RVC small animal referrals is one of the largest and most experienced veterinary centres in the UK authorised to administer radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment to cats with hyperthyroidism and thyroid carcinoma.

All patients are assessed and treated by diplomates of either the American or European College of Small Animal Internal Medicine, with treatment successfully curing about 95% of our hyperthyroid cats.

The radioactive isotope, Iodine-131 (¹³¹I), is administered as a one-off injection. Cats are homed in our spacious, purpose-built radioactive iodine unit and cared for by our dedicated team of radioiodine nurses. The routine stay in our radioactive iodine unit is currently 12 days. The only exception to this is cats being treated for thyroid carcinoma that will need to stay a little longer.

More information

Further information for both veterinary surgeons and clients regarding hyperthyroidism, pre-referral requirements, radioactive iodine treatment and post-treatment management including evaluation and treatment of iatrogenic hypothyroidism can be found here:

• Hyperthyroid Cats - Owner Information Sheet
• Radioactive Iodine Treatment - Information for Referring Veterinary Surgeons
• RVC diagnostic laboratory submission form for cats six months post-RAI treatment
• RVC Pre-paid postage for cats six months post-RAI treatment

For further information about the radioactive iodine clinic, including patient eligibility and restrictions following discharge please use the following links:

• Vets – Iodine FAQ Padlet
• Owners – Iodine FAQ Padlet

Please contact qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk if you would like to arrange referral of a case for radioactive iodine treatment. If you are a veterinary surgeon and have questions about the suitability of a case for RAI then please complete a medicine advice form.