Feline Radioactive Iodine Treatment
A Safe, Effective, and Curative Solution for Hyperthyroid Cats
Kippax Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer one of the most advanced and effective treatments for feline hyperthyroidism: radioactive iodine therapy (I-131). As one of only two veterinary hospitals in the ACT certified to administer radioactive iodine treatment, we provide expert, compassionate care for cats diagnosed with this common yet serious condition.
What Is Feline Hyperthyroidism?
Feline hyperthyroidism is a common endocrine disorder affecting mostly older cats (typically 8 years and up). It results from an overproduction of the hormone thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid glands, which can lead to:
- Weight loss despite increased appetite
- Increased thirst and urination
- Vomiting or diarrhoea
- Restlessness or hyperactivity
- Rapid heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Poor coat condition
Left untreated, hyperthyroidism can cause heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney damage, and ultimately organ failure. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are key to preserving your cat’s quality of life.
If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism—or you suspect they may be showing signs—our experienced team is here to help guide you through your treatment options and provide gold-standard care, right here in Holt.
Why Choose Radioactive Iodine Therapy?
There are three main treatment options for feline hyperthyroidism:
Oral medication
Surgical thyroidectomy
Radioactive iodine therapy (I-131)
While medications and surgery can be effective, they often come with long-term management challenges, side effects, or surgical risks—especially in senior cats.
Radioactive iodine therapy is considered the gold standard treatment because it is:
- Curative in up to 97% of cases
- Non-invasive
- Targeted and precise, affecting only the diseased thyroid tissue
- Safe, with minimal side effects
- Cost-effective long-term, as it eliminates the need for daily medication and ongoing bloodwork
At Kippax Veterinary Hospital, our radioactive iodine treatment in Holt, ACT is administered in a calm, secure, and specially designed isolation unit—giving your cat the best chance at a full recovery in a supportive, stress-minimising environment.
How the Treatment Works
Radioactive iodine (I-131) is administered as a single oral capsule. Because the thyroid is the only organ in the body that uses iodine, the radioactive particles are absorbed exclusively by the overactive thyroid tissue. This radiation then selectively destroys the abnormal cells, without harming surrounding tissues or the rest of the body.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Pre-treatment screening: Blood tests and diagnostic imaging to confirm hyperthyroidism and assess overall health.
- Hospital stay: Cats are typically housed in our radiation-safe unit for 5 days. We provide comfortable accommodation, daily monitoring, fresh food, water, and plenty of TLC.
- Aftercare instructions: Once your cat is safely discharged, we provide detailed home care guidelines and coordinate with your regular vet for ongoing support.
- Follow-up testing: Most cats will need a post-treatment blood test 4–6 weeks later to confirm success.
We welcome referrals from across Canberra and the greater NSW region.
Why Choose Kippax for I-131 Therapy?
Certified and registered facility in the ACT
Purpose-built radioactive iodine unit with safety and comfort in mind
Decades of feline medicine experience
Clear communication and compassionate support throughout the referral and recovery process
Conveniently located in Holt, easily accessible for pet owners across north-west Canberra
We treat up to three cases per week and encourage early bookings, as spaces are limited.
Is Radioactive Iodine Right for My Cat?
In most cases, yes—especially if your cat is unable to tolerate oral medication or is at risk under anaesthesia. Cats with concurrent conditions (such as kidney disease) will be carefully evaluated to ensure this treatment is appropriate and safe.
When treated early and appropriately, most cats go on to live long, healthy lives after radioactive iodine therapy. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis—which is why regular vet check-ups are so important for senior cats.
If your cat is showing signs of hyperthyroidism, or has already been diagnosed, speak with your primary veterinarian or contact our team to learn more about how radioactive iodine therapy could help.