Cushing's Disease in Cats: What to Know

If your cat has unusual issues like wounds that won't heal or excessive thirst, then he or she may have hyperadrenocorticism or Cushing's disease. This disease is common in dogs but unusual for cats. So, a veterinarian will need to do a total workup to diagnose the condition.

Because Cushing's disease is rare in cats, many owners don't tune into the symptoms until they become severe. Learn more about how Cushing's disease presents itself in cats and what your veterinarian will do to diagnose and treat the disease.

Signs of Cushing's Disease in Cats

Sometimes, the symptoms of Cushing's disease mimic other serious and chronic conditions. If your cat experiences any of the following issues, see a veterinarian as soon as possible. The longer you wait, the more likely the condition will worsen.

Increased Skin Issues

Cats with Cushing's disease tend to have skin that tears and bleeds easily.

Increased Appetite

Your cat may seem hungrier than usual or has an insatiable appetite. An increased appetite will also lead to unusual weight gain.

Increased Thirst or Urination

Increased urination and thirst could be a sign of Cushing's disease. However, it may also indicate kidney problems or blood sugar issues exacerbated by the disease.

Increased Digestion Problems

Cat's with Cushing's disease may seem bloated and vomit more often.

Increased Tiredness

A cat with Cushing's disease will appear lethargic and weak.

Causes of Cushing's Disease in Cats

If your cat takes steroid medications for a long period, then he or she may show Cushing's symptoms. Veterinarians often give cats steroid medication for inflammatory allergies like flea allergies. Often, if you reduce or stop the steroid medication, the symptoms will subside. If your cat is on these medications, don't stop them until you talk to your veterinarian.

Another common cause of Cushing's disease in cats is a tumor either on the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands. Tumors can be benign or malignant. Often, if the veterinarian removes or reduces the tumor, the symptoms will subside, especially with benign tumors. A few cases of the disease may have no known cause.

Diagnosis of Cushing's Disease in Cats

Your veterinarian will do a variety of tests to rule out other issues and pinpoint the disease and its type. Examples of tests for Cushing's disease include:

• Urine tests for excess cortisol
• ACTH-stimulating injections to measure the increase in cortisol before and after the injection
• X-rays and internal imaging to check for tumors and abnormal glands

Your veterinarian will also do general blood tests to check for other more common issues that could be the cause of your cat's issues.

Treatment of Cushing's Disease in Cats

Treatment of your cat's Cushing's disease depends on the cause. If your cat has tumor issues, then surgery may be an option. Your veterinarian may wish to try tumor-reducing medications before surgery. Pituitary tumors are more difficult to remove than adrenal tumors. If the veterinarian feels that surgery is not possible, then he or she may place your cat on cortisol-reducing medications. Your cat will need to take these medications for the rest of his or her life.

If the tumor is only on a single adrenal gland, then only that gland needs removal and the other is left intact. If any tumor is cancerous, then your cat may need radiation therapy to reduce the chance of metastasis.

If your cat experiences any symptoms of Cushing's disease, see a veterinarian for treatment. A cat with properly managed and treated Cushing's disease can live a normal life. If you are in the south San Diego or Chula Vista area, contact South San Diego Veterinary Hospital to make an appointment for your cat's examination. We are a cat-friendly practice and can help keep your cat healthy with traditional and alternative treatments.