Adrenalectomy for the treatment of hypotension in a cat with phaeochromocytoma associated with caudal vena cava syndrome

Abstract

An 11‐year‐old spayed female, Persian cat was referred to the Jeonbuk Animal Medical Center for evaluation of a 2‐month history of lethargy and anorexia. Physical examination revealed tachycardia and hypotension. Abdominal imaging via sonography and CT identified a right adrenal gland mass causing severe deviation and compression of the caudal vena cava. After stabilising the blood pressure and heart rate through positive inotropes and fluid therapy, right adrenalectomy was performed. Surgery confirmed the adrenal gland mass was severely compressing the caudal vena cava. Histopathological examination revealed that the mass was a pheochromocytoma. After adrenalectomy, blood pressure and heart rate stabilised and remained unaffected 8 months postsurgery. This report describes a rare case of an adrenal pheochromocytoma leading to caudal vena cava compression in a cat presenting with hypotension.