Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

Acromegaly results from '''chronic excessive secretion of growth hormone''' in the adult animal. It has been recognised in dogs and cats, but the aetiology of the disease in both species is completely different.

Acromegaly results from '''chronic excessive secretion of [[Pituitary Growth Hormone - Anatomy & Physiology|growth hormone]]''' in the adult animal. It has been recognised in dogs and cats, but the aetiology of the disease in both species is completely different.

'''In dogs''', acromegaly results after administration of progestational compounds for the suppression of oestrus in intact female dogs. There is excessive secretion of growth hormone by the mammary cells under the influence of '''exogenous progesterone'''. Therefore it occurs most commonly in '''intact older female dogs'''.

'''In dogs''', acromegaly results after administration of progestational compounds for the suppression of oestrus in intact female dogs. There is excessive secretion of growth hormone by the mammary cells under the influence of '''exogenous [[Ovaries Endocrine Function - Anatomy & Physiology|progesterone]]'''. Therefore it occurs most commonly in '''intact older female dogs'''.

'''In cats''', acromegaly is caused by a '''functional growth hormone-producing tumour of the anterior pituitary'''. These tumours grow slowly and may be present for a long period of time before onset of clinical signs. Feline acromegaly occurs most commonly in '''older male cats'''.  

'''In cats''', acromegaly is caused by a '''functional growth hormone-producing tumour of the anterior pituitary'''. These tumours grow slowly and may be present for a long period of time before onset of clinical signs. Feline acromegaly occurs most commonly in '''older male cats'''.  

The disease is characterised by overgrowth of soft tissues, bone and viscera, and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus.

The disease is characterised by overgrowth of soft tissues, bone and viscera, and insulin-resistant [[Diabetes Mellitus|diabetes mellitus]].

==Clinical Signs==

==Clinical Signs==

'''Enlarged abdomen''': due to organomegaly: heart, kidney, liver and tongue

'''Enlarged abdomen''': due to organomegaly: heart, kidney, liver and tongue

'''Skin changes''': thickened, myoedematous skin with prominent folds on the neck and face, hypertrichosis, hyperpigmentation, thick, hard nails.

'''Skin changes''': thickened, oedematous skin with prominent folds on the neck and face, [[hypertrichosis]], [[hyperpigmentation]], thick, hard nails.

'''Inspiratory stridor''' due to thickened mucosa

'''Inspiratory stridor''' due to thickened mucosa

'''Cardiomyopathy''' in 45% of cats which can lead to congestive heart failure seen as weakness and dyspnoea.

'''Cardiomyopathy''' in 45% of cats which can lead to congestive heart failure seen as weakness and dyspnoea.

'''Renal failure''' in 50% of cats

[[:Category:Renal Failure|'''Renal failure''']] in 50% of cats

'''Reproductive disease''' in dogs such as pyometra, mucometra and mammary gland nodules

'''Reproductive disease''' in dogs such as pyometra, mucometra and mammary gland nodules

<u>'''Clinical signs'''</u> relate to a change in physical appearance, which can be documented by using old photographs of the animal.

<u>'''Clinical signs'''</u> relate to a change in physical appearance, which can be documented by using old photographs of the animal.

<u>'''Haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis'''</u>: there will be hyperglycaemia and glucosuria. Other findings inclue: hyperphosphataemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperproteinaemia and increases in liver enzymes.

<u>'''Haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis'''</u>: there will be hyperglycaemia and glucosuria. Other findings include: hyperphosphataemia, hypercholesterolaemia, hyperproteinaemia and increases in liver enzymes.

<u>'''Insulin-like growth factor-1 levels'''</u>: this allows an indirect assessment of growth hormone levels. A value greater than 200 is strongly suggestive of acromegaly.

<u>'''Insulin-like growth factor-1 levels'''</u>: this allows an indirect assessment of growth hormone levels. A value greater than 200 is strongly suggestive of acromegaly.

<u>'''Radiography'''</u>: these will show cardiomegaly in 86% of cats, hepatomegaly, renomegaly. There may be pleural effusions and oedema. Bony changes include sponylosis, periarticular periosteal reactions

<u>'''Radiography'''</u>: these will show cardiomegaly in 86% of cats, hepatomegaly, renomegaly. There may be [[:Category:Effusions|pleural effusions]] and [[oedema]]. Bony changes include spondylosis, periarticular periosteal reactions.

<u>'''Ultrasonography'''</u>: echocardiography will reveal ventricular hypertrophy in the cat.

<u>'''Ultrasonography'''</u>: echocardiography will reveal ventricular hypertrophy in the cat.

==Treatment==

==Treatment==

'''In dogs''', progesterone treatment should be '''withdrawn''', and intact females should be ovariohysterectomised.

'''In dogs''', progesterone treatment should be '''withdrawn''', and intact females should be ovariohysterectomised.

 

:Growth hormone concentrations should normalise and soft tissue abnormalities should resolve.

Growth hormone concentrations should normalise and soft tissue abnormalities should resolve.

:The prognosis is good.

 

The prognosis is good.

'''In cats''', no successful therapy has been reported.  

'''In cats''', no successful therapy has been reported.  

'''Dopamine agonists''' have been tried to reduce circulating GH levels, but response has not been shown to be good.

'''Dopamine agonists''' have been tried to reduce circulating GH levels, but response has not been shown to be good.

Heart disease should be managed with diuetics and beta blockes, and renal disease by feeding a low protein, low phosphorus diet.

Heart disease should be managed with diuretics and beta blockers, and renal disease by feeding a low protein, low phosphorus diet.

'''Prognosis''' is good in the short term and most will do well for 1-2 years. However in the long term it is grave, and cats are usually euthanised due to congestive heart failure, renal failure or the expanding pituitary tumour.

'''Prognosis''' is good in the short term and most will do well for 1-2 years. However in the long term it is grave, and cats are usually euthanised due to congestive heart failure, renal failure or the expanding pituitary tumour.

Pasquini, C. (1999) '''Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics''' ''Sudz Publishing''

Pasquini, C. (1999) '''Tschauner's Guide to Small Animal Clinics''' ''Sudz Publishing''

[[Category:Bones - Metabolic Pathology]]

[[Category:Bones - Metabolic Pathology]]

[[Category:Pituitary Gland - Pathology]]

[[Category:Pituitary Gland - Pathology]]