Overview:

Acromegaly (also known as pituitary gigantism or gigantism) in cats is a rare condition. It occurs when there is an excess of growth hormone (GH), which is usually the result of a pituitary adenoma.

Acromegaly typically affects older males (over 8 years).

What are the signs of acromegaly in cats?

Acromegaly is seen in older cats, and males are more commonly affected.  It causes enlargement of the extremities (head, feet, jaw, scull) soft tissues (tongue, heart, kidneys, liver) & increased muscle mass & abdominal enlargement.

Uncontrolled diabetes is a common finding, therefore symptoms associated with diabetes may be observed. These may include, polyuria/polydipsia (increased drinking & urinating), polyphagia (increased appetite).

Other symptoms of acromegaly may include;

• Cardiovascular abnormalities
• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Enlarged of the organs can result in organ failure.

How is it diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a complete physical examination of your cat & obtain a medical history from you. Some tests he may wish to perform include;

• Increased blood GH concentrations.
• CT scan of the pituitary gland.

Acromegaly may be suspected in a cat who is persistently hyperglycemic despite daily insulin injections, especially if it is accompanied with other symptoms such as weight gain,  [1] along with ruling out other conditions which are also cause uncontrolled diabetes is important (hyperthyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism).

How is it treated?

There is no successful way to permanently treat acromegaly in cats. Some therapies to control it include;

• Irradiation of the pituitary area
• Controlling diabetes with large doses of insulin
• Controlling mild heart failure
• Long term prognosis is not favorable, with heart or renal failure eventually causing death.

References:

[1] The Cornell Book of Cats