Rare pituitary diseases in dogs and cats and their human companions

Abstract

The pituitary gland, though small in size, has been recognized for its essential functions since the early 20th century. Dogs played a pivotal role in understanding its endocrine function, and the history of hypophysectomy in humans and dogs is strongly interrelated. While pituitary diseases are rare in humans, they are more prevalent in dogs and cats, with neoplasia representing the most common pathology. These tumors can lead to endocrine disorders such as Cushing’s disease and acromegaly across species. The classification of diverse pituitary adenomas in humans, has prompted their investigation in veterinary patients and the advances in surgical and medical management of pituitary disease exemplify translational medicine. Techniques developed for humans, first evaluated in experimental dogs and subsequently translated into veterinary clinical practice. In the search for novel medical treatment strategies against pituitary diseases in humans, animal studies investigating the feasibility and safety of orphan drugs in large animal models like dogs and cats with spontaneous disease offer valuable information for the initiation of clinical trials in humans. While the incidence of particular pathologies differs between species, there is a common goal for all patients: refining treatment and improving outcomes. This review discusses current status and developments in treatment options for pituitary tumors in companion animals, and takes a look over the shoulder of our human counterparts to see which current, novel and future practices may be promising for our veterinary patients, and investigate how trials with orphan drugs against pituitary disease in veterinary patients can favor human clinical trials.