High-Tech Isotope Treatment Cures Methuen Cat

BOSTON (CBS) – An 11-year-old cat has recovered from a potentially fatal disease thanks to a high tech treatment.

Eleven-year-old Shayna was brought to MSCPCA-Nevins Farm in Methuen after her elderly owner was admitted to a nursing home.

The cat was suffering from hyperthyroidism, a disease that gives the cat an increased appetite but is accompanied by weight loss and eventually heart failure.

Shayna was treated with radioactive isotopes called I-131. The isotopes eliminate the symptoms by making the thyroid tumors disappear.

In total, 98 percent of cats that are given the treatment are cured.

Veterinarians put Shayna in an isolation unit because she was radioactive for 17 days.

While the cat was in isolation, she was monitored by cameras in the room. Doctors were able to watch feeds of the room on their tablets or computers.

Now that she is cured of the disease, Shayna is up for adoption through the MSPCA.

MSPCA officials say that Shayna "proves once again that cats do indeed have nine lives."