At Nu-Cat, we do our best to make the I-131 process easy for the client and comfortable for the patient.  Once we have all of the pre-requisite information from your veterinarian, we will perform the admission appointment and the treatment on the same day.  You will get a choice of toys for your cat and you have the option of bringing something from home to leave with your cat (which will be disposed of - we suggest an old shirt or towel).  The cats are entertained by nature documentaries and music during the day by our in-room AV system. Keep in mind that state regulations require us to perform the procedure and care in a very prescribed manner (see side bar, below, and the FAQ page).

A Note About Radiation

Since the primary component of the I-131 treatment is radioactive iodine, we are required by the State of Tennessee to follow strict guidelines to minimize human exposure to possibly harmful radiation.  The Pre-Treatment Consent Form and the Release Protocol Forms outline the safety protocols we must follow to maintain our license.  These protocols are the same for any facility that administers I-131 treatment.

1. We receive the appropriate pre-treatment results from the referring veterinarian.
2. Either the referring veterinarian or the client schedules an admission appointment with the Nu-Cat staff.
3. The client and patient arrive for pre-treatment consultation and check in.  The client must sign the Pre-Treatment Consent Form, and a Release Protocol Form (either Normal Release or Extended Release).  The client may choose a cat toy and leave an item from home (not to be returned).  The patient is admitted.
4. The I-131 arrives from the radio-pharmacy.  The patient is taken to the I-131 ward for treatment.
5. The I-131 treatment is administered.  The patient is placed in I-131 boarding.
6. Each day, an Nu-Cat technician scoops the litter box and changes the food and water.
7. On Day 4 after treatment, Dr. Karnes enters the treatment room and begins testing the patient for radiation emissions.  Each reading is logged.
8. Once the emission reading falls below the level as required by the State of Tennessee, the client is contacted to schedule discharge.
9. Upon discharge, the client must sign the Release Protocol again in the presence of the radiation safety officer (Dr. Karnes).