Companion Animal Vet

I-131 Radiotherapy For Cats

We offer I-131 radiotherapy — a safe treatment for cats with hyperthyroidism that restores health without medication.

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Cat Radiotherapy

Advanced care for hyperthyroid cats

I-131 radiotherapy is a scientifically proven treatment that targets and resolves hyperthyroidism in most cats with a single injection. Our experienced team delivers this advanced service with compassion and care.

Cat Radiotherapy Details

Cat Radiotherapy Practices

Here’s how we help your pup grow into a well-rounded dog.

Thorough pre-treatment assessment

We use species-specific pheromone diffusers in our clinic to help pets feel more at ease. These natural, scentless signals mimic what animals use to feel safe in their environment, helping create a more settled space.

Fear Free Practice Details

Single injection treatment

Our team is trained in low-stress, gentle handling that respects your pet’s boundaries. We avoid force or restraint wherever possible and work at your pet’s pace to make each interaction feel safe and positive.

Short stay for monitoring

We’ve created a calm, quiet environment with separate waiting areas for cats and dogs to minimise noise and smells that can cause anxiety. Soft lighting, soothing sounds and slow, mindful movement are all part of our clinic.

Our Process

Our Process

Cat Radiotherapy Benefits

Benefits for pets

Fear-free care helps pets feel safer and more confident during visits. It leads to better cooperation, easier exams, and stronger long-term health outcomes, because pets aren’t as frightened or resistant to regular care.


No daily tablets

By lowering fear levels, pets experience less physical stress—like raised heart rates or shaking—which can otherwise impact their health. This means quicker recovery, more accurate diagnostics and better overall wellbeing.

Improved energy and appetite

When pets aren’t anxious, they’re more receptive to treatment and routine care. This improves their quality of life and allows us to monitor their health more closely and effectively.


Long-term solution

Creating a positive experience means your pet is less likely to associate vet visits with fear. Over time, they become more relaxed and cooperative—making future visits smoother and less traumatic for everyone involved.

Cat Radiotherapy Benefits

Benefits for owners

Fear-free practices don’t just help pets—they make the whole experience better for you too. We know how hard it is to see your pet anxious, and we’re here to help reduce that worry.

No ongoing medication

Knowing your pet is being handled with care, compassion and respect gives you confidence in every visit. We treat them as if they were our own and always communicate openly with you throughout.

Better quality of life

With less resistance and stress, visits are quicker, calmer and often require fewer medications or interventions. Many of our clients notice a big difference in how their pets behave when they return.

Trusted support

When you choose fear-free care, you’re strengthening the trust between you and your pet. By reducing fear and making the vet feel like a safe space, your relationship grows with even more comfort and understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions?
We Have Answers.

Our FAQs cover some of the most common queries we receive from pet owners, so you can feel informed and confident before your visit. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just give us a call, we’re always happy to chat.

What is I-131 radiotherapy and why is it used for cats with hyperthyroidism?
I-131 (radioactive iodine) radiotherapy is widely regarded as the gold-standard treatment for feline hyperthyroidism — a common condition in middle-aged to older cats caused by an overactive thyroid gland. A single injection of radioactive iodine is absorbed specifically by the overactive thyroid tissue, destroying it without harming surrounding structures. Over 95% of cats are cured with a single treatment, removing the need for lifelong daily medication.
Common signs of hyperthyroidism in cats include weight loss despite a good or increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, restlessness or vocalisation (especially at night), a fast heart rate, poor coat condition and sometimes vomiting or diarrhoea. If your cat in Dapto or the wider Wollongong region is showing any of these signs — especially if they’re over 8 years old — please book a consult with us promptly.
Yes. I-131 radiotherapy has an excellent safety profile and has been used in cats for decades. The treatment itself is a straightforward single injection. Your cat will stay with us for a short monitoring period while the radiation levels drop to safe levels before returning home. We conduct a thorough pre-treatment assessment to ensure your cat is a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Daily medication (methimazole/carbimazole tablets) controls but does not cure hyperthyroidism, requires lifelong twice-daily dosing, can have side effects in some cats, and demands regular blood monitoring. I-131 radiotherapy, by contrast, typically provides a permanent cure with a single treatment, no ongoing tablets, and no long-term medication side effects. For most cats, the one-off treatment is more comfortable and more effective long-term.
Yes — Companion Animal Vet in Dapto offers this specialised service, making it accessible for cat owners across Wollongong, Shellharbour, the Southern Highlands and the wider Illawarra region without needing to travel to Sydney. Contact us on (02) 4261 9838 to discuss whether your cat is a candidate.

Testimonials

Testimonials

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Our Services

More General Services

Be it a Cat, Dog or Rabbit, your pet is an important part of your family and you want to keep them happy, healthy and safe. In sickness, and in health, we’ll be there with the latest information and best practices: Helping you to care for your family pet.

Our clinic follows fear-free principles to help make visits less stressful for pets and their people.

Companion Seniors

We offer tailored senior pet care, including arthritis management, diagnostics, nutrition advice and regular wellness checks.