Should your cat be at risk, you will be required to medicate him 1-3 times each day and carefully monitor his health. We should also see your cat every three to four months to recheck blood tests and ensure the dose of required medication has not changed. Surgery is another option for treatment. Our veterinarians are able to surgically remove the affected lobe of the thyroid gland with few possible complications. Surgery generally prevents the need for daily medication.
Recovery is usually very quick and quite comfortable.
However, we will monitor the blood calcium levels closely for the first few days after the surgery. Radioisotope Therapy is probably the safest form of therapy, but it is the least available. There are many state and federal regulations governing the handling of radioactive materials. Radioisotope therapy is, therefore, very costly and has not found widespread use. Cats given this therapy are required to be separate from their owners for 2-4 weeks and are not permitted visitors while hospitalized.