Primary hyperaldosteronism is autonomous aldosterone secretion that no longer responds to the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In cats it usually comes from an adrenal tumour, produces hypokalaemia and hypertension, and is easy to mistake for chronic kidney disease. It is probably underdiagnosed.
Key facts
Hyperaldosteronism at a glance- Species and system: cat; endocrine (adrenal zona glomerulosa).
- Cause: usually a unilateral aldosterone-secreting adrenocortical tumour (adenoma or carcinoma); sometimes bilateral zona glomerulosa hyperplasia.
- Signalment: middle-aged to older cats; no breed or sex predisposition.
- Classic presentation: weakness, lethargy, cervical ventroflexion or plantigrade stance from hypokalaemic myopathy, with systemic hypertension.
- Treatment: unilateral adrenalectomy; otherwise spironolactone, potassium and amlodipine.
- 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
- Working through the case
- Stabilisation and long-term monitoring
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 5 tables, 3 self-test questions and 7 references, available to NAVLE members.
Read the full study guide
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