Endocrine Flashcards
What can cause dramatic pathological consequences in cats during the early growth phase of life?
Growth hormone (GH) deficiency
GH deficiency can lead to issues such as congenital hyposomatotropism and its effects.
What is congenital hyposomatotropism in cats also known as?
Pituitary dwarfism
What is a common cause of congenital hyposomatotropism in dogs?
Failure of Rathke’s pouch to differentiate into a normal anterior pituitary
What clinical presentation is typical for congenital hyposomatotropism in kittens?
Stunted growth becomes evident by 1–2 months of age
What are some additional findings in cats with isolated congenital hyposomatotropism?
- Prolonged retention of deciduous teeth
- Dry, dull hair coat
- Bilateral corneal edema
- Generalized weakness and lethargy
- Clinical signs associated with hypoglycemia
What tests are used to diagnose GH deficiency in cats?
GH assays and IGF-1 testing
What is the significance of IGF-1 testing in diagnosing GH deficiency?
IGF-1 secretion is non-pulsatile and reflects GH secretion over the preceding 24 hours
What challenges exist in treating GH deficiency in cats?
Lack of feline-specific GH products and potential for adverse effects and antibody formation
What is the prevalence of hypersomatotropism in diabetic cats?
Estimates range from 18% to 32%
What is the most common cause of hypersomatotropism in cats?
A tumor of the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary
What environmental risk factors have been implicated in promoting endocrine tumorigenesis in cats?
- Organochlorine pesticides
- Industrial compounds (e.g., PCBs)
- Brominated flame retardants
What genetic contribution has been suggested in cats with hypersomatotropism?
A non-synonymous SNP in exon 1 (AIP C9T>G)
What clinical signs may indicate hypersomatotropism in cats?
- Progressive upper respiratory noise
- Myocardial thickening
- Unexplained weight gain
What is the recommended screening for newly diagnosed diabetic cats?
Measure serum IGF-1
What is the mean age of diabetic cats suspected to have hypersomatotropism in a large UK study?
11.3 years
What is the significance of the finding that only 24% of attending clinicians suspected hypersomatotropism prior to diagnosis?
Indicates phenotypic recognition is challenging
What treatment has not been effective in stimulating GH secretion in cats?
Progesterone therapy
What can be a consequence of untreated congenital hyposomatotropism in cats?
Poor prognosis and reduced lifespan
What are the higher levels observed in cats with IGF-1?
Higher body weights, higher fructosamine concentrations, higher insulin requirements
A wide range of body weights and insulin doses was observed, making it impossible to rule out hypersomatotropism based on phenotype alone.
What should veterinarians consider in poorly controlled diabetic cats?
Hypersomatotropism
Especially if showing weight gain, severe polyphagia, insulin resistance, or respiratory stridor.
What are the key pathologic changes associated with hypersomatotropism?
- Hypertrophy of myocardium
- GH stimulation of the hunger center
- Increased soft tissue mass
- Soft tissue growth in airways
- Soft tissue and cartilage proliferation
- Bone growth of face and limbs
- Pituitary tumor expansion
These changes can lead to various clinical signs in affected cats.
What are common clinical signs in non-diabetic cats with hypersomatotropism?
- Upper respiratory stridor
- Weight gain or obesity
- Broadening of the head
- Cardiac signs such as murmurs or congestive heart failure
- Neurologic signs due to pituitary mass
The term hypersomatotropism is preferred over acromegaly as not all affected cats exhibit classic phenotypic changes.
What is a known limitation of IGF-1 testing?
Dependence on sufficient portal insulin to stimulate hepatic IGF-1 production
Up to 9% of untreated diabetic cats may yield false-negative results.
What is the preferred surgical treatment for hypersomatotropism?
Hypophysectomy
It offers the highest rates of diabetic remission and improved quality of life.