Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Primary hyperaldosteronism in cats causing weakness and blindness
By Daniel Diola Bento et al.·Published in Ciência Rural·2016·View original on DOAJ →
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Original publication title: Feline primary hyperaldosteronism: an emerging endocrine disease
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
A 10-year-old domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with primary hyperaldosteronism, a condition where the adrenal glands produce too much aldosterone, leading to symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, weakness, and even neck drooping. The vet confirmed the diagnosis through hormone tests and imaging of the adrenal glands. Treatment options included surgery to remove the affected adrenal gland or medication to manage the condition. With the right treatment, the cat's prognosis is generally good, and many cats can lead normal lives afterward.
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Abstract
ABSTRACT: The primary hyperaldosteronism, an endocrine disease increasingly identified in cats, is characterized by adrenal gland dysfunction that interferes with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, triggering the hypersecretion of aldosterone. Pathophysiological consequences of excessive aldosterone secretion are related to increased sodium and water retention, and increased excretion of potassium, which induce hypertension and severe hypokalemia, respectively. The most common clinical findings in cats include: polydipsia, nocturia, polyuria, generalized weakness, neck ventroflexion, syncope, anorexia, weight loss, pendulous abdomen and blindness. Diagnosis is based on the evidence of hormonal hypersecretion with suppression of renin release, imaging and histopathological evaluation of adrenal glands. Treatment may be curative with adrenalectomy, in cases of unilateral disease, or conservative, through administration of aldosterone antagonists, potassium supplementation and antihypertensives. Prognosis varies from fair to good with the appropriate therapy. This article reviews the main aspects of primary aldosteronism in cats, providing the clinician with important information for the diagnosis of this disease.
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Search related cases →Original publication on DOAJ: https://doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20141327