The Feline Thyroid Treatment Center, Westfield, Massachusetts

HOW TO GET TO THE CENTER

From either EAST or WEST off the Mass Pike (1-90) Take Exit 3 towards Westfield/RT 10/Northampton/US 202. Turn Right after the tolls onto Southampton Road. Southampton road turns into North Elm Street. Drive 0.4 miles. At lights, turn right onto Notre Dame Street. Drive 0.5 miles. At the stop sign, turn right onto Montgomery Road. Drive 0.8 miles. VCA Montgomery Road Animal Hospital is on the right just past the Westfield High School.

CHECKING IN

When you arrive at the transaction counter, our courteous staff will greet you and ask you to fill in a short questionnaire about your cat’s current health. After the admission forms authorizing Dr. Williams to perform the diagnostics and therapy have been signed, Dr. Williams will hold a seminar at 9:00 AM to explain the therapy and go over any last minute questions. Arrival time is 8:45 AM.

EVALUATION

In the special procedures room, Dr. Williams will examine your cat thoroughly, recording his or her blood pressure and electrocardiogram. Radiographs will be taken if indicated, and an echocardiogram and abdominal ultrasound will be performed. These tests screen for underlying diseases that may be affected by the radioactive Iodine therapy.

FELINE LIVING

When the tests are completed, your cat will be admitted to the new iodine therapy ward and given a comfortable condo with fleece bed and fresh food and water.

THERAPY INJECTIONS

The dose of radiation your cat receives is specifically calculated for his/her case and is delivered within a few hours in a unit dose syringe. The actual injection is quick and painless. Your cat will experience no side effects following the injection.

DISCHARGE

Most cats are allowed to go home on the third day of their stay. At this time, their radiation emissions are under a level specified by the public health department. At this time the remaining iodine administered will be in the thyroid glands and will be excreted for two weeks from your cat’s body, mostly through the urine. On discharge, you will also receive detailed printed home care instructions from Dr, Williams. Discharge times are at your convenience usually on the third day.

HOUSING AND HANDLING - FOR 2 WEEKS AFTER THERAPY

1. Your cat must remain indoors.

2. It is not necessary to isolate your cat from other pets and family, but avoid snuggling, or direct contact with the nose, mouth or foot pads. Limit petting to 20 minutes per day.

3. If your cat jumps on kitchen surfaces, wipe them thoroughly with a wet cloth before food preparation.

4. Wash you hands each time you have contact with your cat. Infants, toddlers and pregnant women should not handle the cat for two weeks.

Do not allow your cat to sleep with you at night for two weeks.

WASTE DISPOSAL - FOR 2 WEEKS AFTER THERAPY

1. Wear protective gloves while cleaning the litter box.

2. Keep the litter box away from occupied bedrooms, the kitchen or dining areas, and unsupervised dogs or children.

3. Pregnant women and children under the age of 16 should not clean the litter box.

4. For public sewer or septic: use only flushable litter. Flush clumps and solids in the toilet.

DO NOT DISPOSE OF ANY LITTER FROM THE FIRST TWO WEEKS IN THE TRASH

FOLLOW UP

You may schedule a follow up appointment no earlier than 30 days after the therapy with your own veterinarian. Dr. Williams will send a completed summary of your cat’s therapy to your vet. If you have any questions or concerns during that period, please contact Dr. Williams at 888 CAT I-131, (888 228-4131). 

Dr. Williams' fax # is 910 686-6411.

Thank-you for choosing this exciting therapy option for you cat’s medical care.