Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing syndrome) is chronic cortisol excess. It is rare in cats, but it is a classic exam topic because the cat differs so much from the dog: it presents as unregulated diabetes, often with skin that tears at the lightest handling.
Key facts
Hyperadrenocorticism at a glance- Species and system: cat; endocrine (adrenal and pituitary).
- Cause: most commonly a pituitary tumour secreting ACTH (pituitary-dependent, PDH); the rest are cortisol-secreting adrenal tumours; iatrogenic disease is uncommon.
- Classic presentation: older cat with poorly regulated, insulin-resistant diabetes, potbelly, alopecia and sometimes fragile skin.
- Association: almost 80% of affected cats have concurrent diabetes mellitus.
- Signalment: middle-aged to older cats; about 60% female in one report.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
14 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Reading the dexamethasone tests
- Practical points for the cat with diabetes
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 3 self-test questions and 6 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.