Sugar Land Veterinary Imaging
1515 Lake Pointe Parkway
Lake Pointe Town Center
Sugar Land, TX 77478
281.491.7800
281.491.7803 Fax
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Methemazole (Tapazole) vs I-131 Treatment
Yearly cost to treat non-complicated hyperthyroidism with Methemazole:
Yearly exam: usually recommend twice a year
Physical $ 50
Blood Work: geriatric profile w/ T4 $ 140
Radiographs: yearly to check heart $ 120
Medication: Methemazole (Tapazole) $ 816
$34.00/mo every 24 hours or $68.00/mo every
12 hours for compounded medicated treat (preferred).
Total yearly costs to treat with methemazole: $1,126
vs.
Sugar Land Veterinary Specialists cost for I-131 treatment: $1,350
I-131 is a 1-time treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Post-treatment requirements:
Pet must spend 4 days in radiation shielded solation. See previous page.
Pet must stay inside the house for 2 weeks following treatment.
Post treatment pet cannot come in contact with young children or pregnant women for the initial two weeks.
Needs a follow up T4 test 2 months following I-131 treatment.
Complications with medical management:
Toxicity to methemazole. Many cats are sensitive.
Most require more than the above listed medical management.
Difficult to administer a pill every day or twice every day.
Many cats hide or fuss at pill time; many do not get their medication.
Medication becomes less effective in time requiring a higher dose,
higher costs and higher toxicity.