References

Ackerman N, Benchekroun G, Bourne D Diabetes mellitus: guidance for managing diabetes in practice. Companion Anim.. 2018; 23:(3)143-51 https://doi.org/10.12968/coan.2018.23.3.143

Catchpole B, Adams JP, Holder AL, Short AD, Ollier WER, Kennedy LJ. Genetics of canine diabetes mellitus: are the diabetes susceptibility genes identified in humans involved in breed susceptibility to diabetes mellitus in dogs?. Vet J.. 2013; 195:(2)139-147 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.11.013

Davison L. Diabetes mellitus in dogs. In Pract.. 2018; 40:(3)82-92

Davison LJ, Herrtage ME, Catchpole B. Study of 253 dogs in the United Kingdom with diabetes mellitus. Vet Rec.. 2005; 156:(15)467-71 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.156.15.467

Elliott KF, Rand JS, Fleeman LM A diet lower in digestible carbohydrate results in lower postprandial glucose concentrations compared with a traditional canine diabetes diet and an adult maintenance diet in healthy dogs. Res Vet Sci.. 2012; 93:(1)288-95 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2011.07.032

Fall T, Hamlin HH, Hedhammar Å, Kämpe O, Egenvall A. Diabetes mellitus in a population of 180,000 insured dogs: incidence, survival, and breed distribution. J Vet Intern Med.. 2007; 21:(6)1209-16 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb01940.x

Fall T, Hedhammar Å, Wallberg A, Fall N, Ahlgren KM, Hamlin HH, Lindblad-Toh K, Andersson G, Kämpe O. Diabetes mellitus in elkhounds is associated with diestrus and pregnancy. J Vet Intern Med.. 2010; 24:(6)1322-8 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2010.0630.x

Fleeman LM, Rand JS, Markwell PJ. Lack of advantage of high-fibre, moderate-carbohydrate diets in dogs with stabilised diabetes. J Small Anim Pract.. 2009; 50:(11)604-14 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1748-5827.2009.00817.x

Gilor C, Niessen SJM, Furrow E, DiBartola SP. What's in a name? Classification of diabetes mellitus in veterinary medicine and why it matters. J Vet Intern Med.. 2016; 30:(4)927-40 https://doi.org/10.1111/jvim.14357

Guptill L, Glickman L, Glickman N. Time trends and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in dogs: analysis of veterinary medical data base records (1970-1999). Vet J.. 2003; 165:(3)240-7 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1090-0233(02)00242-3

Harrington S, Williams SJ, Otte V Improved yield of canine islet isolation from deceased donors. BMC Vet Res.. 2017; 13:(1) https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-1177-2

Maggiore AD, Nelson RW, Dennis J, Johnson E, Kass PH. Efficacy of protamine zinc recombinant human insulin for controlling hyperglycemia in dogs with diabetes mellitus. J Vet Intern Med.. 2012; 26:(1)109-115 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.00861.x

Mattin M, O'Neill D, Church D, McGreevy PD, Thomson PC, Brodbelt D. An epidemiological study of diabetes mellitus in dogs attending first opinion practice in the UK. Vet Rec.. 2014; 174:(14) https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.101950

Animal Health MSD. Managing diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats. 2014. http://www.caninsulin.co.uk/

Canine diabetes mellitus. WASVA World Congress Proceedings. https://www.vin.com/apputil/content/default-adv1.aspx?id=5124417&pid=11343&

Selman PJ, Mol JA, Rutteman GR, van Garderen E, Rijnberk A. Progestin-induced growth hormone excess in the dog originates in the mammary gland. Endocrinology. 1994; 134:(1)287-92 https://doi.org/10.1210/endo.134.1.7506206

Shields EJ, Lam CJ, Cox AR Extreme beta-cell deficiency in pancreata of dogs with canine diabetes. PLoS One. 2015; 10:(6) https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0129809

Update on insulin treatments for dogs and cats: insulin dosing pens and more. Veterinary Medicine Research and Reports. 2015. http://Dovepress.com (Accessed 26/08/19)

Canine diabetes mellitus

02 September 2019
9 mins read
Volume 10 · Issue 7

Abstract

Canine diabetes mellitus is a complex endocrinopathy, with a pathogenesis that varies amongst individuals, but is clinically similar to Type I diabetes in humans. The aetiology and pathogenesis of the disease remains poorly understood; however, irrespective of the underlying aetiology, diabetes mellitus is reported to occur as a result of the interplay between environmental and genetic factors. Investigation and treatment of canine diabetes will require considerable investment from owners. This will include both financial commitment and considerable time and effort; but this commitment can achieve a good outcome.

A 7-year-old female (entire) Husky presented to the clinic with weight loss despite a good appetite. The owner reported that the dog had been drinking more than usual (polydipsia) and was also urinating more frequently (polyuria). Vaccination and worming were up to date. On clinical examination the dog had a body condition score of 4/9 and had lost 7 kg since the previous examination 1 year ago. No other abnormalities were found on clinical examination. Tests to aid diagnosis were performed including haematology and biochemistry blood tests, which revealed hyperglycaemia with a blood glucose of 27.6 mmol (3.3–6.1 mmol) and urinalysis, which indicated glucosuria and ketonuria.

Hyperglycaemia refers to abnormally high levels of glucose (a simple carbohydrate sugar) in the blood. Glucose is a major source of energy for the body and insulin, a hormone produced and released by the pancreas, plays a key role in maintaining normal sugar levels. Table 1 indicates the potential causes of hyperglycaemia in dogs.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting The Veterinary Nurse and reading some of our peer-reviewed content for veterinary professionals. To continue reading this article, please register today.