Internal Medicine For Vet Techs Podcast · Yvonne Brandenburg and Jordan Porter

181 Acromegaly in Dogs and Cats

·42 min·4 clips

Acromegaly is the most common underlying cause of non-insulin dependent diabetes in 25% of cats, a fact many vets overlook.

This episode focuses on acromegaly, a hormonal disorder caused by excess growth hormone, in dogs and cats. Hosts Jordan Porter and Yvonne Brandenburg, both experienced veterinary technicians and educators, guide listeners through the disease's mechanisms and clinical implications. Acromegaly typically stems from a functional pituitary adenoma in cats and humans, while in dogs it is often linked to progesterone stimulation in older intact females. The hosts explain that growth hormone originates from somatotroph cells in the pituitary and stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1, leading to tissue growth. In cats, the condition is frequently associated with diabetes mellitus, but unlike typical diabetic cats, these patients often gain weight and lean body mass. Clinical signs in cats can include enlargement of the jaw, tongue, forehead, and paws, increased muscle mass, and organomegaly. A surprising claim is that acromegaly may be the underlying cause in about 25% of cats with non-insulin dependent diabetes. The hosts note that a classic diagnostic clue is a diabetic cat not responding to standard therapy, like a high-protein diet and insulin, within four months. They mention that a definitive diagnosis often requires a CT scan to visualize the pituitary, as a previously available growth hormone assay is no longer an option. Treatment options discussed include a novel somatostatin analog called pasireotide, radiation therapy for tumor shrinkage, and hypophysectomy surgery. Yvonne shares a personal anecdote about a diabetic cat named Ash who showed insulin resistance and dramatic facial structure changes, suspected of having acromegaly. The long-term prognosis for cats is often poor due to complications like congestive heart failure, chronic renal failure, or pituitary mass effects. The hosts speculate that acromegaly is likely underdiagnosed, as many cats may be euthanized for quality-of-life reasons before advanced diagnostics are pursued. The tone is conversational and educational, with hosts sharing personal experiences and conference learnings to illustrate complex endocrine concepts. The style is collaborative, with both hosts contributing clinical insights and practical takeaways for veterinary technicians. This episode is ideal for veterinary technicians and nurses seeking a deeper understanding of endocrine disorders and managing complex diabetic cases. Listeners interested in internal medicine or rare disease presentations would find it valuable, while those looking for quick, non-clinical tips might skip it.

As heard by us

A clear hormone refresher on acromegaly in cats and dogs.

It treats acromegaly as a clinic-ready internal medicine topic, moving from growth hormone to the species differences between cats and dogs and the link to pituitary adenoma or, less often, pituitary hyperplasia.

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Track the endocrine clues behind acromegaly in dogs and cats.

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