Cushing’s disease in cats is a rare but significant condition primarily affecting middle-aged female cats. While cat owners might be familiar with the symptoms of Cushing’s disease in dogs, the symptoms in cats are similar. Here’s what owners need to know about Cushing’s disease in cats.
Cushing’s disease, also called hyperadrenocorticism, is caused by too much cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone found in all mammals, and it helps the body deal with stress, control blood pressure, and metabolize sugar.
When a cat, human, or dog has Cushing’s disease, the excess cortisol in their body causes the amount of glucose in their bloodstream to increase. Overproduction of this hormone leads to several problems in cats requiring veterinary treatment.
The most common reason for these high cortisol levels is the presence of small tumors on the pituitary gland. Some cats may also develop Cushing’s disease because they have small tumors on their adrenal cortex, the gland that’s directly responsible for producing cortisol.
Older cats are more likely to get Cushing’s disease, and most cases first present when a cat is middle-aged or older. Cushing’s is also more common in female cats, with approximately 70% of cases occurring in females. (Trusted Source) Despite this, Cushing’s disease in cats is rare. Our vet, Dr. Armstrong, has only seen one confirmed case in 42 years of practicing veterinary medicine.
Certain breeds, like Siamese, Persians, Abyssinians, and domestic long hairs, have a slightly higher risk of developing Cushing’s disease. However, most cases are seen in domestic short hair.
Genetic factors are rarely associated with Cushing’s disease in cats. The most common cause is a naturally occurring tumor on the pituitary gland in the brain or the adrenal gland in front of the kidneys. (Trusted Source) The tumor causes an overproduction of a hormone called adrenocorticotropic that produces excessive cortisol.
Although rare, another cause of Cushing’s disease, called iatrogenic, is the long-term overuse of high-dosage steroid medication. Prolonged use of cortisol or progesterone medications can cause it.
If you’re concerned your cat might have Cushing’s or a related pituitary disorder, (Trusted Source) here are some clinical signs and symptoms to look out for:
A note on diabetes
80% of cats with hyperadrenocorticism also present with diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance. Diabetes, just like Cushing’s, is closely related to hormone imbalances and glucose in the bloodstream. Drugs to manage diabetes, as well as dietary changes, may be necessary. The comorbidity of these conditions can make insulin dosage regulation challenging.
Diagnosing Cushing’s disease in cats is more difficult than in dogs. Initial bloodwork can reveal hyperglycemia or elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol, and a high blood urea nitrogen (BUN) content.
A urine sample test for a few days allows your vet to track your cat’s cortisol levels over time. It can also show excess proteins or glucose. Additionally, a positive result from a low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST) is a strong sign your cat has it.
While no one test is foolproof, a combination of tests gives a better overall picture to confirm Cushing’s diagnosis. Your vet may recommend additional tests, ultrasounds, and X-rays to identify other health issues affecting treatment or prognosis.
The treatment for hyperadrenocorticism seeks to stop the overproduction of cortisone and keep hormones at normal levels. Many cats need medication to control their adrenal glands’ overproduction of cortisol. Treating Cushing’s disease in cats depends on the type and any comorbid conditions.
Treatment for pituitary tumors includes surgical removal of the pituitary gland or medical therapy. However, lifelong hormonal replacement therapy is necessary after gland removal to restore hormonal functions. Drugs like trilostane (Trusted Source) can also help with medical management. In some cases, your vet may recommend radiation therapy to ease neurological symptoms.
Addressing an adrenal tumor may require a CT scan to monitor the tumor and its potential spread. Some vets may also recommend surgery to remove the abnormal adrenal gland. If the tumor is non-cancerous and completely removed, your cat may return to normal health. If surgery is not doable, your vet may prescribe adrenal support medication. Your vet can help you determine the best treatment for your pet based on the severity of their case.
Gradual discontinuation of the steroid can treat this type of Cushing’s disease. However, it can lead to a recurrence of the condition it was treating. Hormonal treatment therapy may be necessary to replace adrenal hormones.
Cushing’s disease worsens over time if not addressed. Cats untreated may develop severe infections or uncontrolled diabetes. Proper treatment can improve the outlook. However, complications after removing adrenal glands are high, and not all cats do well with the medication. Removal of both adrenal glands tends to have the best prognosis and longest survival rates.
You may be unable to cure your cat’s Cushing’s disease or relieve its side effects at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help. Here are our vet-approved recommendations for keeping your cat comfortable as they recover:
Although rare, Cushing’s disease in cats is a serious condition that requires timely and accurate diagnosis by a medical professional. While managing Cushing’s can be challenging, early intervention and treatment can significantly improve your cat’s quality of life. Regular vet visits and care can help identify and manage this condition, ensuring the best outcome and quality of life for your cat.
No. The best way to help your cat is to know the signs of Cushing’s disease and get them help ASAP.
Cushing’s disease doesn’t seem to affect a cat’s life expectancy, so long as it’s caught early and the cat responds well to treatment. A severe case of Cushing’s disease, which often appears alongside diabetes, may reduce a cat’s life expectancy.
The most common symptoms of Cushing’s disease are fragile skin, weight gain, and patchy hair. If you notice any of these signs, you should make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible.
Yes. With proper treatment and care, the effects of Cushing’s disease can be significantly reduced. Hormonal replacement therapy can balance hormonal imbalances caused by Cushing’s.
The two most common treatments for Cushing’s disease are medication and surgery to remove the adrenal glands. Your vet can determine the correct method of treatment for your cat.
