The treatment, offered at the school’s Hospital for Small Animals, uses doses of radioiodine 131 to destroy overactive thyroid cells in cats.

 

Its 500th patient was Marty, a 15-year-old domestic shorthair who had been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. His owner opted for radioiodine treatment as an alternative to lifelong medication or surgery.

 

The hospital is one of few in the UK providing the treatment, with RCVS specialists who are experts in feline hyperthyroidism providing the service.

 

The radioiodine treatment is delivered as a single, painless dose, either by subcutaneous injection or by oral capsule. The iodine concentrates on thyroid tissue and emits beta-radiation which treats the overactive cells.

 

It also treats ectopic thyroid tissue, which can be difficult to identify or remove surgically.

 

The hospital describes radioiodine as ‘the treatment of choice' for feline hyperthyroidism. It reports that over 95 per cent of cats see a resolution to hyperthyroidism without the need for anaesthesia or ongoing tablets.

 

Like other cats receiving the treatment, Marty was kept in isolation for the three days after his treatment while the radiation from his iodine doses receded. After completing his isolation, he was moved to the Hospital’s dedicated feline ward.

 

Dr Alisdair Boag, RCVS specialist in internal medicine and head of the radioiodine services, said: “We are delighted that Marty’s treatment has gone so smoothly, he such a lovely cat. Reaching 500 cats treated with radioactive iodine is a fantastic achievement. We’re proud to have helped so many cats and hugely grateful to the owners and referring vets who have trusted our team.”