Hyperaldosteronism (Conn's syndrome) in cats

Background: Feline primary hyperaldosteronism is a relatively rare endocrine disease of geriatric cats. Main clinical features include those derived from hypertension and hypokalaemia. A high index of suspicion of the disease is required since clinical signs and clinicopathological features can be confused with those of chronic kidney disease. The diagnosis involves the routine clinical pathology, diagnostic imaging and assessment of hormone concentrations, and potentially dynamic functional testing. Treatment could be surgical or medical depending on the cause of the disease.

Aim of the article: To review the pathophysiology of primary hyperaldosteronism, summarising the currently available literature about the disease. The article also aims to provide practical suggestions for the diagnostic investigation of cats with suspected primary hyperaldosteronism, and for treatment of the disease.