Hyperadrenocorticism in cats: seven cases (1978-1987)

J Am Vet Med Assoc. 1988 Jul 15;193(2):245-50.

Abstract

Hyperadrenocorticism was diagnosed in 7 cats with concurrent diabetes mellitus. Four cats had pituitary adenoma with bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia, 1 cat had pituitary carcinoma with bilateral adrenocortical hyperplasia, 1 cat had adrenocortical carcinoma, and 1 cat had adrenocortical adenoma of the left adrenal gland. One year later, adrenocortical adenoma involving the right adrenal gland also was diagnosed in this cat. Clinical signs included polyuria and polydipsia (n = 7), development of pot-bellied appearance (n = 5), dermatologic alterations (n = 5), lethargy (n = 3), weight loss (n = 3), dyspnea/panting (n = 2), and recurrent bacterial infections (n = 2). In 6 cats, the diagnosis of hyperadrenocorticism was established before death on the basis of results of the ACTH stimulation test (n = 3) and the dexamethasone screening test (n = 5). Pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism was differentiated from adrenocortical neoplasia on the basis of results of the dexamethasone suppression test (n = 4), endogenous ACTH concentration (n = 3), results of abdominal radiography and ultrasonography (n = 3), and exploratory celiotomy (n = 1). Four cats died or were euthanatized without treatment attempts. Treatment with mitotane followed by 60Co teletherapy was ineffective in one cat with pituitary adenoma. One cat with pituitary carcinoma died one week after bilateral adrenalectomy. Bilateral adrenocortical adenomas were removed surgically in the affected cat.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / blood
  • Adenoma / surgery
  • Adenoma / veterinary*
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / blood
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / surgery
  • Adrenal Gland Neoplasms / veterinary*
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / blood
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / complications
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / drug therapy
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / therapy
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / veterinary*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / blood
  • Animals
  • Cat Diseases / blood
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cat Diseases / surgery
  • Cat Diseases / therapy*
  • Cats
  • Diabetes Complications
  • Female
  • Hydrocortisone / blood
  • Male

Substances

  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Hydrocortisone