Update on feline acromegaly

Abstract

Feline acromegaly is a clinical syndrome resulting from excess growth hormone production (hypersomatotropism). In most cats, this is caused by a functional benign pituitary tumour. Although the condition was previously thought to be rare, recent studies suggest that its prevalence among diabetic cats has been underestimated, and it could therefore account for diabetes mellitus in a proportion of the cat population. This might be related to the existence of subtle phenotype variants of the disease. Small animal practitioners dealing with diabetic cats should therefore be aware of the condition and consider screening for it. Once treated successfully, diabetic remission might ensue. This article considers the aetiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment options of feline hypersomatotropism and acromegaly.