Pituitary surgery in dogs and cats: new options for common problems

Authors: Kenny PJ
Publication: Australian Veterinary Practitioner, Volume 53, Issue 2, pp 59-65, May 2023
Publisher: Australian Veterinary Association

Animal type: Cat, Dog
Article class: Clinical Article

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Abstract:

Pituitary tumours secreting adrenocorticotrophin are the most common cause of spontaneous hyperadrenocorticism in dogs. Hypersomatotrophism caused by a growth hormone secreting pituitary tumour is a common cause of diabetes mellitus and/or cardiomyopathy in cats. Affected animals may go on to develop neurological signs as the growing tumour compresses the adjacent brain.

The primary form of treatment offered to humans with these conditions is transsphenoidal surgery; this is the only modality with the potential for a tumour and endocrine cure.

Transsphenoidal hypophysectomy has rarely been offered for dogs and cats, primarily due to a lack of experienced surgical and endocrine teams, though this situation is changing internationally and in Australia.

Outcomes after hypophysectomy are likely to be better while the tumour is small, owners should be offered cranial imaging and the option of surgery early.

Keywords: pituitary surgery, hypophysectomy, hyperadrenocorticism, hypersomatotrophism, acromegaly, diabetes mellitus

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