Treatment & Hospitalization

Radioiodine therapy will be administered at Burlington Emergency & Veterinary Specialists (BEVS) by Dr. Harnett or Dr. Donovan.

Prior to the radioiodine injection, your cat will be given a mild and safe intravenous sedative. The radioiodine is administered subcutaneously (under the skin) in one single dose. Your cat will then be placed inside their designated suite in our radioiodine isolation ward.

Radiation levels are monitored beginning the third day after treatment. The “cooling off” period, or the time your cat remains in the isolation ward, will vary depending upon their radiation levels. In an effort to limit radiation exposure to our clients and the environment, BEVS requires that our patients remain hospitalized for a minimum of 96 hours after treatment or until they emit no more than 0.5 mR/hr measured at one foot. Most cats can be released within 5-9 days.

Radiation safety regulations require that direct contact with hospitalized radioiodine patients be kept to a minimum. A web cam enables the hospital staff to carefully monitor your cat at all times.