Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is the life-threatening end of uncontrolled diabetes mellitus: severe insulin deficiency lets the liver flood the blood with ketoacids, causing metabolic acidosis, dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Most affected dogs have not yet been diagnosed as diabetic, and most have another illness that tipped them over. Treatment is intensive and stepwise, and the order of the steps is what the NAVLE tests. For insulin choices, home monitoring and long-term control, see the canine diabetes mellitus study guide.
Key facts
Diabetic ketoacidosis at a glance- Species: dog (cats also develop DKA).
- System: endocrine (endocrine pancreas) with acid–base and electrolyte consequences.
- Cause: severe insulin deficiency plus excess counter-regulatory hormones, usually with a concurrent disease such as pancreatitis, infection, hypercortisolism or renal disease.
- Classic presentation: a sick diabetic dog with vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and dehydration, plus hyperglycemia, ketonemia or ketonuria and metabolic acidosis.
- Treatment order: fluids, potassium, then short-acting (regular) insulin; add dextrose when glucose falls rather than stopping insulin.
- Not zoonotic, not reportable.
What's inside
12 sections in the full guide- Key facts
- How the NAVLE tests this
- Cause and pathophysiology
- Clinical signs
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnoses
- Treatment and management
- Prevention, control and public health
- Prognosis
- Quick review
- Test yourself
- References
Read the full study guide
The full guide is part of every NAVLE plan, with diagnosis and treatment tables, figures, a quick review and self-test questions. Start a free trial to try the question bank, or log in if you are already a member.