Acromegaly in cats, caused by excess growth hormone from a pituitary tumor, leads to insulin-resistant diabetes and progressive organ changes with complex welfare implications.
Acromegalic cats experience multiple concurrent welfare challenges: the discomfort of poorly controlled diabetes, progressive joint changes causing pain, and potential neurological signs if the pituitary tumor enlarges significantly. The financial barrier to radiation therapy means many cats receive only palliative management. Welfare assessment must consider diabetic regulation quality (frequency of hypoglycemia vs. persistent hyperglycemia), pain from arthritis, and neurological status. Owners benefit from realistic prognosis discussions and quality-of-life frameworks to guide treatment intensity decisions.