Abstract
Acromegaly is the term used in human medicine to describe a condition resulting from chronic excessive growth hormone (GH) secretion. The term hypersomatotropism (HST) rather than acromegaly may be appropriate when describing the condition resulting from chronic excessive GH secretion in cats because growth hormone-induced soft tissue and bone enlargement is more difficult to identify in adult cats. GH affects nearly every tissue in the body and predominantly causes increased protein synthesis and growth. GH is also a potent insulin antagonist and almost all acromegalic cats have concurrent diabetes mellitus. The estimated prevalence of acromegaly in cats in the UK is between 1 in 800 to 1 in 1000. The veterinary nurse plays a key role in educating owners about acromegaly and the management of affected cats. This article describes the pathophysiology and diagnosis of acromegaly in cats and what treatment options are currently available.
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