6 years ago
A new critical care service in Springfield, Virginia is offering the latest technology to cure a common but devastating illness. But this high tech hospital isn't for people - it's for pets.
The Regional Veterinary Referral Center has expanded. They're now the first in the area with digital radiology. It's also the only vet center in the region licensed to use radioactive materials.
Tara Marie Mahootian just drove three hours from Shepardstown, West Virginia to Springfield, Virginia for her cat.
?She only has one life.?
Here at the veterinary referral center on Backlick Road, her cat, Charity, is about to receive a powerful treatment for hyperthyroidism. They're both a little nervous.
?The idea of having radioactive iodine shot in your cat is a little scary.?
She's here because it worked like a charm for her other cat.
?She's just a miracle cat. We thought we were going to lose her.?
Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common cat ailments. Rather than surgery or medication, Dr. Rand Wachstock recommends his Iodine 131 treatment called Radiocat which he calls a cure.
?The radioactive iodine is taken up by the tumor. It kills only the tumor.? After getting a simple shot, 12 cats at a time spend 3 days in a secured room while the radioactivity wears off. Only trained technicians are allowed in.
There are only a handful of places that do the Iodine 131 treatment - 13 of them are Dr. Wachstock's Radiocat. He was able to get a license from the nuclear regulatory commission because of his bio-chemical research background.
Though Radiocat may cost less than surgery or medicine in the long-run, it's still $1250 a shot. But cat owners like Tara Marie say it's worth it.
?I have limited funds, but we have to set priorities. We make sacrifices for them. My husband wouldn?t be in favor of it, but I am definitely for it.?
The Vet Center's new digital radiology lets them email the radiographs to the referring veterinarians so they can consult easier.
Written by Peggy Fox
