Adrenal tumors and adrenalectomy in cats

Adrenal tumors in cats, although rare, may lead to hormone hypersecretion syndromes such as hyperaldosteronism, hypercortisolism, hypersecretion of sex hormones and catecholamine excess, or maybe silent. Adrenal tumors are divided in cortical (adenomas and carcinomas) or medullary (pheochromocytomas). Diagnosis relies on endocrinological testing and imaging studies, while the treatment of choice, wheneverpossible, is adrenalectomy, performed using either traditional or laparoscopic techniques. This procedure requires meticulous management of vascular structures and carefulpreoperative preparation to minimise risks. Complications include intraoperative hemorrhage, hypoadrenocorticism, renal injury, and postoperative pancreatitis, laparoscopic surgery is recommended for small, non-invasive tumors; while the traditional approach is preferred for more complex masses. Advances in surgical techniques and perioperative management have significantly improved outcomes, resulting in generally favorable prognoses and a good median survival rate.