Life After I-131: Patient Stories

For many cats, hyperthyroidism no longer has to mean lifelong medication. I-131 therapy offers a safe and permanent cure, allowing patients to regain comfort, energy, and quality of life.

We are deeply grateful to the cat parents who generously shared their experiences to help other families better understand what the journey can look like. Their hope in sharing these stories is to offer reassurance, encouragement, and real-life perspective for anyone considering I-131 therapy for their own cat.

Below are the stories of the cats and families who have experienced the difference firsthand.

cured cats

Donnie's Story

First of all, this is the best veterinary clinic we’ve ever been to. Everything about it is first-class. So when we found out that Donnie had a thyroid problem and learned that Dr. Lacie was beginning the I-131 treatment program, we felt very comfortable moving forward. 

Everything was explained to us ahead of time, and we were even given a tour of the area where Donnie would be staying so we could see that he would be safe. We were able to check on him and always knew how he was doing, and the attendants were magnificent. Dr. Lacie and the entire team were wonderful. Every question we had was answered thoroughly before we brought him home.

Quarantine was hard emotionally because he was home in his own space, but we couldn’t let him out right away. We followed all the instructions carefully, using gloves and limiting the amount of time we spent with him until his radiation levels dropped. Even so, the process was as easy as it could possibly be because we understood exactly what we were supposed to do, and the staff stayed in contact with us the entire time to answer questions and keep us informed. If this treatment gives us more years with him, it is absolutely worth it.

Our first experience with Cat Care Center actually began with our other cat, Sissy. We brought her in for a second opinion after finding a lump between her shoulder blades, which turned out to be an aggressive sarcoma. Dr. Lacie guided us through surgery and the radiation treatments she needed afterward, and thanks to that care, she is still doing well years later. She walked us through every step and helped us stay calm during a very difficult time.

We truly couldn’t be more pleased with the care our cats have received. Everyone here has been compassionate, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive, and we are very grateful for the years of care they have helped give both Donnie and Sissy.

i131 donnie

Beignet's Story

I would tell other cat parents that the treatment sounds scarier than it actually is. Emotionally it can feel difficult at first, but logically I knew it was the right decision, and it has absolutely been worth it. I would make the same choice again without hesitation.

Emotionally, the hardest part was the temporary isolation, not the treatment itself. Dropping her off was difficult, of course, but meeting with Dr. Lacie and the team that morning made me feel very comfortable. They were extremely thorough beforehand, and I did not have any concerns about her care. The hardest moment was when we expected to bring her home sooner, but her radiation levels were still a little high and we had to wait another day. The team was very kind and rechecked her levels later so that we could bring her home as soon as it was safe.

Once she was home, the isolation period was actually easier than I expected. My husband and I divided our daily visits into shorter sessions, and she quickly adjusted. Once she realized we were still coming in to spend time with her, she was content and didn’t try to leave the room. By the end of the week, the whole process felt much easier than we had imagined.

Since treatment, we’ve already noticed wonderful changes. Not having to give thyroid medication every day is also a huge benefit, especially since she was never easy to medicate! Her coat is softer, she has started playing again and chasing her ribbon toys, and she just seems happier and more comfortable overall.

beignet

Rocco's Story

My experience with I-131 treatment at Cat Care Center has been amazing! Everyone here helped me feel calm throughout the entire process. It was worth every second of possible stress, just knowing this could hopefully be a cure for him. If it weren’t for Dr. Lacie and the team offering this treatment here, and the trust I have in them, Rocco wouldn’t have the opportunity to become a healthier cat and feel better. It will also be very nice not having to give medication every day for the rest of his life!

When Rocco was first diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it was very scary. He had been dealing with it for about two years, and when I heard about this treatment becoming available here, I was really hoping it would happen, and I couldn’t be happier that it did.

The few days he was away were stressful simply because I don’t like leaving my baby anywhere, but knowing he was being cared for, being monitored, and seeing that he was doing well made it much easier. Honestly, it felt similar to boarding because I knew he was being well taken care of.

He handled the process very well, and I truly couldn’t be happier with the experience.

rocco

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