What is the cost of radioactive iodine treatment for cats?
Christopher Anderson
Published Feb 28, 2026
What is the cost of radioactive iodine treatment for cats?
The cost for radio iodine therapy is generally a total fee of $1500- $1550, depending on the I131 dosage required for your cat’s treatment. This includes the radio iodine itself, the cost of hospitalization, food, litter, and monitoring. This is comparable to the cost of surgical removal.
Can you drive after radioactive iodine treatment?
You will be advised to maintain a distance of three feet from others for several days following radioiodine therapy. You also will need to wait several days before traveling on a prolonged automobile trip with other people. Over time, the amount of radiation in your body will diminish and eventually will go away.
How long do cats live after radioactive iodine treatment?
“Studies have shown that cats treated with I-131 live longer than those treated with pills,” added Mosenco, citing a study where I-131-treated cats lived an average of four to five years following treatment, versus an average of only two years for cats on medication.
Can I be around my cat after radioactive iodine treatment?
By 14 days after treatment radioactivity is essentially gone and you can safely handle your cat and the litter as usual. Special care should be taken with the litter box for 14 days after treatment to avoid environmental contamination with radioactivity.
How much does a feline thyroidectomy cost?
Cost of Thyroidectomy in Cats The cost of thyroidectomy on its own can range from $900 to $1,200.
How much does a thyroid test cost for a cat?
Monitoring side effects and dosage adjustments mandates that cats be re-examined and have blood tests repeated every 3-6 months. Assuming a more practical 6-month interval and an average cost of $85 – $100 for an examination, general diagnostic and T4, the annual cost incurred would be $170 – $200.
How long do you have to stay isolated after radioactive iodine?
You are also required to self isolate for 7 days after your radioiodine treatment in order to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst there is still a large amount of radioactivity in your body. A small proportion of people with COVID-19 may become very unwell and require admission to hospital.
What is the side effects of radioactive iodine?
Some side effects from radioactive iodine treatment include:
- Metallic taste in your mouth.
- Dry mouth.
- Sore throat.
- Neck pain.
- Nausea or vomiting, which is usually mild.
- Constipation or diarrhea.
- Fatigue.
- Unusually low (hypothyroidism) or unusually high (hyperthyroidism) thyroid levels.
Can I get sick from my radioactive cat?
Although it is unlikely that radioiodine patients will become ill during their hospitalization with us, we know that most hyperthyroid patients are senior and geriatric cats, and not uncommonly, they have other health issues in addition to their thyroid disease.
What happens if I stop giving my cat thyroid medicine?
Methimazole may produce side effects in cats including depression, vomiting and lack of appetite. These signs usually resolve without stopping the medication. A more serious side effect is the development of low blood cell counts which are more likely to develop during the first 3 months of treatment.
