Feline diabetes and Acromegaly
This particular study consists of examining the relationship between diabetes and acromegaly and also the role of cardiovascular disease in these patients.
Stabilising cats with diabetes can sometimes be very challenging, therefore clinicians at the Royal Veterinary College are studying the relationship between the control of this disease and Insulin-like growth factor (IGF).
Growth Hormone (GH) exerts an anabolic effect, which is mediated by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and plays a significant role in basal metabolic rate and developmental processes. Catabolic effects of GH include the development of insulin-resistance.Understanding the role between these conditions could improve the management of diabetic and acromegalic cats.
We are interested in receiving blood samples from all diabetic cats, including those that are proving difficult to stabilise. Newly diagnosed cats (diagnosis within the last 6 weeks) are eligible for follow up samples for 4 months.
Cats with a high IGF may be eligible for a free consultation at the Queen Mother Hopsital for Animals and a CT scan to try to confirm the presence of a pituitary mass. This can be of clinical value if owners wish to pursue radiotherapy which is still the treatment of choice for acromegalic cats. We are keen to continue long term follow up on these cats to objectively assess the long term response to treatment as well as consider other medical options should they become available.
Print out study information here.
Download submission forms for newly diagnosed and difficult diabetics here.
Please note that samples older than 4 days may not provide reliable fructosamine results so we would advise against sending samples on a Friday.
