Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
One risk of surgery is that the parathyroid glands, which are locat-
ed close to the thyroid glands, can be accidentally removed at the same
time.The parathyroid glands are responsible for calcium balance in the
body. Other risks of surgery are that a cat's thyroid level can become
too low if both glands are removed, and if overactive thyroid tissue is
located outside the gland itself, it will remain in the body and contin-
ue to cause problems.
If an owner does not want to medicate his cat, surgery is a reason-
able option.There is not a long recovery period, but hormone and cal-
cium levels should be checked postoperatively, and supplementation
may be needed for the cat's lifetime.
Nuke Them Out
Radioisotope therapy involves treating the cat with radioactive iodine.
The thyroid gland naturally takes up iodine from the blood and con-
centrates it, so the radioactive iodine gets to its target tissue easily. The
radioactive isotope destroys the abnormal tissue.
Radioisotope therapy is considered superior to surgical removal and
medical treatment because:
•
It's a one-time treatment
•
The overactive tissue is selectively destroyed, rather than
removing the entire gland
•
There is no risk of anesthesia
•
The parathyroid glands are untouched
The disadvantages are:
•
Significant expense
•
Hospitalization for approximately 3 to 14 days (depending on
local environmental regulations) while the radiation is elimi-
nated from the cat's body
•
Some cats develop kidney disease when their thyroid level
drops too low too quickly
Radioactive iodine treatment is only available at special veterinary
hospitals with the proper facilities. Depending on where you live, this
mode of treatment may not be easily available. If you have a hyperthy-
roid cat, discuss all of the options with your veterinarian.
