Cat Feline Acromegaly Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Feline acromegaly from pituitary growth hormone excess causes diabetic resistance and organ enlargement, with stereotactic radiosurgery offering improved welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

Acromegaly affects approximately 25% of diabetic cats, causing insulin resistance and organ changes
Growth hormone excess from a pituitary adenoma enlarges internal organs and causes diabetes
Cats with acromegaly typically require very high insulin doses and show poor glycaemic control
Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) treats the pituitary tumour and achieves diabetic remission in many cases
Routine advanced imaging of all insulin-resistant diabetic cats would identify more acromegalic cats

Welfare Considerations

Feline acromegaly is substantially underdiagnosed, leaving many diabetic cats in preventably poor control. Identifying and treating the underlying pituitary tumour transforms welfare outcomes in affected cats.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet about acromegaly testing if your diabetic cat requires very high insulin doses
Seek specialist referral for investigation of suspected acromegaly with insulin-like growth factor-1 testing
Discuss stereotactic radiosurgery availability with your veterinary neurologist if acromegaly is confirmed