Prayers for Belle - to receive Radioactive Iodine treatment

[Susan and the girls]

Hey all,
Please keep my 12 year 10 month old cat, Belle, in your prayers today. She'll be receiving her I 131 treatment today at 11:00 am (est) to fix her hyperthyroidism. She had a good night at the vet clinic (she had to stay overnight) and the student assigned to her called me this morning to say that she was happy and very vocal with her. (Belle is usually a quiet cat, but I think she was glad to see a human being, poor thing all caged up like she was....)

The house seemed empty today without her at home, even though my other cats are plenty company. Just doesn't seem right to have her absent!

They're supposed to call me to let me know how it goes. They're going to give her some slight sedation for the procedure, and they've given her a beta-blocker to lower her heart rate in case some of the thyroid hormone escapes into the bloodstream during the process. I hope to have her home by next weekend. I'll probably trade her for my wallet when I pick her up! LOL She's worth it, for sure!

Thanks everyone!
Susan

[Traci]

They are most likely doing a "suppression" test to get several median ranges for her thyroid level in order to come to the most reliable level.

If she's had regular bloodwork all these years and no significant kidney problems, it doesn't necessarily mean she has kidney failure....one kidney, the smallest, may be impaired, but regular bloodwork with your regular vet should help the two of you determine for sure and to keep it monitored. Regular exams to check her kidney/liver function, calcium/phosphorus, hydration and blood pressure are ideal. And of course, should you have additional questions, don't be afraid to ask the radioiodine vets too.

I know how hard it is for you not having her home right now, but try to be positive and look at the bright side, radioiodine is successful in most of the cases. And when you get her home, I'm sure the clinic will inform you and give you instructions, but short of keeping Belle confined to your bedroom, you'll want to use gloves (kitchen or latex, they might even give you some if you ask - make sure you're not allergic to latex first), when you clean her litterbox, as the radioiodine is eliminated through urine too.

Belle remains in my thoughts and prayers for a smooth treatment, quick recovery, stress-free and home with you in no time!!

[Phoebe's human]

I hope Belle comes through the procedure just fine--and I've heard only positive things about the radioactive iodine treatments.

I've been looking into it in case my cat turns out to be hyperthyroid.

Some authorities say you'll need to dispose of the litter by dumping it in the toilet for 2 weeks. I have an impression that you weren't told that.

It would be highly impractical for me--probably not allowed by the building I live in....

From what Traci says, it sounds as if just wearing gloves when disposing of the litter would be good enough.

[Susan and the girls]

It looks like Belle might be able to come home as early as Tuesday! Yay!

Phoebe -- they did tell me I *could* dispose of litter in the toilet, since it's a level "safe enough" for the municipal system; however, we have a septic tank. Wouldn't want the back yard to glow in the dark.... LOL In that case, the dr. said I could just take the litter & put it in a container in the back yard for a couple of weeks while the radiation dissipates. They even said she's really going to be "safe" enough by the time she comes home, but since they really don't know what long term effect the exposure might have on ME (or the other cats or my kids), they want to take every precaution. The hard part for me will be to refrain from HUGGING her like crazy when I see her!!!

They've told me she's the "sweetest cat." They say that she greets them each time they go in to check on her, meowing & rubbing on the cage.... I said that she was probably saying, "PLEEEEZE get me out of here!" LOL She's eating fine & they say she's been a great patient.

I'm not letting myself be concerned about the kidney. We've kept a check on it, and she's on Hill's Science diet for senior cats and we'll change it to KD if we have to. I'm just so thankful there's a "cure" for the hyperthyroidism. In looking back at my pictures on the computer, she looked completely "normal" (i.e., chunky!) in an August 09 picture. That means her 4+ pound weight loss occurred VERY quickly.

Phoebe - I'll let you know the final cost when I pay the bill.... To me, it's worth it. Belle has been my best friend for many years and it's the least I can do for her! She's my sweetheart!

[momPaws]

So glad for the good news...bet she and you will be happy when she is home!