Atypical Canine and Feline Endocrinopathies

Introduction

Certain endocrinopathies in the dog and cat are seldom diagnosed. This may be because they are rare, but it may also be due to under-diagnosis; knowledge regarding a disease clearly has an affect on its frequency of diagnosis. This article reviews some of the more unusual hormone disorders. It is not intended to be an exhaustive assessment, but rather a synopsis of some of the so-called “emerging” endocrinopathies, focusing on feline hyperaldosteronism, feline acromegaly, central diabetes insipidus, hypophyseal dwarfism, and primary hypoparathyroidism. The etiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of each disease will be discussed. [...]

Key Points

• The differential diagnosis of systemic arterial hypertension in cats should include hyperaldosteronism.
• Feline acromegaly is an under-diagnosed cause of diabetes mellitus in the cat, particularly with insulinresistant cases.
• Practical problems can arise when performing diagnostic tests for central diabetes insipidus.
• Hypophyseal dwarfism in dogs can be treated by the administration of progestogens.
• The presence of a characteristic cataract is highly suggestive of hypoparathyroidism in patients with hypocalcemia.