Quality of life and response to treatment in cats with hypersomatotropism: the owners’ point of view

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to collect clinical information from owners of cats with hypersomatotropism (HS) distributed worldwide, assessing the impact of HS and its treatments on cats’ quality of life (QoL) and survival time. Methods A survey focused on clinical presentation, diagnostic procedures, treatments, cats’ QoL and disease progression was distributed worldwide to owners of cats with HS. The owner’s perception of the cats’ QoL before and after or during treatment was defined using a score ranging from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). Improvement following treatment (IFT) was quantified using a score ranging from 1 (absent) to 5 (obvious). Different treatment groups, including at least five cases, were compared. Results A total of 127 cats were included from at least 11 different countries. Among these, 120 (95%) were diabetic and 7 (5%) were not. Out of 120 diabetic cats, 55 (46%) were treated with insulin as a single treatment (INS). Other treatments were not mentioned to owners in 35/120 (29%) cases. The median QoL score at diagnosis was 2 (range 1–5) and improved after treatment in all groups. Cabergoline (4; range 1–5), radiotherapy (4; range 2–5) and hypophysectomy (5; range 4–5) showed better median IFT scores compared with INS (3; range 1–5) ( P = 0.046, P <0.002 and P <0.0001, respectively). Hypophysectomy IFT proved superior to cabergoline ( P = 0.047) and was equal to radiotherapy IFT ( P = 0.32). No difference was found between cabergoline and radiotherapy IFT ( P = 0.99). The median survival time (MST) was 24 months (range 0–75 months). Cats treated with INS showed shorter MST (22 months; range 0–69 months) compared with cats treated with causal treatments combined (36 months; range 3–75 months) ( P = 0.04). Conclusions and relevance Not all cats with HS will have diabetes mellitus. Causal treatments seem associated with the greatest improvements in perceived cats’ QoL and survival; such treatments should therefore be discussed with owners. Cabergoline could be an effective alternative management option.

Prevalence of hypersomatotropism and hyperthyroidism in cats with diabetes mellitus from referral centers in Buenos Aires (2020–2022)

“…[26][27][28] In a recent study on quality of life in cats with HST, another seven cases of acromegaly without DM were mentioned. 29 Two studies have indicated that the prevalence of hyperthyroidism in the population of diabetic cats is around 5-6%. 11,13 One study concluded that cats with induced hyperthyroidism have impaired glucose tolerance, possibly due to an increase in insulin resistance.…”

“… 26 – 28 In a recent study on quality of life in cats with HST, another seven cases of acromegaly without DM were mentioned. 29 …”

Feline Comorbidities: Hypersomatotropism-induced diabetes in cats

“…As improved quality of life is the key outcome when managing a patient, hypophysectomy seems to be the treatment of choice. 69 it is likely that improved iGF1 control with hypophysectomy has unseen effects, which result in quality-of-life improvement…”

“…As improved quality of life is the key outcome when managing a patient, hypo-physectomy seems to be the treatment of choice. 69 It is likely that improved IGF1 control with hypophysectomy has unseen effects, which result in quality-of-life improvement that extends beyond effective control of diabetes mellitus. See the 'Factors affecting serum IGF1 concentration' box for a discussion of practical considerations when interpreting IGF1 values.…”