Dogs: Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus

Differentiating factors

Common differentiating factors associated with diabetes mellitus in dogs are:

• Weight loss despite a good appetite
• Polyuria/polydipsia

Weight loss despite a good appetite

Noticeable weight loss in a dog may cause a concerned pet owner to visit their veterinarian. Although diabetes mellitus is a common diagnosis, other factors that can cause these clinical signs should be considered. The following algorithm can be used in determining an accurate diagnosis.

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Adapted from Rijnberk A. Clinical Endocrinology of Dogs and Cats. Kluwer Academic Publishers, NL. 1996:222.

Polyuria/polydipsia

Quite often, dog owners visit their veterinarian when their pet is urinating in the house and/or consuming large amounts of water. Although diabetes mellitus is a well known cause of polyuria and polydipsia, there are many other factors to consider. The following algorithm can be used in determining the cause of the problem.

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Adapted from Rijnberk A. Clinical Endocrinology of Dogs and Cats. Kluwer Academic Publishers, NL. 1996:221.