Acromegaly in Cats: Welfare Recognition and Treatment Options

Feline acromegaly from excess growth hormone causes progressive welfare impacts including uncontrolled diabetes and organomegaly, with increasing treatment options improving outcomes.

Key Facts

Feline acromegaly results from a growth-hormone secreting pituitary tumour
It affects middle-aged to older male cats and causes insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus
Clinical signs include an enlarged head, paws, and abdomen, and poorly controlled diabetes
MRI identification of pituitary tumours enables surgical and radiation treatment options
Without treatment, progressive organomegaly leads to organ failure and death

Welfare Considerations

Cats with undiagnosed acromegaly experience welfare impacts primarily from poorly controlled diabetes causing hyperglycaemia, weight loss, and polyuria. Hypertension secondary to acromegaly causes end-organ damage. Progressive cardiomegaly leads to heart failure. Advanced disease causes abdominal discomfort from organomegaly and neuropathy from chronic hyperglycaemia causing hindlimb weakness. Surgical removal of pituitary tumours or radiation therapy can significantly improve welfare outcomes where accessible.

What You Can Do

Suspect acromegaly in cats with insulin-resistant diabetes requiring very high insulin doses
Seek specialist endocrinology assessment and MRI for cats with suspected acromegaly
Discuss radiation or surgical treatment options with a veterinary specialist
Manage diabetes as effectively as possible while planning definitive treatment
Monitor blood pressure and cardiac function in cats with confirmed acromegaly