Nuclear medicine facility works magic on hyperthyroid cats

Little Falls, N.J.-

The Veterinary Referral Center here is successfully treating hyperthyroidism in cats, thanks to new radioiodine therapy capabilities.

Radioiodine therapy (I-131) has been shown to treat 96 percent of catswith hyperthyroidism after one injection. VRC says its Nuclear MedicineDepartment, based in Totowa, N.J., is the only local facility to offer thistype of care.

Hyperthyroidism, which affects older cats, is a disease in which thethyroid gland releases excess of thyroid hormone. It can accelerate thecat's metabolic rate and subsequently stress all organs of the body, especiallythe heart.

If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

For more information about the Nuclear Medicine Department, call (888)722-7200.