Disorder - Hyperadrenocorticism

Organ Systems Involved
Endocrine

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Diabetes mellitus; Hyperaldosteronism

Alternative Names
Cushing's disease; Hypercortisolism

Presenting Signs

Hyperadrenocorticism is a rare disease in cats, in which the adrenal gland(s) is over-producing the hormones corticosteroids. The typical symptoms of hyperadrenocorticism are increased appetite, increased thirst and increased urination. These signs are identical to the more common disease called diabetes mellitus and to complicate the situation, cats that have hyperadrenocorticism often have diabetes mellitus at the same time. Additional clinical signs that may help identify hyperadrenocorticism include hair loss, concurrent infected skin diseases, thin and fragile skin, muscle wasting, weight loss and a pot-bellied appearance.

Cats at Risk

Middle age and older cats are over represented – average age of ten years.

Breeds Affected
Devon Rex
Persian


Treatment

Surgical and medical: surgical removal of the abnormal adrenal gland(s) is recommended. If both adrenal glands of a cat have to be removed, lifelong supplementation of appropriate amounts of corticosteroids is required. Other therapies including brain surgery and medical therapy alone are available but have not been recorded to be as successful.

PubMed References
Hyperadrenocorticism

Contributor
Satoshi Yoneyama