Diabetes mellitus(DM)
Also known as: Zuckerkrankheit · Canine Diabetes Mellitus · Sugar Diabetes · Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus · IDDM · …
Overview
What it is
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas, which fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone that allows the body's cells to absorb glucose, or sugar, from the bloodstream to use as energy. Without sufficient insulin, sugar builds up in the blood while the body's cells are starved of fuel.
How it presents
Owners typically notice their dog drinking significantly more water than usual, urinating more frequently, and losing weight despite having an increased appetite. These symptoms, sometimes accompanied by a rapid clouding of the eyes due to cataracts, most commonly appear in middle-aged to older dogs.
Treatment
While diabetes is incurable, it is manageable with lifelong therapy consisting of daily insulin injections, a strict diet, and regular veterinary monitoring. Managing this chronic condition over a dog's lifetime requires a consistent routine, with overall treatment costs typically ranging from 3,000 to 12,000 EUR.
How it's tested
Klinische Blut- und Urinuntersuchung auf Diabetes mellitus(Diabetes-Profil)
Primary testClinical examDie Diagnose erfolgt klinisch durch den Nachweis von persistierender Hyperglykämie (erhöhter Blutzucker) und Glukosurie (Zucker im Urin) sowie die Messung von Fructosamin im Blut.
Issuing body: vet
Affected breeds
10 of 10 breeds
Alaskan MalamuteAlso recommended
Chow ChowAlso recommended
DobermannAlso recommended
English Springer SpanielAlso recommended
Finnish SpitzAlso recommended
Labrador RetrieverAlso recommended
Miniature SchnauzerAlso recommended
WolfspitzAlso recommended
Cavalier King Charles SpanielOptional
Miniature PoodleOptional
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment costs. Actual costs depend on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked questions
What is Diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder affecting the endocrine system, specifically the pancreas, which fails to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a vital hormone that allows the body's cells to absorb glucose, or sugar, from the bloodstream to use as energy. Without sufficient insulin, sugar builds up in the blood while the body's cells are starved of fuel.
How is Diabetes mellitus tested?
Tests currently in our database: Klinische Blut- und Urinuntersuchung auf Diabetes mellitus.
Which breeds are most affected?
Most commonly affected: Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, Dobermann, English Springer Spaniel, Finnish Spitz, Labrador Retriever, Miniature Schnauzer, Wolfspitz.