Information for Referring Veterinarians

Thank you for your interest in I-131 treatment at Peak Veterinary Specialists. Our radio-iodine treatment facility is run by board certified internal medicine specialists. We are committed to providing the same quality of compassionate care your clients and patients have come to expect from you and your hospital.

The referral process is simple and straight-forward. We can send you a detailed information packet in the mail, including several copies of the Quick Checklist and the I-131 Referral Form for your use. We also include several client information brochures for your clients interested in I-131 therapy. We are happy to supply your practice with additional resources when needed, or you may download the Quick Checklist and I-131 Referral Form from this website. For each referral, please fax a completed Referral Form as well as all relevant records and lab results.

I-131 therapy information

• 95% of cats are CURED by a single SQ injection
• Recent studies show that cats treated with I-131 live up to 3 years longer than those treated with methimazole alone.
• Each patient's I-131 dose is calculated based on their pre-methimazole T4 value, thyroid nodule measurement, and severity of clinical signs.
• Short hospital stay - the Colorado State Department of Radiation Safety requires that patients be hospitalized for 4 days and until Geiger counter readings are less than 5 millirems/hour
• Treatment groups are offered every other Tuesday - please call for our next available treatment date
• We are able to treat your severely ill patients on an emergency basis for an additional cost

Pre-treatment requirements

• Thorough physical exam within 30 days prior to treatment
• For patients with abnormal cardiac or respiratory findings, thoracic radiographs (lateral and VD) and echocardiogram are recommended
• CBC and complete chemistry panel within 30 days prior to treatment
• Complete urinalysis, including specific gravity measured by refractometer
• Total T4 OFF methimazole therapy (must be from a reference lab)
• Please call for information regarding methimazole challenges in newly diagnosed hyperthyroid cats.
• Patients on methimazole therapy must discontinue medication 3 full days prior to admission for treatment (5 days if transdermal methimazole is used).
• Please advise us if your patients have used any iodine compounds or holistic medications, such as kelp, within the last 6 months (even betadine skin scrub)

Post-treatment diagnostics done at your practice

• Physical exam, total T4, complete blood chemistry panel, and urinalysis 30 days following treatment
• We recommend rechecking total T4 and urine specific gravity 60 days following treatment, as well as routine blood work every 6 months thereafter

Cost of treatment

• $1350 (includes consultation, blood pressure reading, I-131 therapy, and hospital stay)
• There may be an additional cost for patients requiring supportive care

Please feel free to call us with any questions and thank you for your referrals!