For Veterinarians
1. Labs to perform prior to referral (within 6 weeks) with cat not on Methimazole:
- CBC
- Chemistry Screen
- Quantified Total T4
- Urinalysis
- Blood pressure (recommended, but not required)
Free T4’s are typically not necessary. You are welcome to call Dr. Vaughan to see if a Free T4 is advised.
If your patient is currently taking Methimazole/Felimazole®, you are welcome to call our office so we can discuss timing of labs for your patient. The true(non-medicated) thyroid hormone (T4) level that is less than 6 weeks old is needed to determine a treatment dosage of I131.
To clarify, blood work done while cat is on Methimazole provides a skewed T4 result. An owner must abstain from giving Methimazole for at least 7 days before blood is drawn.
2. How should I prepare my client?
Have client read this website prior to scheduling
3. When can my patient be seen? How far out is scheduling?
Normally we can see and treat your patient within 2-3 weeks
4.Why Does My Patient Need To Be Scheduled at a Specific Location (Shoreline vs. Tacoma) ?
The Shoreline office, our primary location, is attached to a full service veterinary hospitaltherefore will examine andtreat all cats that fall into the following categories:
- Cats that are considered "medically fragile", i.e. have additional illnesses effecting the heart, the kidneys, etc. which is more likely in senior cats.
- Feral cats or cats requiring sedation to be examined
- Cats with a T4 level of 12or higher
- Any cat, no matter the dose
Our Tacoma office was established to treat cats in the Tacoma region that require low doses of radioiodine, i.e. a T4 level of less than 12.
5. What is the total cost of the treatment?
The cost ranges from $1345.00 to $1645.00, depending on what dose the cat receives. Dr. Vaughan determines the dosage during her consultation with the cat and the owner.
6. What is the success rate of the treatment?
Over 95% of cats we treat are permanently cured of hyperthyroidism
Testimonials
Pox's Story Does it make sense to treat hyperthyroid in a fourteen-year-old, mostly outdoor cat? That’s what we were asking ourselves in the summer of 2013. Pox let me know his opinion by following me... read more
PoxSeattle, WA
I wanted to drop you and everyone at FHTC a note to let you know that Byron (the PAWS™ kitty FHTC treated pro bono earlier this year) was adopted last month! Even better, he... read more
ByronSeattle, WA
You took care of our Nina Kitty and it was like she found the Fountain of Youth! At age twelve, she had been slowly losing weight and getting a bit more "yowly" but we... read more
NinaGreat place. They were so good to my kitty who was really scared. He seems to be completely cured. read more
Monty is 12 years old. Dr. Vaughan had been monitoring Monty’s thyroid over the years and identified that he was borderline for hyperthyroidism. After discussing his overall appearance, behavior and appetite, we decided that... read more
MontyMy family has had Lila since she was a kitten. She is turning 15 in October, I was only 10 when we got her. I moved away as an adult for a few years... read more
LilaShoreline,
My cat was diagnosed as hyperthyroid when she was 10. We had her treated as soon as she was diagnosed and I was glad it was found early. I didn’t really give the thyroid... read more
SavannahLynnwood, WA
We want to thank you for your extraordinary efforts in looking after our Samson's well being. You took the initiative of a problem we were not aware was even present. We are very, very... read more
SamsonPort Townsend, WA
Three months ago my 13 year old kitty Miss Fanny spent three days in the care of Dr. Vaughan and the staff. Before treatment she had been losing weight, getting more lethargic and her... read more
Miss FannyNorthbend, WA
As a member of an animal rescue organization on Vashon Island (VIPP), as well as being a chronic cat owner, I've had many opportunities to visit the Feline Hyperthyroid Treatment Center. Over the past... read more
Piro Kramar. Vashon Island Pet ProtectorsVashon Island, WA
They are very personable, professional, and knowledgeable about their very specialized practice. If you have a cat with thyroid issues, I highly recommend this clinic. read more
BeckySeattle, WA
My family has had Lila since she was a kitten. She is turning 15 in October, I was only 10 when we got her. I moved away as an adult for a few years... read more
LilaShoreline, WA
Thanks to Dr Faythe Vaughan, and her kind staff in Shoreline and Tacoma for giving us at least 5 extra, good quality, years with our buddy, Rocky! He was a rescue cat to begin with, and his good... read more
RockyTacoma, WA
Will & Grace found me in 1999 when they were four weeks old. They were born near in a parking lot off Highway 99. They are twins and do everything together. This year they celebrated their... read more
Will, Grace, and HunterEdmonds, WA