Hyposomatotropism, or pituitary dwarfism, is a deficiency of growth hormone (GH) with a secondary fall in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). It is far better known in German Shepherd dogs, and only a handful of feline cases have been published. The exam value lies in the physiology and in telling proportionate dwarfism from other causes of small kittens.
Key facts
Hyposomatotropism at a glance- Species and system: cat, endocrine (anterior pituitary, somatotropic axis).
- Cause: congenital pituitary failure, or acquired damage such as head trauma; a canine LHX3 mutation has not been found in cats.
- Signalment: kittens, usually noticed at 3 to 5 months because they are small next to littermates.
- Classic presentation: proportionate dwarfism, soft woolly coat with few guard hairs, thin skin, and low IGF-1 after other causes are excluded.
- Zoonotic or reportable: no.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Don't confuse hyposomatotropism with
- Treatment and management
- Prognosis
- What the case reports show
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
The full guide also has 4 tables, 3 self-test questions and 4 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.