DOI : 10.56496 / MKBW5051

Candice Drew , RVN , ISFM DipFN , DipVN ( surg ), DipT ( EC )

https :// orcid . org / 0009-0000-2849-1866 Locum RVN , Australia

ENVELOPE catrvn16 @ gmail . com

Candice qualified as a veterinary nurse in Australia in 2005 and has since worked extensively in Australia and the UK . She completed the diploma of veterinary nursing ( surgical ) in 2009 , the International Society of Feline Medicine diploma in feline nursing in 2018 , and the Taronga Training Institute ' s wildlife treatment and care professional veterinary training in 2022 . Candice divides her time between locum clinical work , writing and volunteering . She loves older cats and has recently adopted two 15-year-old siblings , one of which has hyperthyroidism .

ABSTRACT Feline hyperthyroidism is an endocrine disorder that is common in senior cat populations . Advances in diagnostics and treatment modalities have extended the range of treatment options available to owners of a hyperthyroid cat .

Radioactive iodine therapy ( RAIT ) is an increasingly popular choice . However , this treatment must be delivered with caution to minimise the risk of radiation exposure to veterinary personnel and the public .

There is increasing recognition of the need for safe procedures when working with radiation in veterinary settings , considering the broader range of radiationrelated services available for veterinary patients .

Part 1 of this two-part series focuses on RAIT . It will outline the benefits and risks of the treatment , the terminology used to describe radiation doses and how they are measured , and radiation safety principles , including examples of their implementation at a dedicated RAIT clinic in Melbourne , Australia .

Part 2 ( p . 41 – 46 ) will look at the process of treating cats at the abovementioned RAIT clinic , including referral and hospitalisation . It will also briefly outline recommendations for post-treatment monitoring and advice for owners on caring for the patient at home .

Keywords feline hyperthyroidism , radioactive iodine , I-131 , radiation safety

36 Veterinary Nursing Journal