ACTH Stimulation Test (Feline)

Indications:

Diagnostic test for differentiation of normal cats from those with hyperadrenocorticism.

Notes:

ACTH is not licensed for use in the cat. Hyperadrenocorticism often occurs concurrently with diabetes mellitus. ACTH stimulation is the test of choice in these cases. In other cases, the high dose (0.1 mg/kg) dexamethasone suppression test may be more sensitive.

ACTH produces a lower peak cortisol value and the elevation is more transient in the cat in comparison with the dog.

Protocol:

• Collect 1-2 ml blood in plain/gel tube.
• Administer 0.125 mg (125 µg) Synacthen (iv).
• Collect 1-2 ml blood samples at 60 and 90 minutes post-injection.
• Label tubes with name and time of sample.
• Submit tubes and request form to the laboratory.