While Cushing's disease is not commonly seen in cats, it can affect them and have serious consequences if it occurs. Here our vets in Alpharetta discuss Cushing's disease in cats, what the signs of this condition are and what can be done to treat your feline friend.
What is Cushing's Disease in Cats?
Cushing's disease in cats, or Hyperadrenocorticism as it's also called, is caused by the excessive and persistent production of cortisol from the adrenal glands. When there is excessive production of cortisol, it is usually due to one of two underlying issues such as:
- Iatrogenic Hyperadrenocorticism is a form of Cushing's disease that is caused by the long-term and high-dose use of cortisol-like drugs to treat allergies and inflammation caused by other health conditions, or progesterone-type drugs (progestagens) which are used to control reproductive cycling in female cats.
- Naturally-Occurring Hyperadrenocorticism is characterized by excess cortisol production due to adrenal or pituitary gland tumors. Pituitary gland tumors can lead to the excessive production of adrenocorticotropic hormone, which can result in the adrenals becoming enlarged and producing excessive cortisol.
What Are The Common Signs of Cushing's Disease in Cats?
Although Cushing's disease is quite rare in cats there are a number of symptoms that are characteristic of the condition. One of the most noticeable and troubling symptoms that can indicate your cat has Cushing's is extremely thin and fragile skin which breaks and bleeds with the slightest touch.
Diabetes generally occurs at the same time as Cushing's in cats, meaning symptoms of diabetes can point to Cushing's disease. Other symptoms of Cushing's in cats include:
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
- Swollen abdomen
- Muscle wasting
- Poor coat condition
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy
- Weakness
- Hair loss
- Curling ear tips
What Treatment is Usually Recommended For Cats with Cushing's Disease?
When your vet recommends treatment for cats with Cushing's disease, it typically depends on the type that the cat is suffering from.
If your cat is diagnosed with iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism your vet will prescribe a controlled and gradual withdrawal of the medications that are causing the disease. Alternative medications will need to be prescribed to treat the underlying condition for which the problematic drug was originally prescribed.
If your cat is suffering from naturally-occurring hyperadrenocorticism your vet may recommend one or more of the following treatments:
- Drug therapy – While a number of different drugs have been used to suppress cortisol production, few of these have been proven effective in cats. Trilostane appears to work best in cats and is the most commonly prescribed. This medication is administered once or twice a day. Drug therapy may help to relieve your cat's Cushing's symptoms although it can take a fair amount of time to see results.
- Surgical adrenalectomy – The surgical removal of an adrenal gland can be a good treatment option if just one adrenal gland is affected.
- Hypophysectomy – The surgical removal of the pituitary gland is a challenging and potentially risky surgery that is typically only used in extreme cases.
- Radiation for pituitary tumors – The availability of this treatment can be limited but often proves to be effective in treating cats with Cushing's disease.
What is the prognosis for Cats With Cushing's Disease?
When it comes to determining the probable outcome of Cushing's disease in cats, it usually depends on the underlying cause of the condition.
Many cats suffering from iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism respond well to treatment and go on to live a comfortable life for many months or years. Whereas, cats with Cushing's disease caused by a malignant tumor have an understandably guarded prognosis.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.