Feline hypersomatotropism: what is the veterinarians’ approach to the disease?

CORSINI ANDREA; DIEGO D MICELI; ZEUGSWETTER; NIESSEN, STIJN JM; CANEY, C. ARENAS, M.J. DIAS, M. BATTELLINO, F. FRACASSI

Congreso; ECVIM-2021; 2021

Feline hypersomatotropism (FHS) is increasinglyrecognized among both diabetic and non-diabetic cats.Different diagnostic and therapeutic approaches exist,depending on the preferences of veterinarians and theavailability of technical equipment.The aim of this observational study was to collectepidemiological data and describe the veterinarians’experience with FHS, as well as their approach to thedisease.An online survey was developed and translated into Italian,English, Portuguese, Spanish, and German. The surveyincluded questions focused on veterinarians’ workexperience and choices of diagnostics, treatment, andfollow-up of FHS. The improvement following treatment(IFT) was described using a score ranging from 1 (absent)to 5 (obvious).Respondents were recruited through social networks,internet forums, and direct contact by e-mail.The veterinarians’ responses were reviewed and FHSdiagnosis was considered correct if at least 2 of thefollowing criteria were present:• clinical suspicion• elevated insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) or GHserum concentrations• visualization of a pituitary mass by mean of advanceimaging (CT or MRI)or histopathological confirmationOne-hundred-twelve veterinarians from 14 countries were included. Dataregarding previous experience with FHS and work environment are reportedin Figure 1 and 2, respectively. Overall, data regarding 60 cats with FHSwere collected. Among them, 53 (88%) were diabetic, while 7 (12%) werenot. All non-diabetic cats were diagnosed by 3 veterinarians. Data regardingclinical signs of both diabetic and non-diabetic FHS are reported in Table 1Treatments used in diabetic cats were reported in Figure 4.Cabergoline was used as monotherapy in 6/7 (85%) non-diabeticcats.The median overall IFT score was 3 (interquartile range [IQR]:2-4).The survival time was available for 17/24 deceased cats, with amedian of 18 months (IQR:7-26).The majority of veterinarians’ never diagnosed FHS,despite the disease is increasingly recognized.• Feline HS should be considered also in non-diabetic cats.• Medical treatment (insulin and/or cabergoline) remains themost common treatment.