Feline Cushings Disease
Feline cushing’s disease is a condition in which the adrenal glands produce too much cortisol. This is usually caused by a tumor on the pituitary or adrenal gland. The disease occurs in cats much less frequently than it does in dogs. Also, females are more likely to develop the condition than males. Some cats also have diabetes at the same time.
Symptoms
If your cat has diabetes as well as cushing’s disease, he will drink and urinate more than normal. Cats without diabetes usually don’t show many symptoms. Other common symptoms of feline cushing’s disease include a pot-belly and weight gain. Your cat may also develop fragile skin which can be bruised easily. Some cats with this disease also have an enlarged liver.
Diagnosis
Unless your cat has diabetes mellitus, he may not show any symptoms. Therefore, it is common for feline cushing’s disease to be in an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis. In order to reach a definitive diagnosis, the veterinarian will have to perform a battery of tests. They include blood tests, urinalysis, and an ultrasound of the abdomen. Your cat may also need x-rays taken of the abdomen and chest.
Treatment
The main method of treatment for feline cushing’s disease is surgery. This is due to the fact that most cats won’t respond well to medication. As mentioned earlier, the tumor that causes this disease can occur on the adrenal or pituitary gland. If the pituitary gland is affected, both of your cat’s adrenal glands will likely be removed.
If the tumor is on one of the adrenal glands, the affected gland will be removed. Both adrenal glands will have to be removed if both have tumors. Your cat will have to take hormone medication for the rest of his life if both glands are removed.
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