Adams WH, Walker MA, Daniel GB, et al.
Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound 1995;36:417-424.
Seven dogs with thyroid gland carcinoma were treated with 131I and hormone suppressive therapy either alone (3 dogs) or in combination with surgery (3 dogs) or 137Cs teletherapy and chemotherapy (1 dog). Empirically chosen doses of 75 to 137 mCi of 131I were given orally (2 dogs) and intravenously (5 dogs). Adverse effects were limited to acute, transient bone marrow hypoplasia and pancytopenia. Nominal objective reduction in tumor volume or size and number of pulmonary metastases was observed in 4 dogs treated with 131I and thyroxine. Of these 4 dogs, 2 had stable disease for periods of 4 and 12 months while a third dog had stable disease for 27 months following two 131I treatments at 3 month intervals. The fourth dog had progressive disease. Two dogs with mediastinal metastases showed reduction in localization of 99mTc pertechnetate and radioiodine following 2 and 3 treatments using 131I. It appears that relatively high doses of 131I can be used safely for the treatment of canine thyroid tumors and that further investigation can be justified to define its efficacy.