Acromegaly in a non-diabetic cat
Federico Fracassi1, Margherita Salsi2, Federica Sammartano3
1Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
JFMS Open Reports
|May 12, 2017
Summary
Acromegaly, a condition of growth hormone excess, can occur in cats without diabetes mellitus. Diagnosis involves elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 and characteristic physical and imaging findings.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disorder characterized by excessive growth hormone production.
- It is most commonly associated with diabetes mellitus in cats.
- This case highlights acromegaly in a cat without diabetes mellitus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of feline acromegaly.
- To emphasize diagnostic findings in a non-diabetic cat.
- To broaden the clinical suspicion for acromegaly in cats.
Main Methods:
- A 14-year-old European shorthair cat presented for routine health check with respiratory stridor.
- Physical examination revealed broad facial features and increased interdental spaces.
- Diagnostic workup included hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and growth hormone (GH) levels, and skull CT scan.
Main Results:
- Hematology showed mild non-regenerative anemia.
- Serum IGF-1 was markedly elevated (>1600 ng/ml).
- Basal GH was elevated, with minimal suppression after somatostatin. Insulin resistance was evident with high basal insulin and significant post-glucose increase.
- Skull CT revealed an enlarged pituitary gland and increased bone thickness.
Conclusions:
- Feline acromegaly can occur in the absence of diabetes mellitus.
- Diagnostic indicators include elevated IGF-1, hormonal changes, and characteristic imaging findings.
- Clinicians should consider acromegaly in cats presenting with suggestive clinical signs, even without concurrent diabetes mellitus.
