INTRODUCTION TO CANINE DIABETES MELLITUS
Download Free Introduction to Canine Diabetes Mellitus.pdf Diabetes mellitus is not a single disease or condition with a solitary cause or treatment. It is the state of persistent uncontrolled hyperglycaemia and may be the result of many contributory factors. Factors that promote relative hyperglycaemia include anything that causes failure of adequate insulin secretion and/or peripheral insulin antagonism. Common causes of insulin secretory failure in dogs include immune mediated B-cell destruction and chronic pancreatitis, whereas insulin antagonism is often the result of obesity, or an increased progestagen, glucocorticoid or growth hormone influence (both naturally occurring and therapeutic). Depending on the cause/s, the Diabetes may be temporary/reversible (e.g. DM caused by increased circulating endogenous progestogen during metoestrus) or persistent (eg end stage chronic pancreatitis). It is important to understand the variable causes of DM as this can influence both the treatment and long term prognosis.
Signalment and Clinical Signs
Diabetes affects both males and females of any age but is most common in middle aged and elderly dogs. Typical breeds include rottweilers, small terrier breeds, poodles and crossbreed terriers. The main clinical signs of Diabetes mellitus are polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, weight loss, scurfy coat, signs related to cataract development, exercise intolerance and recurrent infection esp. chronic cystitis.
Diagnostic Tests
Diabetes mellitus is confirmed by demonstrating persistent hyperglycaemia. Isolated episodes of hyperglycaemia do not confirm DM almost irrespective of their magnitude. Fructosamine is the product of glycated proteins and its rate of production is directly related to circulating glucose concentration. Circulating fructosamine concentration reflects the “average” blood glucose over the preceding 2-3 weeks. Increased blood fructosamine values are confirmatory of DM.
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