Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Feline Acromegaly and Diabetes Welfare

Feline acromegaly is an underdiagnosed cause of poorly controlled diabetes in cats and requires specific treatment for welfare improvement.

Key Facts

Acromegaly from a pituitary tumor causes insulin resistance and poorly controlled diabetes
Up to 25% of diabetic cats may have underlying acromegaly
Affected cats require very high insulin doses yet remain hyperglycaemic
Radiation therapy of the pituitary tumor can achieve remission in some cases
Diagnosis requires IGF-1 measurement and advanced imaging

Welfare Considerations

Poorly controlled diabetes from undiagnosed acromegaly causes chronic hyperglycaemia with associated weakness, neuropathy, and malaise. Identifying and treating the underlying pituitary tumor transforms diabetes management and quality of life.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet to test IGF-1 levels in your diabetic cat if control is poor
Seek specialist referral for poorly controlled feline diabetes
Learn about the link between acromegaly and diabetes in cats