Companion Animal Welfare

Cat Acromegaly and Welfare

Feline acromegaly from pituitary tumour excess growth hormone causes insulin-resistant diabetes, joint disease, and organ enlargement requiring complex welfare management.

Key Facts

Acromegaly is increasingly recognised in cats with insulin-resistant diabetes
Excess growth hormone causes enlarged organs, joint changes, and progressive diabetes
MRI diagnosis has improved recognition of this previously underdiagnosed condition
Radiation therapy or hypophysectomy can provide sustained remission
Managed diabetes in acromegalic cats requires higher insulin doses and intensive monitoring

Welfare Considerations

Acromegaly causes progressive multi-system disease including joint pain, cardiac disease, and poorly controlled diabetes. Recognition of acromegaly in insulin-resistant diabetic cats enables appropriate treatment that dramatically improves welfare outcomes compared to managing unrecognised disease.

What You Can Do

Consider acromegaly investigation for cats with insulin-resistant or difficult-to-manage diabetes
Seek specialist internal medicine referral for complex diabetic cats
Commit to intensive diabetes monitoring for cats with recognised acromegaly