Here you will find the latest new and updates from the North Hobart Veterinary Hospital.
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IODINE 131 TREATMENT
AVAILABLE SOON AT NHVH
In an exciting development we have just had installed a custom built, lead lined cage system that will be used for housing cats after they have been treated with the thyroid destroying drug Iodine 131.
Iodine 131 is a radioactive material that is given by mouth, (as a capsule) to cats with who has been diagnosed as hyperthyroid. It is then absorbed into the thyroid gland and destroys the thyroid cells. The cat is then housed in the treatment room for about a week while it becomes less radioactive and “safe” to take home again. The treatment room has special cages that allow for the disposal of waste in a safe and hygienic manner.
Hyperthyroidism may be the single most commonly diagnosed endocrine disease in cats next to diabetes. It is generally a disease of cats with an average age around 9-10+ years. The disease is caused by a new growth of tumor-like cells that secrete thyroid hormones in excess to the normal hormones.
If left untreated, a hyperthyroid cat can exhibit many, (if not all) of the following signs: extreme weight loss despite a good appetite, muscle weakness, heart disease (increase in the size of the heart, increased rate, changes in heart rhythm, cardiac arrest), intolerance to stress, and eventually death
Currently hyperthyroid cats are treated with neomercazole tablets twice daily for life. The Iodine 131 treatment is once off (in 95% of cases), and means that no tablets have to be given after treatment - much to the relief of many cats and their owners!
We will be the only Tasmanian veterinary hospital offering this treatment.
If you are interested in finding out more about this ground breaking procedure, or if you think your cat may be showing signs of hyperthyroidism please contact us at NHVH to make an appointment to see your vet.
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SANTA PAWS
Thank you to everyone who came along to have their pet's photos taken with Santa Paws. We had 45 pets whisper their Christmas wishes to Santa. Donations will be made to the Hobart Dogs Home and the Hobart Cat Centre to help the residents of each facility have a happy Christmas!
We have uploaded a few of the photos below:
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