Journal article

Publication year: 2002

Pages: 245-251

Journal: Nuclear Medicine

Volume number: 41

Issue number: 6

ISSN: 0029-5566

Publisher: Schattauer

Abstract: 
Aim: Establishment of radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism in veterinary routine in accordance with German radiation protection regulations. Patients and methods: 35 cats with proven hyperthyroidism were treated with I-131 in a special ward. Thyroid uptake and effective halflife were determined using gammacamera dosimetry. Patients were released when measured whole body activity was below the limit defined in the German "Strahlenschutzverordnung". Results: 17/20 cats treated with 150 MBq radioiodine and 15/15 cats treated with 250 MBq had normal thyroid function after therapy, normal values for FT3 and FT4 were reached after two and normal TSH levels after three weeks. In 14 cats normal thyroid function was confirmed by controls 3-6 months later. Thyroidal iodine uptake was 24 +/- 10%, effective half life 2.5 +/- 0.7 days. Whole body activity <1 MBq was reached 13 4 days after application of I-131. Radiation exposure of cat owners was estimated as 1.97 muSv/MBq for adults. Conclusion: Radioiodine therapy of feline hyperthyroidism is highly effective and safe. It can easily be performed in accordance with German radiation protection regulations, although this requires hospitalisation for approximately two weeks. Practical considerations on radiation exposure of cat owners do not justify this long interval. Regulations for the veterinary use of radioactive substances similar to existing regulations for medical use in humans are higly desirable.

Harvard Citation style: Puille, M., Knietsch, M., Spillmann, T., Grünbaum, E. and Bauer, R. (2002) Radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism in Germany, Nuclear Medicine, 41(6), pp. 245-251

APA Citation style: Puille, M., Knietsch, M., Spillmann, T., Grünbaum, E., & Bauer, R. (2002). Radioiodine treatment of feline hyperthyroidism in Germany. Nuclear Medicine. 41(6), 245-251.