Feline acromegaly, caused by a pituitary tumour producing excess growth hormone, is an underdiagnosed condition in older diabetic cats, causing insulin resistance and systemic complications.
Acromegaly causes progressive and multisystemic welfare compromise in affected cats. Uncontrolled diabetes from insulin resistance causes the metabolic suffering associated with hyperglycaemia. Organomegaly causes abdominal discomfort. Progressive neurological signs from the expanding pituitary tumour cause cognitive changes and eventually serious neurological deficits. The condition is significantly underdiagnosed, meaning many cats with poorly controlled diabetes and acromegaly experience unnecessary suffering from inadequate treatment of their diabetes. Screening for acromegaly in poorly controlled diabetic cats and referring for specialist treatment substantially improves welfare.