Complications associated with a flash glucose monitoring system in diabetic cats.

OBJECTIVES: Glucose monitoring is an integral part of diabetes management. Interstitial glucose monitoring systems are increasingly commonly being used for this purpose in dogs and cats, including the use of a flash glucose monitoring system (FGMS). The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and nature of complications associated with the use of an FGMS in diabetic cats. METHODS: The medical records of all cats that had placement of a 14-day FGMS during a 1-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Data retrieved included the number of days the sensor remained attached and functional, location of sensor placement and complications associated with the sensor. Complications were defined as early sensor detachment, sensor failure prior to the end of the 14-day monitoring period and dermatologic changes at the sensor site. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize the data. RESULTS: Twenty cats had a total of 33 FGMSs placed. The majority (30/33 [91%]) of sensors were placed over the dorsolateral aspect of the thorax just caudal to the scapula. Twenty (61%) FGMSs remained attached and functional for the full 14 days. The overall incidence of complications associated with FGMS use was 10/33 (30%). The most frequent complication was early sensor detachment (n = 5/33 [15%]). Mild dermatologic changes (erythema, crusts) were noted with 4/33 (12%) FGMSs. More serious complications (skin erosions, abscess formation) were noted with 2/33 (6%) FGMSs. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: The use of the FGMS is relatively safe in cats, although there are potential complications that owners should be made aware of.

Mammary development, hyperestrogenemia, and hypocortisolemia in a male cat with an adrenal cortical carcinoma.

A 14-year-old neutered male domestic shorthaired cat was diagnosed with an adrenal cortical carcinoma causing hyperestrogenemia that resulted in mammary hyperplasia and sexual behavior. A right adrenalectomy and mammary gland biopsy were performed. Adrenal cortical neoplasia should be ruled out in any neutered male cat with mammary development and/or exhibiting sexual behavior.

Développement mammaire, hyperœstrogénémie et hypocortisolémie chez un chat mâle atteint d'un corticosurrénalome malin. Un corticosurrénalome malin, causant l'hyperœstrogénémie et produisant une hyperplasie mammaire et un comportement sexuel, a été diagnostiqué chez un chat domestique à poil court mâle stérilisé âgé de 14 ans. Une surranélectomie droite et une biopsie de la glande mammaire ont été réalisées. Un diagnostic de corticosurrénalome devrait être éliminée chez tout chat stérilisé ayant un développement mammaire et/ou manifestant un comportement sexuel.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Clinical findings, diagnostics and outcome in 33 cats with adrenal neoplasia (2002-2013).

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this retrospective study was to describe the clinical signs and diagnostic findings in cats with histopathologically confirmed adrenal neoplasms, and to assess correlations with survival data. METHODS: Study data were acquired by reviewing medical records for all cats diagnosed with adrenal neoplasms at seven referral institutions between 2002 and 2013. Inclusion criteria required a histopathologic diagnosis of an adrenal neoplasm (ante-mortem or on necropsy). RESULTS: Thirty-three cats met the inclusion criteria for the study. The most common presenting complaints included weakness (n = 12), respiratory signs (n = 4), blindness (n = 4) or gastrointestinal signs (n = 3). Laboratory abnormalities included hypokalemia (n = 18), alkalemia (n = 12), elevated creatine kinase (>3000, n = 5) and azotemia (n = 4). In addition, hypertension was noted in 13 cats. Thirty cats were diagnosed with cortical tumors (17 carcinomas, 13 adenomas) and three cats were diagnosed with pheochromocytomas. Twenty-five cats underwent tests to evaluate the function of the adrenal tumors; 19/25 cats had functional tumors (hyperaldosteronism [n = 16], hypercortisolemia [n = 1], high estradiol [n = 1], and hypersecretion of aldosterone, estradiol and progesterone [n = 1]). Twenty-six cats underwent adrenalectomy, one cat was medically managed and six were euthanized without treatment. Long-term survival postoperatively ranged from 4-540 weeks, with 20 (77%) cats surviving the perioperative period of 2 weeks. The only variable that was found to be negatively associated with survival was female sex. The most common complications noted during the perioperative period were hemorrhage and progressive lethargy and anorexia. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE: Surgical treatment for feline adrenal tumors (regardless of tumor type) resulted in good long-term survival. Given that pre- and postoperative hypocortisolemia was identified in this study, and, in addition, hypersecretion of more than one adrenal hormone occurred in one cat, adrenal panels prior to surgery may be beneficial as part of the preoperative work-up.