Cryohypophysectomy used in the treatment of a case of feline acromegaly.

Abstract

A 10-year-old female spayed cat was diagnosed with acromegaly secondary to a pituitary tumour. At the time of diagnosis, the cat had insulin-resistant diabetes mellitus and its insulin-like growth factor-I levels were elevated. Clinical signs included polyuria, polydipsia and weight gain. Persistent hyperglycaemia and glucosuria were identified, and fructosamine levels remained elevated. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed a pituitary tumour. Transsphenoidal cryohypophysectomy was used to treat the pituitary tumour. Postoperatively, the serum insulin-like growth factor-I levels decreased and the diabetes mellitus was controlled with routine levels of insulin. To the authors' knowledge, this is the second reported case of acromegaly treated with cryohypophysectomy, and the first that reports a favourable long-term outcome. Cryohypophysectomy may be a safe and effective treatment for cats with a pituitary mass resulting in acromegaly.