chapter
Hyperadrenocorticism,^27
Feline Skin Fragility
Syndrome
DEFINITION/OVERVIEW
A disorder of multifactorial causes characterized by extremely fragile skin.
Tends to occur in older cats that may have concurrent hyperadrenocorticism, diabetes
mellitus, by excessive use of megestrol acetate or other progestational compounds, or
as a paraneoplastic syndrome.A small number of cats have no evidence of biochemical abnormalities.
SIGNALMENT/HISTORY
Rare, naturally occurring disease tends to be recognized in older cats (median age
10–11 years) with females slightly overrepresented.
Iatrogenic cases have no age predilection.
No breed predisposition.
Risk Factors
Hyperadrenocorticism (HAC): pituitary (PDH) or adrenal dependent (ADH).
HAC: PDH 75–80%, ADH 20–25% (75% benign adenomas).
Iatrogenic cases: secondary to excessive corticosteroid or progestational drug admin-
istration.
Diabetes mellitus (DM): rare, unless associated with hyperadrenocorticism (80–90%
of hyperadrenocorticism cases experience late-phase DM).
Possibly idiopathic or paraneoplastic syndrome.
Historical Findings
Gradual onset of clinical signs.
Polyuria and polydipsia most often reported.
Progressive alopecia (not always present).
Often associated with weight loss, lusterless coat, poor appetite, and lack of energy.
Blackwell’s Five-Minute Veterinary Consult Clinical Companion: Small Animal Dermatology, Third Edition.
Karen Helton Rhodes and Alexander H. Werner.
©2018 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Published 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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