Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism in 12 cats

J Am Anim Hosp Assoc. 2006 Nov-Dec;42(6):414-23. doi: 10.5326/0420414.

Abstract

Iatrogenic hyperadrenocorticism is an extremely rare condition in cats. Twelve cats with a medical history of progressive skin lesions and long-term treatment with corticosteroids were retrospectively studied. Noncutaneous signs in the cats were variable and included anorexia, lethargy, polydipsia, polyuria, and atrophy of the thigh muscles. Laboratory abnormalities included leukocytosis, elevated alanine aminotransferase levels, and hyperglycemia. Transient diabetes mellitus was a secondary complication in four cats, and transient hypothyroidism was suspected in four cats. The mean time for regression of signs was 4.9 months after corticosteroid withdrawal.

MeSH terms

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones / adverse effects*
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / chemically induced
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / complications
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / drug therapy
  • Adrenocortical Hyperfunction / veterinary*
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / administration & dosage
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / pharmacology
  • Alopecia / etiology
  • Alopecia / veterinary
  • Animals
  • Blood Chemical Analysis / veterinary
  • Cat Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Cat Diseases / drug therapy
  • Cats
  • Female
  • Hematologic Tests / veterinary
  • Iatrogenic Disease / veterinary*
  • Male
  • Pigmentation Disorders / etiology
  • Pigmentation Disorders / veterinary
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Skin / pathology
  • Thyrotropin / administration & dosage
  • Thyrotropin / pharmacology

Substances

  • Adrenal Cortex Hormones
  • Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
  • Thyrotropin