Lifesaving Treatment For Salem

I adopted Salem from Goldies Oldies Cat Rescue on 1st May 2016. Already diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, he was taking medication, a simple tablet, daily.

Salem's 6 month routine blood test in January 2017 indicated that his thyroid levels were dangerously high at 120, safe levels are between 0-60. The meds were increased from 10mg to 15mg. The levels dropped to 99, still not in the 'safe zone' so meds were upped to 20mg. The next test showed that the thyroid levels had gone back up to 120. We upped the medication to 25mg daily and started looking at other options. 

Blood tests, vet appointments and further tablets were required each time, costing over £1,000 in just a few short months.  


There is another option, which in 95% of cases can cure hyperthyroidism completely. This treatment is Radioactive Iodine Therapy. During treatment, radioactive iodine is administered as an injection and is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. The iodine is taken up by the thyroid gland but not by other body tissues. The quantity of radiation destroys the abnormal thyroid tissue but does not damage the surrounding tissues or the parathyroid glands. The majority of cats have normal hormone levels within one to two weeks of treatment.

The advantages of radioactive-iodine therapy are that the procedure is curative, has no serious side effects, and does not require anesthesia. It does, however, involve the handling and injection of a radioactive substance that is only permitted at facilities specially licensed to use radioisotopes. The radioactivity carries no significant risk for Salem, but precautionary protective measures are required for people who come into close contact with him.

Salem will need to remain hospitalized until the radiation level has fallen to within acceptable limits. For the few cats where hyperthyroidism persists, the treatment can be repeated and if thyroid levels drop too low, this is usually only temporary and can be supplemented. 


Salem has been referred by our vet to Rowe veterinary hospital for radioactive-iodine therapy and has been booked in for 26th April 2017. A one off injection on 28th April and a 2 week stay in hospital until 12th May is needed to treat the condition. The benefits will include:-
* No more daily medications
* No more routine bloods to check thyroid levels
* No need for surgery
* Less chance of hyperthyroidism putting a strain on his heart and organs which can lead to other health complications

Salem will be hospitalised in the treatment unit whilst undergoing radiotherapy, which includes:-
* Air conditioned / temperature controlled facilities
* Television for visual stimulation
* Audio tracks specially geared towards a cat's unique hearing range
* Radio
* 24 hr surveillance camera to enable safe monitoring


The current cost of treatment is £1425.00 inc VAT. This cost is essentially a ‘package deal’ covering pre-treatment investigations, the treatment itself and hospitalisation for 2 weeks. This does not include the cost of treatment for any concurrent medical problems or any unexpected diagnostic tests.

Salem will need to be kept 'in quarantine' in the spare room for an additional 2 weeks once he is allowed to come home. I can go in for food, water and litter box checks (and of course for cuddles!) for 10 minutes a day at close range. Further blood tests will be required at 4 weeks and 10 weeks after treatment to monitor thyroid levels, this will be carried out by our usual vet team.


None of the above can be covered under insurance due to Salem's hyperthyroidism being a pre-existing condition. 

If you would like to help towards covering the cost of Salems treatment, we would both be incredibly grateful. Any extra we can save will be put towards the consequent vet bills.

Radioactive-Iodine Therapy is the best chance Salem has for a long, healthy life.

Thank you in advance,
Kirsten & Salem
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