To make an appointment, start by sending us your contact information by filling out our online contact form here.

Please ask your veterinarian to send us (via fax, e-mail or online) a patient referral form, together with the results of your cat's history (including methimazole treatment), physical examination, the serum thyroid tests that diagnosed hyperthyroidism, and routine blood work (e.g., complete blood count [CBC], serum biochemical profile, urinalysis).  We need your cat’s complete medical record, from the time of diagnosis of hyperthyroidism to present so that Dr. Peterson can evaluate whether your cat is a good candidate for treatment.

Once we receive this additional information from you and your veterinarian, Dr. Peterson will review your cat’s medical information and records, and he will advise you and your veterinarian about any additional testing needed (e.g., repeat blood work, chest x-rays, or other imaging).

For example, since hyperthyroid cats commonly develop secondary heart disease, a chest x-ray is required in all cats that were first diagnosed longer than 6 months ago. Similarly, an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram may be indicated if arrhythmia, conduction disturbance, or heart failure is suspected. If your cat is not eating well or has chronic diarrhea, an abdominal ultrasound is strongly recommended in order to help rule out concurrent diseases.

If hyperthyroidism is confirmed and no other life-threatening medical conditions are identified, we will then schedule an appointment for your cat's thyroid scan and treatment.

Before you get additional blood work or any other testing done, please let Dr. Peterson review your cat's record to approve him or her as a candidate for radioiodine treatment. If you have any questions, email us at info@animalendocrine.com to check Hypurrcat appointment availability. 

If your cat has been treated with methimazole, such as Felimazole, your cat needs to be off the drug for at least 7 days prior to your cat’s appointment for radioiodine treatment.

If you and your veterinarian feel that the cat’s hyperthyroidism is too severe to stop medication, please have your veterinarian contact us to discuss other options.

If your cat has been managed with the low-iodine diet, your cat needs to be changed to a regular cat food diet for at least 2-4 weeks prior to your cat’s appointment for treatment.

It is not necessary to stop administration of most drugs other than methimazole. However, please check with our office to make sure that these medications will not interfere with the radioiodine treatment.

In general, we cannot guarantee that cats can be medicated daily during their stay with us, especially if multiple doses are to be given throughout the day. If your cat must be given medication during their stay and it cannot be administered in food or a pill pocket, your cat may not be a candidate for treatment at our facility. In that case, please have your veterinarian contact us to discuss other options.

Yes, you should feed your cat normally the morning of admission to the hospital.

Cat owners can feel both confident and worry-free about placing their cat in the care of Hypurrcat’s staff. As cat owners ourselves, we know boarding your cat for radioiodine treatment is typically much more stressful to the owner than to the cat. That's why we've gone to every extent to ensure you have peace of mind that your cat will be safe, loved, and have a good time while in our care.

Cats, especially those hospitalized for more than a day or two, need stimulation and recreation to maintain their mental health. This is often referred to as “environmental enrichment” or “environmental enhancement.” Examples include an environment with perches, hiding boxes, beds, and toys, as well as “safe” places to sleep, eat, and use the litter box. Daily positive interaction with their human caretakers also benefits hospitalized cats. Spending a few minutes each day petting, brushing, and playing with the cats, as well as speaking to them in a soft, calming voice, provides comfort to the cats.

At Hypurrcat, we know that cats do much better during their hospitalization when boarded in large condos and provided with live entertainment. Each of our cat condos (dimensions, 3.5 feet x 2.5 feet) has a separate bathroom (with litter box), perches that allow the cat to get above the action, a hiding box, as well as their own bed and toys. In addition, the cats have a great window view of the back courtyard to view birds and squirrels, as well as a TV playing animal videos through the day.

Our Hypurrcat treatment facilities are strictly “For Cats Only!” We do not see or care for dogs, so no barking will ever be heard in our clinic.