|
|
|
We've Moved!
Our new location is:
2339 Jolly Rd, Okemos, MI 48864
|
|
|
(517)347-2287
riversidecathospital.com
|
For Our Veterinary Colleagues We are pleased to be able to offer you a referral alternative for your hyperthyroid patients. We look forward to working closely with you to treat your patients with care and compassion. Please review the following information and reach out to us with any questions!
Advantages of Radioiodine Treatment Thank you for considering radioiodine treatment (I131) for your hyperthyroid patients! I131 is the gold-standard for treatment of hyperthyroidism in people as well as in cats. I131 provides many benefits over traditional treatment with methimazole, surgery, or diet. Hyperthyroid cats treated with I131 are cured of their hyperthyroidism. The small dose of I131 concentrates in and destroys the thyroid nodule or tumor, thereby providing a permanent cure in 99% of treated cats. Treatment with methimazole or iodine deficient diet can manage the disease, but thyroid tumors will grow over time, often requiring larger doses of medication, or even becoming malignant with time. Treatment with I131 is well tolerated by patients. Treatment does not require anesthesia, and I131 does not cause concerns about parathyroid damage and potentially serious calcium imbalances in the peri-operative period as surgery does. Cats can be successfully treated with I131, leading to a cure of their hyperthyroidism, and eliminating the need for daily or twice daily administration of methimazole for the life of the patient. This can help to prevent deterioration of the bond between the pet owner and his or her cat.
Patient selection and preparation Any hyperthyroid cat can be theoretically considered for I131 treatment. However, the best candidates are cats who are medically stable and free of other complicating medical conditions. Cats affected by chronic kidney disease may be considered for treatment, but sometimes a lower dose may be used. Ideal patients should not be physically debilitated from their hyperthyroidism. If necessary, methimazole can be used for a time prior to I131treatment to stabilize the patient, allowing for weight gain and improvement in cardiac and renal function. Radioiodine is ideal for patients who are younger at the time of diagnosis, as well as those patients who are difficult to medicate, or who have had an adverse reaction to methimazole.
The Referral Process Veterinarians interested in referring a patient for treatment should contact us with the details of the patient’s case. Email is best, and should include patient signalment and pertinent history, as well as a copy of the recent medical record and any relevant bloodwork results. Once our veterinarians have reviewed the patient information, we will contact you to discuss the case in more detail. This includes answering any questions you may have or discussing any patient factors that you feel are pertinent or may complicate the treatment. Patients referred for treatment must have a full chemistry panel, CBC, urinalysis, T4, and blood pressure performed within 1 month prior to referral. In addition, minimum two view thoracic radiographs are needed to screen for metastasis. Patients taking methimazole or being managed with an iodine deficient diet like Hill’s y/d, should be taken off treatment or diet at least 7 days prior to their appointment. Following treatment, patients are returned to the primary care veterinarian for follow up. However, we would request that you send us a copy of any bloodwork and physical exam notes so we can stay informed about treatment outcomes. We are also available to consult following treatment if you have questions about a patient’s response.
Cost of Treatment The cost of radioiodine treatment is $1950, and includes the following:
If recent bloodwork is not available, necessary tests can be performed at the time of intake for an additional charge. In those cases, treatment may be delayed until test results are available. If a patient’s medical condition warrants, additional diagnostic tests (ie. X-rays or additional bloodwork), treatments, or medications may be recommended to the client, and these costs are not included.
After treatment A physical exam and bloodwork are recommended with the primary care veterinarian at 1 month and 3 months post-treatment. We would appreciate receiving copies of these lab results so we can verify the effectiveness of treatment and consult with the primary care veterinarian about any post-treatment concerns or questions. The large majority of treated cats will become euthyroid by about 3 months after treatment, though some cats may require more time. A very small percentage of cats can become hypothyroid and require thyroid supplementation. Similarly, treated cats may rarely require a second treatment to achieve euthyroid status.
Why refer to Riverside Cat Hospital? We realize that you have options for where to refer your clients for their cat’s treatment. At Riverside Cat Hospital, we are 100% dedicated to providing high quality care for CATS ONLY, in a lower stress environment. Our veterinarians and staff are trained in feline friendly handling techniques and focused on your patients’ successful treatment. We pledge to communicate and work with referring veterinarians closely prior to, during, and after treatment. We also pledge to recommend and provide only treatment that the patient is referred for, and will communicate with referring veterinarians if other medical concerns are discovered that require diagnostics or treatment. We want to partner WITH YOU to ensure the successful treatment of your patients. We are excited to work with you!
For more information, or to refer a case, please call us at 517-347-2287, or email Dr. Kerry Lewis at drlewis@riversidecathospital.com or Dr. Nachamari Rivera Rios at drrivera@riversidecathospital.com referring vet intro letter.docx 102 KB |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Processing ....
