway? I'll make sure to keep up with making sure she gets follow up blood panels done.

Thank you. I appreciate everyone who's dealt with this issue letting me know what to ask and what to look for/expect with things.

[indysteel]

You do not need to keep your other pets separated, but you do need to limit the contact you and your family have with her for a week or two. You can pet her, but you shouldn't let her sit on your lap. You'll get really specific instructions with respect to that. Your other pets aren't at risk because, given their life span, the amount of radiation they're exposed to isn't as big of an issue.

[Koronin]

Blueberry, it's a vet clinic in Wilmington that she works with that she is planning on sending me to. She told me, but I don't remember the name of it. I'll let you know when I find out the name again. I'm sure I'll be talking to you more as we get closer to getting this done and afterwards. It's nice to know there is someone close by (sort of) that I can rely on a bit as having been through this. Thank you.

Indysteel, that makes sense, plus with their ages it really wouldn't be an issue. Tiger is 13-14, Ariel is around 10-11 and Arwen is around 8 yrs old. I guess this is going to be one of those times it's a good thing my husband and I don't have kids. It's just the two of us and our three cats.

[Koronin]

Update:
Tiger is at the vet right now for the radiation iodine treatment. Uranalysis done, ultra sound done today before admitting her. Kidneys look good. Her liver has some damage, which we figured. The vet told us there is a medication that can help to repair the damage to the liver which she is going to be putting Tiger on, and she is changing the antibiotic she is on for her bladder infection to what she considers a better medication (I do not remember what it is), but it also won't interact with the medication with for the liver. She said Tiger is a really good candidate for this as well as for the liver treatment. So overall we have some very hopeful news. They gave us a bag of the special litter to bring home. I'll be picking her up on Monday.

[PamNY]

That all sounds great. We'll send you good energy and healing thoughts and hope all continues to go well.

[Blueberry]

Talked with my vet about going with the radiation iodine (my grandmother is going to help us with the costs). My vet wants Tiger brought in tomorrow to get a urine sample and she said as long as that comes back good that she'll get me in touch with the clinic she'll be referring us to to get this treatment done.

PM me if you want - I'm close to your area and have some experience (I had a kitty go through it as did my mom at 2 different clinics). The vet hospital at NC State is really great - if your vet will work with them.