title: Diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus in five cats with somatotrophic abnormalities.
abstract: The clinical findings and management of five cats with abnormalities consistent with acromegaly were examined retrospectively. Growth hormone (GH) concentrations were elevated in four cats. In one, a minimal elevation of GH was accompanied by a marked elevation in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). Insulin-like growth factor-1 concentrations supported the diagnosis in three of four cats measured, but was not elevated initially in one cat, despite a markedly elevated GH concentration. These findings suggest that elevated IGF-1 concentrations are a reliable indicator of acromegaly, but that values within the reference range do not exclude such a diagnosis. Clinical signs of acromegaly were similar to those previously reported, although upper respiratory stridor occurred in one cat, and insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus was not a consistent feature. Despite the lack of a widely available definitive treatment for acromegaly, good control of the clinical signs of diabetes mellitus can be achieved for long periods despite high doses of insulin often being required.
authors.affiliation: Division of Small Animal Clinical Studies, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Bearsden Road, Glasgow.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Norman
authors.forename: C T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Mooney
mesh_terms: D000172:Acromegaly / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D002371:Cat Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D002415:Cats; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000662:veterinary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004032:Diet; D005260:Female; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D049528:Insulin, Long-Acting; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; D013006:Growth Hormone