
Jump to section
Hypophysectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat tumors of the pituitary gland. This will involve removing the pituitary gland. It is a highly complex procedure that is currently available at only one specialist veterinary institution in the United States. Hypophysectomy is not generally the first line of treatment for pituitary tumors. Radiation and medical therapy are usually the treatment of choice for pituitary tumors.
Hypophysectomy is complex because surgeons enter the skull through the mouth. The approach may vary based on the expertise of and tools available to the surgeon. The general procedure steps for hypophysectomy are listed below.
Top
Although it is a very complex procedure, hypophysectomy is generally very effective for treating pituitary tumors. Hypophysectomy will usually reverse signs of diabetes. Roughly 70% of cats experience diabetic remission within the first three weeks following surgery. The remaining 30% do not require as much insulin as they did prior to surgery. However, because the surgery is complex, the mortality rate is relatively high at 20%. There is also a 20% tumor recurrence rate.
Top
During hospitalization, the cat’s vital signs are monitored carefully. Plasma sodium and potassium levels are measured before surgery, and again eight, twenty-four, and forty-eight hours after surgery. Hydrocortisone, analgesics, and fluids are administered intravenously at regular intervals. Cats will be encouraged to drink water as soon as they recover from the effects of the anesthesia. Once the cat is conscious, oral cortisone acetate therapy will begin, and will act as a replacement for the growth hormone.
On the return home, owners should explicitly follow their surgeon’s postoperative care instructions. Cortisone acetate therapy should be continued for four weeks or as instructed by the surgeon. The dosage should decrease gradually throughout the recovery period. An antibiotic regimen will be prescribed after surgery and should be continued for at least fourteen days. It is imperative that owners monitor their cat’s drinking behavior and record their water intake each day. If excessive urination occurs, owners should consult their veterinarian immediately.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled within eight to twelve weeks after surgery to monitor healing and ensure the condition has not recurred. During this appointment, a CT scan will be performed and the cat’s plasma chemistry profile, in addition to blood and urine samples, will be taken.
Top
The cost of hypophysectomy may vary depending on standards of living and additional costs incurred. The cost of hypophysectomy ranges from $2,000 to $5,000.
Top
With most brain surgeries, complications can occur and are often very serious. Complications associated with hypophysectomy may include, but are not limited to:
The surgeon will inform the owner of all possible complications of this surgery. In some studies, cats treated by hypophysectomy suffered from undiagnosed concurrent disease which ultimately caused mortality. These concurrent diseases were masked by the pituitary condition. This is a more common occurrence in cats than dogs diagnosed with pituitary masses.
Top
It is difficult to prevent pituitary tumors in cats as they are often a geriatric condition. If owners notice any signs of diabetes mellitus in their cats, they should contact their veterinarian immediately.
Top
*Wag! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. Items are sold by the retailer, not Wag!.
Ask a Vet
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
About Wag!
© 2020 Wag Labs, Inc. All rights reserved.
Security