Hypopituitarism in Cats
Hypopituitarism is a condition associated with low production of hormones that are produced by the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland located near the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. Several hormones are produced by the pituitary gland, any one or more of which may be lacking. Of these hormones, some of the more clinically significant ones are the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), the adrenocorticotropin hormone (produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex), the luteinizing hormone (stimulates secretion of sex steroids), the follicle stimulating hormone (secreted by the gonadotropes in the anterior pituitary gland), and the growth hormone (GH). Hypopituitarism can also result from the destruction of the pituitary gland by a cancerous, degenerative, or anomalous process.
The symptoms of hypopituitarism can vary depending on which hormones are lacking, and which body function is being affected by the deficit. For example, lack of luteinizing hormones can result in sexual abnormalities such as abnormally small genitals, and GH deficiency can result in lack of appropriate growth or dwarfism (typically developed within the first two to three months). If the gland is being affected by cancer or tumor, the cat may be experiencing pain in its head (with consequential head-pressing), or visual problems. Other common symptoms include:
- Mental retardation manifested as difficulty in house-breaking
- Thin, hypotonic skin – having less than normal tone or tension, as of the muscles or arteries
- Hair loss on the trunk (alopecia)
- Cutaneous hyperpigmentation – darkening of an area of the skin
- Delayed dental eruption
- Head-pressing due to pain in the head from a tumor
- Cystic Rathke's pouch – a benign cystic tumor that results from remnants of remaining fetal tissue
- Isolated GH (growth hormone) deficiency
- Pituitary tumor
You will need to give a thorough history of your cat's health, growth, behavioral development, onset of symptoms, and possible incidents that might have preceded this condition, such as trauma to the head. A complete blood profile will be conducted, including a chemical blood profile, a complete blood count, and a urinalysis. Blood tests are the most reliable method for diagnosis of this condition.
Standard blood test results may show increased levels of eosinophilia (white blood cells), lymphocytosis (disease of the lymph glands), hypophosphatemia (phosphorus deficiency), or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Other laboratory tests will test the levels of hormones in the bloodstream. Your veterinarian will want to have your cat brought in for a morning blood draw in order to measure basal levels of TSH and prolactin. Another blood test, called a dynamic test, measures hormone levels after injection of a hormone stimulating substance. This can be used to check levels of ACTH and GH. The results of these tests generally are the best indicators for hypopituitarism. Visual imaging techniques, primarily using X-ray, can be used to check for the presence of a tumor or cyst in the vicinity of the pituitary gland.
A heightened number of lymphocytic leukocytes in the blood of an animal
Part of the thalamus that helps to regulate the release of certain hormones
The gland that is found at the bottom of the brain whose job is to maintain appropriate levels of hormones in the blood
A hormone involving the secretion of milk
An in-depth examination of the properties of urine; used to determine the presence or absence of illness
Low amounts of glucose in the blood
The prediction of a disease’s outcome in advance
The hormones that stimulate growth of the body
Term used to refer to the front of the pituitary gland; can be found at the bottom of the brain and is responsible for the secretion of certain hormones that deal with growth and other bodily functions.
In veterinary terms, used to refer to the front of the body.
Not being able to cause harm; the opposite of malignant.
The increase in the amount of urine produced
Eliminating or the material that has actually been eliminated
The outermost part of the adrenal gland