Cat Acromegaly: Growth Hormone Disorders

Feline acromegaly causes insulin-resistant diabetes and organ enlargement from excess growth hormone, with emerging treatment options improving outcomes.

Key Facts

Acromegaly is caused by a functional pituitary adenoma secreting excess growth hormone (GH)
It is far more common in cats than previously recognized - studies suggest up to 25% of diabetic cats are acromegalic
Clinical signs include large body size, broad face, enlarged paws, and difficult-to-control diabetes
GH-secreting pituitary tumors can cause neurological signs if they grow large enough
Diagnosis uses IGF-1 measurement (elevated) with confirmation by MRI pituitary imaging
Radiotherapy targeting the pituitary tumor can achieve remission with significant diabetes improvement
Newer treatments including pasireotide (somatostatin analogue) show promise for GH suppression

Welfare Considerations

Undiagnosed acromegaly in diabetic cats causes chronic suffering from uncontrollable high blood glucose despite increasing insulin doses. Cats experience nausea, weight loss despite apparent good appetite, and progressive organ enlargement. Many acromegalic cats are unnecessarily euthanized for uncontrolled diabetes without exploring the underlying cause. Recognition and treatment of acromegaly can dramatically improve both diabetes control and quality of life.

What You Can Do

Test for acromegaly in diabetic cats requiring high insulin doses by measuring IGF-1 levels
Discuss pituitary MRI and specialist referral for confirmed acromegalic cats with neurological signs
Pursue radiotherapy for acromegalic cats at specialist centers - outcomes are often excellent
Monitor for diabetes remission after successful acromegaly treatment allowing insulin dose reduction
Support research into novel GH suppression drugs as alternatives to radiotherapy
Raise awareness among veterinarians about the high prevalence of acromegaly in diabetic cats