Clinical features, long-term management of cats with primary hypoadrenocorticism
Primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) is rare in cats and knowledge about treatment is sparse. The aim of this study was to describe cats with PH with a focus on long-term treatment.
The authors described a case series with data on signalment, clinicopathological findings, adrenal width and doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and prednisolone during a follow-up period of more than 12 months.
Eleven cats with naturally occurring PH were enrolled in the study. Cats ranged from two to 10 years (median 6.5); six cats were British shorthair.
The most common signs were reduced general condition and lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, obstipation, weakness, weight loss and hypothermia.
Adrenal glands on ultrasonography were judged small in 6. Eight cats could be followed for 14 to 70 months (median: 28). Two were started on DOCP doses ≥2.2 mg/kg (2.2; 2.5) and 6 < 2.2 mg/kg (1.5-2.0 mg/kg, median 1.8) q28 days. Both high-dose cats and four low-dose cats needed a dose increase. Desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone doses at the end of the follow-up period were 1.3 to 3.0 mg/kg (median: 2.3) and 0.08 to 0.5 mg/kg/day (median: 0.3), respectively.
Desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone requirements in cats were higher than what is currently used in dogs; thus, a DOCP starting dose of 2.2 mg/kg q28 days and a prednisolone maintenance dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day titrated to the individual need seems warranted. Small adrenal glands (width < 2.7 mm) on ultrasonography in a cat suspected of hypoadrenocorticism can be suggestive of the disease.
The apparent predilection of British shorthaired cats for PH should be further evaluated.
Nadja S Sieber-Ruckstuhl, et al. “Clinical features and long-term management of cats with primary hypoadrenocorticism using desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone.” J Vet Intern Med. 2023 Mar;37(2):420-427. doi: 10.1111/jvim.16658.
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