Pets & RAI

[AnglLdy]

I am scheduled for RAI on 8/24 and have asked my endocrinologist about how or if it will affect my pets.  (I have 2 chihuahuas, a daschund, and a parakeet)  He said he'd never been asked that before and wasn't sure.  I asked their Vet, who said they'd never heard of RAI and didn't know.  

Since we're told not to be around people for 3 - 5 days following the treatment, I really would like to know if the radioactive iodine affect animals' thyroids or cause them any harm as it could people in those first few days?

Thank you for your help!

Jamie

[utahmomma]

Treat your pets just like you would a small child and isolate yourself from them as much as possible.  Don't let them lick you (the radiation is secreted through bodily fluids - including sweat).  Don't let them sleep with you.

This was the most difficult part of the RAI for me (and my dogs) and it just broke my heart to make them sleep on the floor but I didn't want to kill off their thyroids.

Best of everything!

Utah
papillary carcinoma (with RAI)

[skeeterknitwit]

The precautions are-
1.  Do not sleep with your pet for the recommended quarantine time.
2. Do NOT give them a bite of food from your mouth!
3.  Do not snuggle them on your neck.

[Smilerdeb]

I kept my distance from my dog (jack russell) after RAI.
Best to be on the safe side.

[goolarra]

Pets are no different than small children.  My friend had RAI.  She aked her doctor if it would affect her dog, he said no.  She asked her vet.  The vet said if it can affect a small chile, it can affect your pets...makes perfect sense.  The smaller the pet (mammal, at least) the more damage it could do.  I'd keep my distance.