Companion Animals

Companion Cat Feline Acromegaly and Diabetes

Management of feline acromegaly causing insulin-resistant diabetes and welfare of affected cats.

Key Facts

Acromegaly results from excess growth hormone production by a pituitary tumour
Most diabetic cats with insulin resistance have underlying acromegaly
MRI imaging of the pituitary enables definitive diagnosis
Radiation therapy can treat the pituitary tumour and resolve diabetes in many cases
Insulin doses required in acromegalic cats can be very high without treatment of the cause

Welfare Considerations

Acromegaly-related diabetes is resistant to standard treatment and causes significant welfare deficit, but addressing the underlying pituitary tumour through radiation therapy can achieve remission.

What You Can Do

Ask your vet to test for acromegaly if your cat requires unusually high insulin doses
Seek referral to a veterinary internal medicine specialist for insulin-resistant diabetic cats
Consider radiation therapy as a curative option for cats with acromegaly