Diabetes mellitus in dachshund dogs: A case report of three dogs

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrinopathy associated with insulin insufficiency or insulin resistance. Three female middle-aged Dachshund dogs presented with clinical signs of polyuria, polydipsia, cataract and emaciation were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus using portable blood glucose monitor. One of the dogs succumbed with diabetic ketoacidosis (ketone bodies of 7.4 mmol/L) with concomitant diabetic nephropathy and hypercalcemia. Leukocytosis, elevated liver enzymes, cholesterol and glycosuria were evident in all the dogs. Blood glucose level was effectively managed with human recombinant DNA protamine zinc insulin administration twice daily for a period of six months.