Hypoadrenocorticism in two cats successfully treated with desoxycorticosterone pivalate

Abstract

Two cats were presented with lethargy and anorexia. Clinically, the cats showed hypothermia and dehydration. Blood examination in both cats showed hyponatraemia, hyperkalaemia and additionally azotaemia in case 1 and hypercalcaemia in case 2. In both cats, an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test showed an insufficient stimulation of the adrenal glands. In case 1, markedly elevated endogenous ACTH was additionally measured. Both cats were successfully treated with a combination of desoxycorticosterone pivalate (DOCP) and prednisolone (0.15 mg/kg daily). Case 1 received a final concentration of 2.6 mg/kg DOCP every 30 days, while case 2 was successfully managed with 2.2 mg/kg every 28 days. These rare cases of feline hypoadrenocorticism demonstrate that DOCP can be used similarly as in dogs.

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

“…Although many cats with hypoadrenocorticism have been reported to be younger than 5 years, it is known that the disease can occur in a broad age range. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 A possible explanation for the higher age of the cats in this study, could be the high number of pure breed cats (7/11), which are more often indoor cats, and therefore signs like reduced activity and lethargy might only be detected by owners late in the course of the disease. In dogs, it has been shown that younger dogs with PH (≤3 years) need significantly higher doses of DOCP than older dogs.…”

“… 2 , 7 , 8 , 9 The follow‐up period of these cases is not clearly mentioned in 3 or was below 12 months in 2 cases. 2 , 7 , 8 , 9 …”

“…Its incidence seems lower than in dogs, even in cats presenting with hyperkalemia, hyponatremia, or a low sodium: potassium ratio 1 . So far, no breed or sex predisposition is reported and many cats are less than 5 years old at diagnosis 2‐9 . The anamnestic signs are like those in dogs and include lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, and, less commonly, vomiting, polyuria/polydipsia, and waxing/waning illness.…”

“…As in dogs, the most common biochemical findings in cats with PH are hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 …”

“… 2 , 3 , 4 , 6 , 7 Only 7 cats treated with DOCP have so far been described. 2 , 7 , 8 , 9 DOCP is a parenteral, long‐acting mineralocorticoid with no glucocorticoid activity; therefore, additional supplementation with glucocorticoids is mandatory. The manufacturer recommends a starting dose of 2.2 mg/kg every 28 days in dogs.…”