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Updated: Jul 19, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism in 12 cats.
Yu-Hsin Lien1, Hui-Pi Huang, Pen-Heng Chang
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Taiwan University, No. 1, Section 4, Roosevelt Road, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association
|November 8, 2006
Summary
Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism, a rare feline condition caused by corticosteroid use, presents with varied signs like lethargy and increased thirst. Signs typically resolve within five months after discontinuing steroid treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism is an uncommon feline condition.
- It is often associated with prolonged corticosteroid administration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical and laboratory findings in cats with iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism.
- To determine the time course for resolution of signs after corticosteroid withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of twelve cats with suspected iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism.
- Review of medical history, clinical signs, and laboratory data.
- Assessment of sign regression after corticosteroid discontinuation.
Main Results:
- Common non-cutaneous signs included anorexia, lethargy, polydipsia, polyuria, and muscle atrophy.
- Laboratory abnormalities observed were leukocytosis, elevated alanine aminotransferase, and hyperglycemia.
- Four cats developed transient diabetes mellitus, and four showed signs suggestive of transient hypothyroidism.
Conclusions:
- Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism in cats presents with diverse clinical and laboratory abnormalities.
- Corticosteroid withdrawal leads to a mean regression time of 4.9 months for observed signs.
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