Hypopituitarism in cats is a medical condition that involves a cat’s pituitary gland being unable to produce enough of certain types of hormones.
It can result in a wide range of symptoms, including head pain, mental issues, and head pressing.
If you see signs that your cat might be suffering from a hormonal issue, then you must consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and advice. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of hypopituitarism in cats.
Symptoms Of Hypopituitarism In Cats
Hypopituitarism in cats can produce a variety of symptoms depending on which specific hormones are affected.
Some of the most commonly seen symptoms include:
- Mental issues
- Vision problems
- Head pressing
- Head pain
- Alopecia
- Areas of the skin becoming darker
- Urinating more often
- Skin becoming thinner
Causes Of Hypopituitarism In Cats
The cause of hypopituitarism in cats can be any of a number of things. Some of the most common causes include:
- Deficient growth hormones
- Trauma
- Receiving radiotherapy
- Cystic tumors
- Congenital factors
- Cushing’s disease
- Pituitary tumors
Veterinary Treatments
If you worry that your cat is developing hypopituitarism, then your veterinarian will want to carry out a full physical examination of your kitty. They’ll also conduct comprehensive blood tests. In many cases, blood work is the most accurate way to detect a case.
Additionally, your vet will want to ask about any circumstances that could have possibly brought on the condition. For example, they may ask whether or not your cat has suffered from trauma.
Treatment generally happens on an outpatient basis. The use of growth hormone supplements can also be effective, and vets often prescribe these over the course of four to six weeks. The health of your cat’s coat may see improvement after six to eight weeks.
As always, if your vet prescribes your feline any medicine or supplements, then it is essential that you stick to the precise dosage and frequency instructions along with completing the full course of treatment.
Your cat will need follow-up vet visits so that your vet can monitor their blood and urinary glucose concentration. Depending on which hormones are affected by your cat’s condition, the long-term prognosis may be poor due to the importance of these hormones for the body.
Has your cat developed hypopituitarism? How are you and your vet managing the condition? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
