Cushing's Disease
What is Hyperadrenocorticism?
Hyperadrenocorticism (more commonly referred to as Cushing’s Disease) is an endocrine condition associated with excessively high levels of cortisol by the adrenal gland and the impact that this hormone has on various body systems. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and cortisol performs many vital roles, including releasing glycogen, impacting the immune system and converting proteins into energy. This disease is extremely rare in cats.
How does my cat get Cushing’s disease?
In most cases, the cause is a small pituitary tumor at the base of the brain. This tumor secrets a hormone known as adrenocoricotropic (ACTH) that causes the adrenal gland to produce excessive amounts of cortisol. Although cortisol is a major body hormone, too much of it can cause illness. Less frequently, Cushing’s disease in cats is due to the presence of a tumor of the adrenal cortex.
How do I know if my cat has Cushing’s disease?
Classic symptoms are similar to those associated with feline diabetes: increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, hair loss, an enlarged abdomen, lethargy and muscle weakening. Cushing’s disease usually does not affect young felines. Because this is such a rare feline disease, a veterinarian will have to perform a comprehensive physical exam and numerous diagnostic tests to accurately identify Cushing’s disease. A veterinarian may perform blood and urine tests, a biochemical profile, a ACTH stimulation test (measures the adrenal glands function), dexamethaone suppression test (another adrenal gland function test) or an ultrasound and abdominal radiographs.
What can I do about Cushing’s disease?
Treatment may be medical or surgical. There are a number of medications currently in use for Cushing’s disease; however, they are more effective in dogs than in cats. The goal with these medications is to decrease the levels of circulating corticosteroids. The surgical option involves removing one or both adrenal glands, a challenging and risky operation. There is a very fine line between treating to control Cushing’s disease and causing significant secondary problems. Thus, it is very important to work closely with your veterinarian to monitor progress via examinations and follow-up blood tests. Untreated, the prognosis is poor.
Is there anything I can do to prevent my cat from getting Cushing’s Disease?
Prevention is difficult except for cases caused by overusing prednisone or its similar drugs. The other causes are unpredictable. If your cat is diabetic and you find that treating this disease proves difficult, consult your veterinarian because the underlying cause may be Cushing’s Disease.
Are there certain breeds that get Cushing’s disease more often?
No. This disease can strike any cat of any breed or mixed breed, but it tends to surface by age 10, and females are more at risk than males for unknown reasons.