Journal article

Publication year: 2005

Pages: 291-295

Journal: Tierärztliche Praxis, Ausgabe K: Kleintiere, Heimtiere

Volume number: 33

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 1434-1239

eISSN: 2567-5842

Publisher: Thieme Publishing

Abstract: 
Objective: Estimation of radiation exposure of persons in close contact to cats treated with radioiodine. Patients and methods: 72 cats with hyperthyroidism were treated with 131 -iodine in a special ward. Thyroid uptake and effective halflife were determined using gammacamera dosimetry. Average activity of 131 -iodine in cats and litter was calculated. Based on these data, the possible internal and external radiation exposure of contact persons was estimated. Results: If no incorporation of excreted activity occurs, radiation exposure is below the dose limit of 1 mSv the day after 131-iodine application. Incorporation increases radiation exposure, but even in a worst-case scenario incorporation of more than a fraction of one percent of the activity applied is unlikely. Therefore, radiation exposure of contact persons keeps well below 1 mSv five days after 131 -iodine application even if incorporation of excreted activity is considered. Conclusion and clinical relevance: Radioiodine therapy of feline hyperthyroidism is a highly effective and safe treatment option and can easily be performed in accordance with German radiation protection regulations. Hospitalisation may be limited to less than one week according to the German "Richtlinie Strahlenschutz in der Veterinarmedizin" and practical considerations on radiation exposure. Individual determination of activity limits for patient discharge should take incorporation risks due to circumstances of animal husbandry and domestic conditions into consideration, and prolong patient stay if individual reasons for increased incorporation risks may exist.

Harvard Citation style: Puille, M., Puille, N., Neiger, R. and Bauer, R. (2005) Radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism: radiation safety of contact persons, Tierärztliche Praxis, Ausgabe K: Kleintiere, Heimtiere, 33(4), pp. 291-295

APA Citation style: Puille, M., Puille, N., Neiger, R., & Bauer, R. (2005). Radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism: radiation safety of contact persons. Tierärztliche Praxis, Ausgabe K: Kleintiere, Heimtiere. 33(4), 291-295.