This video explains how I-131 radioactive iodine therapy works for cats with hyperthyroidism. Dr Ebeneze walks you through what the condition is, why I-131 is considered the gold-standard treatment, what the process looks like from admission to discharge, and what to expect afterwards.
00:00 Introduction – hyperthyroidism in cats
00:15 What hyperthyroidism means
00:42 How I-131 works
01:05 Why I-131 is the gold-standard treatment
01:32 What happens on admission day
01:58 Isolation and monitoring period
02:25 Going home and after-care
02:52 Long-term outcomes
Hi, I’m Ebeneze from Takurua Vets, and today I’d like to talk to you about I-131 treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in older cats, where the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. This can lead to weight loss, increased appetite, vomiting, high blood pressure and changes in behaviour.
I-131, or radioactive iodine therapy, works by selectively destroying the abnormal thyroid tissue while leaving the rest of the body unaffected. It targets the problem at its source rather than simply controlling symptoms.
This is why I-131 is considered the gold-standard treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. In most cases it provides a permanent cure without the need for lifelong medication.
On the day of admission your cat will be examined, settled into their own ward, and given the I-131 injection. They then stay with us for a short isolation period while the radioactive iodine naturally leaves their body.
During this time we monitor them closely, make sure they’re comfortable, and keep you updated on how they’re doing.
When your cat goes home, we’ll provide clear instructions for care during the recovery period. Most cats return to normal routines very quickly.
Long-term, the outlook for cats treated with I-131 is excellent, with the majority achieving a complete cure and a much better quality of life.
Talk to us about I-131 treatment for your cat
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and you want to understand whether radioactive iodine treatment may be appropriate, our team is happy to help you talk through the next step.
Return to the main I-131 treatment page for the service overview.
Watch the clinic walkthrough showing where treatment takes place and how cats are cared for.
Understand the practical steps around admission, isolation, home precautions and follow-up.
Compare I-131 with medication, diet and other treatment choices.
Understand the blood, kidney and blood-pressure checks that support treatment decisions.
