Introduction

Cushing’s disease, otherwise known as hyperadrenocorticism, is a disorder of excessive cortisol secretion by the adrenal glands. It is a rare disease that usually is only diagnosed in cats over 7 years of age. The disease can be caused by the administration of excessive steroid medications or by tumors on the adrenal or pituitary glands of affected cats. The treatment options for cats with Cushing’s are limited, and in many cases the treatment protocols are quite risky. Unfortunately, once clinical signs of Cushing’s are present in cats, the disease has already progressed to an advanced stage.

Treating Cushing's Disease in Cats

Feline Cushing’s Disease (FCD) is extremely debilitating to affected animals. Cats tend to have better treatment options than do dogs. Affected cats should have medical treatment prior to surgery to prevent complications from fragile skin, infections and bruising. Since this condition often has been caused by the administration of steroid medications, the most common treatment is to slowly wean the cat off of the medications. An abrupt end to steroid medications can cause other medical disorders, and so the medications must slowly be reduced under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Medical Therapy

There are a number of medications available to treat Cushing’s disease in cats, whether the disorder is caused by pituitary or adrenal tumors. Only some cats with Cushing’s disease respond positively to these medical treatments, and the medications come with their own side effects.

Surgical options

If oral or injectible medications do not manage the effects of Cushing’s disease, surgical removal of the adrenal gland is the last available option. This surgery is extremely risky, and only about one-half of all patients survive. If your cat has been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease, it is important to have an honest discussion with your veterinarian About the treatment options and possible outcomes you can expect. You may also want to ask for a referral to a veterinary specialist, as many veterinarians do not have experience treating Cushing’s disease in cats.