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Some people believe that the cat's body is quite primitive compared to the human body. In fact, a cat also has a complex endocrine system, and sometimes these cute animals can have hormonal disruptions. How to identify them, how dangerous they are, and most importantly - how to treat a cat whose hormones have "rebelled"? Unfortunately, just like humans, cats experience problems in the endocrine system. They need to be detected, diagnosed and prescribed in a timely manner. proper treatment otherwise the quality of life of the animal is significantly degraded. How can you tell if your pet has hormonal disbalance?
Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance in a cat
There are a number of signs that should make a cat owner suspect that his pet has a hormonal imbalance. First of all, this is a sharp increase in the amount of water you drink, and, accordingly, frequent urination. Most anxiety symptoms, which may be indicative of certain endocrine disorders in the body of an animal, this is severe obesity or, conversely, a sharp weight loss. Often, a cat begins to lose hair, up to complete baldness in some parts of the body - the so-called alopecia areata. Most severe consequences hormonal failure in a cat - these are tumors, both benign and malignant.Causes of endocrine abnormalities in cats
Cause diabetes may be prolonged overfeeding of the animal. Problem number 1, which leads to deviations in the work of the endocrine system of the animal's body, has been and remains hormonal drugs that many owners give to their cats during their estrus. Such drugs cause great harm to the animal and can even lead to oncological diseases. If you do not plan to breed cats, and your pet is not a purebred breeding animal, it is much more humane to sterilize it, rather than stuff it with pills and drops.If the veterinarian concluded that the cat lacks some natural hormone - the diagnosis is "hypothyroidism" - then a competent replacement therapy guarantees long life your favorite. Most often, a cat is assigned a life-long appointment. hormonal drugs on which her well-being depends. The rest of the animal can be called almost completely healthy.
If a cat has diabetes of the insulin-dependent type, then daily injections of insulin are prescribed to her in a dosage selected by a veterinarian.
In the event that the disease has gone far and the cat has developed tumors - most often they occur on the mammary glands and ovaries - it is shown surgical treatment. Simultaneously with the operation to remove the neoplasms, the animal is sterilized. In most cases, recurrence of endocrinological disease does not occur.
If an animal with some pathology in the endocrine system receives the correct doses in a timely manner necessary drugs and is under the supervision of a competent specialist, then it a high degree likely to live a long and happy life.
Today our guest is a specialist in laboratory diagnostics, a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry veterinary academy Vasilyeva Svetlana Vladimirovna She was one of the first in our city to start studying veterinary endocrinology and developing diagnostic algorithms, she is the author of 15 scientific works in this area. The topic of our conversation is hormonal disorders in small pets.- Svetlana Vladimirovna, do dogs and cats really have hormonal disorders like people do?
- Yes, this is not surprising: all mammals have glands internal secretion, which work on the same principle as in humans, and secrete hormones. In animals found and described a large number of endocrine diseases.
Why are they only talking about it now? It seems that animals did not suffer from such diseases before.
- In fact, these diseases have always existed. However, earlier they were practically not registered. There was no knowledge, experience, and there were much fewer animals in the city. Indeed, very recently veterinarians realized that it was necessary to learn how to diagnose and treat hormonal diseases. For many years abroad, there have been Scientific research in this direction.
- What kind endocrine diseases most common?
- According to my own research, I can say that hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, diabetes insipidus, type 1 diabetes mellitus, polycystic ovaries are most common in dogs. In cats, hormonal disorders are generally less common than in dogs, but non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus occupies the leading position.
- How do they manifest themselves?
- The fact is that each disease has a certain symptom complex. Much depends on the duration of the process, on the individual characteristics of the organism. But any owner should know the basic characteristics for which an endocrinological examination is indicated. This is an increase in thirst and urination, a change in appetite, obesity or weight loss. With many hormonal disorders, foci of alopecia appear, the skin often darkens, and the quality of the coat deteriorates. As a rule, these symptoms develop more or less for a long time, the disease has a chronic course.
- Can there be congenital hormonal diseases?
- Undoubtedly. In such cases, the growth and development of the animal is usually delayed, and rickets often develop.
- Why are these diseases dangerous?
- They are dangerous because they cause significant disruption of metabolic processes in the body, worsen the functioning of organs and systems, especially of cardio-vascular system. Sometimes the disease develops as a result of a tumor of the endocrine gland.
Are these diseases curable?
- Well respond to replacement therapy of the disease, accompanied by a decrease in the secretion of hormones. More difficult to treat syndromes of hyperfunction of the endocrine glands, especially tumors.
- What would you advise readers who find such signs in their pets?
- Be sure to undergo a comprehensive examination. To make a diagnosis, the doctor needs to examine the animal, analyze all the information about the development of the disease. Most importantly, it is necessary to laboratory diagnostics including biochemical, clinical trial blood, as well as determining the concentration of hormones in the blood. In some cases, it may be necessary to study urine, skin scrapings, as well as ultrasound of the endocrine glands. The examination can be done in the clinical and biochemical laboratory of the Academy of Veterinary Medicine.
The laboratory is located at. Call 388-30-51 for more information.
- And the last question: after making a diagnosis, can patients receive your consultation?
- Yes, after appropriate comprehensive survey we can give an opinion and prescribe a course of treatment.
Thanks for the interesting and important information.
Endocrine diseases in cats are relatively rare. However, there are some of the most common:
Diabetes
Hyperthyroidism
Obesity
Itsenko-Cushing syndrome
Hypothyroidism
Diabetes
Characterized by a violation carbohydrate metabolism caused by insufficient production of the pancreatic hormone insulin.
Diabetes- the most common endocrine disease in cats. The saddest thing is that by the time obvious symptoms appear, the disease often progresses, sometimes to such an extent that all insulin reserves in the body are already depleted.
What happens in diabetes?
The formation of carbohydrates is increased, and their absorption by the cells of the body is impaired, which leads to an increase in sugar in the blood and tissues, and this, in turn, causes the destruction of pancreatic cells and a decrease in insulin production. Thus, it creates vicious circle aggravating the course of the disease. All these changes lead to an increased breakdown of proteins and a decrease in their synthesis. Gradually, not only carbohydrate and protein metabolism is disturbed, but also fat, water and mineral metabolism.
The reasons that can give impetus to the development of the disease are as follows: metabolic disorders, any infectious processes, injuries of the pancreas or its changes - inflammation, atrophy (reduction in size and dysfunction), sclerosis (replacement of the glandular connective tissue), hereditary predisposition.
Symptoms. As a rule, the first signs of the disease appear a month and a half before bright clinical manifestations diabetes mellitus - the cat consumes a lot of liquid, urination becomes more frequent, the amount of daily urine increases. It is characteristic that urine does not have its own specific smell, it becomes lighter. As the disease progresses, the animal's well-being deteriorates sharply: the cat refuses to eat, the general condition is depressed, and asthenia develops. Sometimes there is a single vomiting, but it can become more frequent if you continue to try to feed the animal. At this stage of the disease, the smell of acetone appears from the mouth.
Treatment.
Prescribed drugs that lower blood sugar:
short, medium, long-acting insulin is administered;
drugs for oral administration;
The choice of the drug, its dosage, method and frequency of administration depends on general condition animal and blood sugar levels.
Hyperthyroidism
Characterized enhanced function thyroid gland. It is the second most common endocrine disease in cats.
Cats of all breeds, both females and males, and at any age can get sick with hyperthyroidism. However, the most susceptible to this disease are animals older than 9-10 years on average. It has been observed that Siamese and Himalayan cat breeds are less prone to hyperthyroidism.
What happens in hyperthyroidism?
The main function of thyroid hormones is to regulate metabolism (the speed of cells) in the body, and their excessive production leads to the fact that all processes in organs and tissues occur faster.
Causes. The most common is adenoma ( benign tumor thyroid gland). Somewhat less often, adenocarcinoma can become the cause that triggers the development of hyperthyroidism ( malignant tumor). plays an important role in the development of the disease elevated content iodine in feed, certain habitats, the harmful effects of insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers.
Symptoms. The animal is losing weight despite eating well. The cat's hair may partially fall out, she drinks a lot, strives to be in cool places. The animal is overly active, but gets tired quickly. There is an increase in the amount of daily urine, sometimes there is diarrhea and / or vomiting.
Treatment is carried out in three directions:
removal surgically thyroid gland;
appointment medicines blocking excessive production of thyroxine (thyroid hormone);
treatment radioactive iodine- a drug is injected that accumulates in the thyroid gland and destroys tissue with increased function;
Obesity
It is quite widespread among cats, it affects about 40% of pets. The disease is characterized by excessive deposition of fat. The most prone to obesity are cats of the Persian and British breeds.
The causes of obesity are numerous. First of all, they lie in the malnutrition of the animal, the passion for delicacies when sedentary manner life. In second place are any endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, changes hormonal background after castration or sterilization), chronic diseases (arthritis), taking certain medications (glucocorticoids). In addition, there are predisposing factors such as old age, stressful situations, heredity.
Symptoms generally depend on the degree of obesity. However, most often the disease manifests itself as follows:
the animal's stomach sags, a characteristic waddle gait appears, pronounced body fat on the thighs;
the cat is lethargic and drowsy, it is difficult for her to jump;
Treatment includes the elimination of the cause that led to the development of obesity, the appointment rational nutrition(reducing portion size and carbohydrates, eliminating fat) and increasing energy expenditure by increasing physical activity.
Itsenko-Cushing syndrome
It is characterized by increased function of the adrenal cortex. The prevalence in cats is low.
The disease proceeds in the form of two syndromes - primary ( pathological process develops in the adrenal cortex) and secondary (the function of brain structures that control the work of the adrenal cortex is disturbed). The last option is the most common.
Causes for which Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome can develop are not so numerous, they include damage to the adrenal cortex and the hypothalamic-pituitary system (it controls the production of hormones by the adrenal cortex and is located in the brain). It can be tumors (adenoma), injuries. In addition, the impetus for the development of the disease can be given by the intake of certain medicines such as glucocorticoids.
Symptoms. There is a redistribution of fat - excessive deposition of adipose tissue in certain places (stomach). The skin is dry to the touch, it can be easily injured, it has areas of hyperpigmentation. Muscle tone decreases, hair falls out. The animal has increased thirst and increased urination. The cat has a hard time with physical activity.
Treatment carried out in two directions: 1) surgical removal tumors; 2) the appointment of drugs that suppress excessive function of the adrenal glands.
Hypothyroidism
A disease of the thyroid gland, characterized by a decrease in its function. It is extremely rare in cats. With hypothyroidism, all metabolic processes in the body slow down.
Causes. The most common cause is removal of the thyroid gland or radiation therapy about hyperthyroidism. In addition, hypothyroidism can be caused by insufficient intake of iodine in the body with food. Sometimes the disease is congenital - there is an underdevelopment of the thyroid gland, or a congenital insufficient production of thyroxine
Symptoms varied and appear gradually. A sick animal becomes lethargic, drowsy, quickly gets tired. Due to the fact that metabolic processes are slowed down (heat transfer exceeds heat production), the cat's body temperature decreases, it is constantly looking for warmer places. As the disease progresses, the animal's coat becomes dull and falls out on almost the entire surface of the skin (alopecia totalis). Skin to the touch become cold and compacted, and edematous in appearance. The animal is gaining weight.
Treatment consists in the appointment of drugs containing thyroid hormone.
Endocrine system plays a special role in all life processes of the body, such as tissue growth, cell activity, daily fluctuations, reproduction processes, adaptation of the body to external environment.
Regulatory influence is carried out by it through hormones, which are characterized by high biological activity. Hormones produced by the system penetrate into circulatory system and spread throughout the body, penetrating into cells and organs, affect the activity nerve cells that makes the body work in a certain mode. The nervous and endocrine systems, interacting at the level chemical processes, regulate the work of all organs and are responsible for stability in a changing environment.
The role of the endocrine glands and their functions in the life of cats and cats
The basis of the endocrine system is a set of endocrine glands that produce hormones and secrete them directly into the blood or lymph.
The central link of the endocrine system is the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. The peripheral is thyroid, adrenal glands, as well as ovaries in cats and testicles in cats.
The endocrine glands provide the body chemicals called hormones. After they are produced, most of them (except for prostaglandin) enter the bloodstream and have an effect in other organs of the body. Hormones do not affect all cells of the body, but only some cells of an organ react to a particular hormone.
Some hormones control the production of other hormones. For example, the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, produces many hormones. These hormones act on other glands, such as the adrenal glands, and cause them to produce their own hormones. The pituitary gland is called the master gland because it provides more types of hormones than any other gland in the endocrine system. Pituitary hormones control the release of hormones from other endocrine glands, including the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries in females, and testicles in males.
Functions: 
- The pituitary gland produces growth hormone, which controls growth.
- Prolactin, which stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk.
- Thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland.
- Luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - these two hormones control heat transfer and ovulation.
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones.
- Melanocyte is a stimulating hormone (MSC) that affects the pigment.
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which regulates water metabolism.
The thyroid gland, once stimulated hormone TSH begins to produce its own hormone thyroxine. Ovaries as soon as stimulated FSH hormones and LH from the pituitary gland, produce progesterone and estrogens, testicles - testosterone. The pancreas produces the most well-known hormone - insulin, which regulates blood sugar levels. The adrenal glands, once stimulated by the pituitary hormone ACTH, produce natural steroids - corticosteroids, mineralocorticoids, and adrenal sex steroids.
Dysfunction of the endocrine system occurs in the event of a lack of certain hormones (hypofunction) or an imbalance in their relation, which can be caused by aging of the body, diseases or uncontrolled intake of hormonal drugs. Increased production of hormones leads to hyperfunction, which can lead to a change in the work of a number of organs, nervous excitement or, conversely, depression.
Hormones play a complex role in regulating bodily functions.
Endocrine system in cats and cats: pituitary gland, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands, ovaries (in females), testicles (in males).
Hormones are biologically active substances- carriers of specific information that communicate between various cells, providing the regulation of numerous functions in the body, their presence and activity in a living organism allow it to develop normally.
Hormones are present in the blood in very small quantities, so laboratory research that measure hormone levels must be very accurate.
Major Hormones
| endocrine gland | Hormone(s) produced | Function |
| Pituitary gland (anterior lobe) | Corticotropin (ACTH) | Stimulates production and secretion of adrenal hormones |
| A growth hormone | Promotes body growth and influences the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids | |
| Follicle stimulating hormone | Stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries and induces the production of spermatozoa in the testicles | |
| luteinizing hormone | Stimulates ovulation and development corpus luteum in females and testosterone production by testicles in males | |
| Prolactin | Stimulates mammary glands secretes milk | |
| Thyroid-stimulating hormone | Stimulates the production and secretion of thyroid hormones in the thyroid gland | |
| Pituitary gland (posterior lobe) | Antidiuretic hormone; also known as arginine vasopressin hormone | Causes the kidney to conserve water by concentrating urine and decreasing urine volume; also has a lesser role in blood pressure regulation |
| Oxytocin | Stimulates uterine smooth muscle contraction during childbirth and facilitates the release of milk from the breast during breastfeeding | |
| parathyroid glands | Parathyroid hormone | Increases the concentration of calcium in the blood, promoting the absorption of calcium in the intestines, the mobilization of calcium salts from the bones, and increasing the ability of the kidney to restore calcium from the urine; also reduces phosphate by increasing its excretion by the kidneys |
| Thyroid glands | Thyroid hormones (T-3 and T-4) | Increase in basal metabolism; regulate the content of proteins, fats, and carbohydrate metabolism |
| Calcitonin | Takes part in the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus; tend to have opposite parath/hormone effects | |
| adrenal glands | Aldosterone | Helps regulate salt and water balance by retaining sodium (salt) and water and excreting potassium |
| Cortisol | It has hypnotic effect throughout the body; involved in response to stress; active in carbohydrate and protein metabolism; helps maintain blood sugar levels blood pressure, and muscle strength | |
| Adrenaline (adrenaline) and norepinephrine | Released in response to stress; stimulates cardiac activity and increases blood pressure, metabolic rate, as well as the concentration of glucose in the blood; also increases blood sugar and fatty acid levels | |
| Pancreas | Insulin | Reduces blood sugar levels; affects the metabolism of sugar, proteins and fats |
| Glucagon | Raises blood sugar levels, opposite to the action of insulin | |
| ovaries | Estrogen | Women's controls reproductive system, along with other hormones; responsible for promoting estrus and developing and maintaining female secondary sex characteristics |
| Progesterone | Prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg, maintains the pregnancy, and promotes the development of the mammary glands | |
| testicles | Testosterone | Responsible for the development of the male reproductive system and secondary male sexual characteristics |
The development of diseases of the endocrine system in cats and cats
The cat's body controls and regulates hormone levels through the system feedback specific to each hormone. The function of hormones is to keep factors such as temperature and blood sugar levels within certain ranges. In some cases, in order to keep the functions of the body in balance, hormones with opposite functions work in pairs.
Diseases of the endocrine system can develop if the body produces too many or too few hormones, as well as when the normal way use or removal of hormones. Symptoms of the disease appear in those organs that produce hormones or due to problems in other parts of the body that affect the secretion or action of a particular hormone.
Tumors or other abnormalities in the endocrine glands often lead to increased production of the corresponding hormones.
The pituitary gland produces various important hormones controlling many organs and some endocrine glands. Because of the role played by the pituitary gland, it is called the master gland. Various diseases can cause disturbances in the functioning of the pituitary gland. Symptoms specific disease depend on the cause and the part of the pituitary that is affected.
A pituitary tumor can cause pituitary hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's syndrome), panhypopituitarism and acromegaly.
The pituitary antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin), which is responsible for maintaining the correct level of fluid in the body, in case of violation normal operation pituitary causes diabetes insipidus in cats.
Violations of the activity of the endocrine glands appear in two main forms: hyperfunction (excessive function) and hypofunction (insufficient function).
For example, hyperthyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, and hypothyroidism, a disease in which the thyroid gland of a cat does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism can be caused by the pathology of the thyroid gland itself (tumor), otherwise the cause should be sought in disorders of the pituitary gland, which plays a special role in maintaining hormonal levels and regulates the work of other endocrine glands.
In many cases, disorders in the gland not only lead to an overproduction of hormones, it usually does not respond to feedback signals. This can cause the release of hormones in those situations in which it is normally required to reduce their production.
Receiving signals about an excess or lack of hormones of a particular gland, the pituitary gland inhibits the production of its own hormones. This mechanism of action of the pituitary and peripheral glands is very reliable, but the occurrence of an imbalance in this complex circuit can lead to chronic disease such as hypothyroidism.
Endocrine system and diseases of the immune system in cats and cats
Diseases immune system- a frequent consequence of hormonal disorders. In the case of an overactive immune system, the body is attacked by its own cells - allergies and autoimmune diseases.
The organs of the endocrine system of a cat can be damaged by autoimmune processes, when the body incorrectly identifies some tissues of its own body as foreign and begins to destroy their cells. In the early stages, the body compensates for the loss of cells by producing additional hormones from the remaining cells. In such cases, signs of the disease may not be observed until the organ has been largely destroyed.
Unfortunately, just like humans, cats experience problems in the endocrine system. They need to be detected in a timely manner, diagnosed and prescribed the right treatment, otherwise the quality of life of the animal deteriorates significantly. How can you tell if your pet has a hormonal imbalance?
Symptoms of a hormonal imbalance in a cat
There are a number of signs that should make a cat owner suspect that his pet has a hormonal imbalance. First of all, this is a sharp increase in the amount of water you drink, and, accordingly, frequent urination. The most alarming symptoms that may indicate certain endocrine disorders in the body of an animal are obesity or, conversely, sudden weight loss. Often, the cat begins to lose hair, up to complete baldness in some parts of the body - the so-called alopecia areata. The most severe consequences of hormonal failure in a cat are tumors, both benign and malignant.Causes of endocrine abnormalities in cats
The cause of diabetes can be prolonged overfeeding of the animal. Problem number 1, which leads to deviations in the work of the endocrine system of the animal's body, has been and remains hormonal drugs that many owners give to their cats during their estrus. Such drugs cause great harm to the animal and can even lead to cancer. If you do not plan to breed cats, and your pet is not a purebred breeding animal, it is much more humane to sterilize it, rather than stuff it with pills and drops.
How to treat hormonal imbalance in a cat
If the veterinarian has concluded that the cat lacks some natural hormone - a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is made - then competent replacement therapy guarantees a long life for your pet. Most often, a cat is prescribed a life-long intake of hormonal drugs, on which her well-being depends. The rest of the animal can be called almost completely healthy.
If a cat has diabetes of the insulin-dependent type, then daily injections of insulin are prescribed to her in a dosage selected by a veterinarian.
In the event that the disease has gone far and the cat has developed tumors - most often they occur on the mammary glands and ovaries - surgical treatment is indicated. Simultaneously with the operation to remove the neoplasms, the animal is sterilized. In most cases, recurrence of endocrinological disease does not occur.
If an animal with some kind of pathology in the endocrine system receives the correct doses of the necessary drugs in a timely manner and is under the supervision of a competent specialist, then it is highly likely to live a long and happy life.
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