Clinical features and long-term management of cats with primary hypoadrenocorticism using desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone

BackgroundPrimary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) is rare in cats and knowledge about treatment is sparse. ObjectiveTo describe cats with PH with a focus on long-term treatment. AnimalsEleven cats with naturally occurring PH. MethodsDescriptive case series with data on signalment, clinicopathological findings, adrenal width, and doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and prednisolone during a follow-up period of >12 months. ResultsCats ranged from 2 to 10 years (median 6.5); 6 cats were British Shorthair. Most common signs were reduced general condition and lethargy, anorexia, dehydration, obstipation, weakness, weight loss, and hypothermia. Adrenal glands on ultrasonography were judged small in 6. Eight cats could be followed for 14 to 70 months (median: 28). Two were started on DOCP doses >= 2.2 mg/kg (2.2; 2.5) and 6 < 2.2 mg/kg (1.5-2.0 mg/kg, median 1.8) q28 days. Both high-dose cats and 4 low-dose cats needed a dose increase. Desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone doses at the end of the follow-up period were 1.3 to 3.0 mg/kg (median: 2.3) and 0.08 to 0.5 mg/kg/day (median: 0.3), respectively. Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceDesoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone requirements in cats were higher than what is currently used in dogs; thus, a DOCP starting dose of 2.2 mg/kg q28 days and a prednisolone maintenance dose of 0.3 mg/kg/day titrated to the individual need seems warranted. Small adrenal glands (width < 2.7 mm) on ultrasonography in a cat suspected of hypoadrenocorticism can be suggestive of the disease. The apparent predilection of British Shorthaired cats for PH should be further evaluated.

Automated summary

This study described 11 cats with primary hypoadrenocorticism (PH) and focused on long-term treatment. The study found that the doses of desoxycorticosterone pivalate and prednisolone used in cats were higher than what is currently used in dogs. Furthermore, adrenal glands smaller than 2.7 mm on ultrasonography can be suggestive of PH.