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Hyperadrenocorticism in cats: seven cases (1978-1987)
R W Nelson1, E C Feldman, M C Smith
1Department of Small Animal Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|July 15, 1988
Summary
Seven cats with diabetes mellitus were diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism, often caused by pituitary or adrenal tumors. Clinical signs were varied, and diagnostic tests confirmed the condition, though treatment outcomes were poor in this small cohort.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Comparative Oncology
Background:
- Concurrent diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in felines.
- Hyperadrenocorticism (hypercortisolism) in cats can stem from pituitary or adrenal gland abnormalities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical characteristics, diagnostic findings, and outcomes of seven cats with concurrent diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism.
Main Methods:
- Case series review of seven cats diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism and diabetes mellitus.
- Diagnostic evaluations included clinical sign assessment, hormonal assays (ACTH stimulation, dexamethasone suppression tests), and imaging (radiography, ultrasonography).
Main Results:
- Common clinical signs included polyuria/polydipsia, pot-bellied appearance, and dermatologic issues.
- Causes of hyperadrenocorticism varied, including pituitary adenoma (4/7), pituitary carcinoma (1/7), adrenocortical carcinoma (1/7), and adrenocortical adenoma (1/7).
- Diagnostic tests like ACTH stimulation and dexamethasone screening confirmed hyperadrenocorticism, while further tests differentiated pituitary-dependent disease from adrenocortical neoplasia.
Conclusions:
- Hyperadrenocorticism in cats with diabetes mellitus is associated with diverse clinical signs and underlying causes.
- Diagnostic confirmation is achievable through various endocrine and imaging techniques.
- Treatment outcomes in this series were generally poor, highlighting the complexity of managing these concurrent conditions.