Cushings Disease in Cats

Cushings disease in cats is considered an uncommon endrocrine condition. It is characterized by hyperadrenocorticism, or the overproduction of adrenal hormone (corticosteroids).

Feline Cushings disease (Hyperadrenocorticism) is most commonly caused by a tumor of the pituitary gland, or sometimes a tumor of the adrenal glands. It can also be caused by overuse of steroid treatments, such as prednisone.

If the syndrome is induced by prolonged or excessive steroid usage, then the condition should resolve after reduction of the drug therapy. This is known as iatrogenic Cushings.

The disease affects mostly middle aged to older cats, with females more often being the target. This disease has many symptoms that could be caused by other diseases, and diabetes is often present along with it. As such, it can be complicated to understand, and difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms and signs include the following...

concurrent diabetes in 81% of cases
polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive urination)
pendulous abdomen
polyphagia (excessive hunger)
alopecia (hair loss) and poor coat
muscle wasting and weight gain in over 50% of cases
hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
fragile skin syndrome in almost 50% of cases (skin may tear off easily)
infections
depression
weight loss in almost 20% of cases
easy bruising

In addition to thin skin and bruising, cushings disease can create skin conditions that include:

comedones (blackheads)
baldness on the trunk and abdomen
poor coat condition
abscesses
hyperpigmentation

Additional secondary infections produced by Cushings disease in cats may include facial abscesses, bacterial and fungal cystitis, pyothorax, bronchitis, rhinitis, pancreatitis, and demodicosis.

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