Hyperadrenocorticism in feline: Case report

Abstract

Hyperadrenocorticism (CAH) is an endocrine disease resulting from excessive exposure to cortisol and can be due to functional changes in the adrenal glands or chronic administration of glucocorticoids. This pathology in felines is rare and affects, in most of the cases, diabetics from middle age to old age. In the present report, the case described is of a feline, male, Brazilian Shorthaired Cat, aged 16, with pre-diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus and manifesting, among others, the following symptoms: prostration, vomiting, mucous pallor, abdominal dilation, and thin and inelastic skin. The abdominal volume and skin condition associated with decompensated diabetes suggested the possibility of diagnosis, with final confirmation using the Dexamethasone Suppression Test. Therapy was established with the use of Trilostane, which proved to be effective in the control of the pathology. The objective of the case report is to show that hyperadrenocorticism also affects cats, being one of the causes of diabetes in the species.