Feline Acromegaly

Feline acromegaly is a disease characterized by excessive growth hormone secretion leading to a wide array of clinical signs caused by the hormones' effects on multiple organ systems. This chapter discusses the etiology/pathophysiology and epidemiology, history and clinical signs, diagnosis, and treatment of feline acromegaly. Feline acromegaly has similarities to human acromegalic families with aryl-hydrocarbon-receptor interacting protein mutations. Feline acromegaly most commonly affects middle-aged to older, male castrated cats. Most patients with acromegaly present for insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus with concurrent weight gain rather than weight loss. Radiographic findings associated with feline acromegaly are related to the hypertrophic effects of excessive growth hormone. Surgical removal of the pituitary tumor (adenectomy) is the treatment of choice for acromegaly in human medicine. The procedure can be performed in cats and dogs, usually employing complete removal of the entire pituitary (hypophysectomy).