Canine Diabetes Mellitus Study Guide
Overview and Clinical Importance
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disorder in dogs characterized by persistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria resulting from an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin. The condition affects approximately 0.3-0.5% of the canine population and is one of the most frequently tested endocrine topics on the NAVLE.
Unlike cats, where Type 2 (insulin-resistant) diabetes predominates, most diabetic dogs suffer from insulin-deficient diabetes analogous to human Type 1 diabetes. This results from destruction of pancreatic beta cells through immune-mediated processes, chronic pancreatitis, or idiopathic mechanisms. Consequently, lifelong insulin therapy is the mainstay of treatment, and diabetic remission is rare in dogs.
Etiology and Pathophysiology
Classification of Canine Diabetes
Canine diabetes is heterogeneous with multiple underlying pathological processes converging on insulin deficiency:
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