Diabetes Insipidus is when a dog or cat has an insufficient amount of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) secretion (central diabetes insipidus) or insufficient action of ADH (nephrogenic diabetes insipidus). This results in inadequate urine concentrating ability. Clinical signs include increased thirst and urination, difficulty in house-training, and perceived urinary incontinence. If underlying neurologic disease, then disorientation, ataxia, and seizures may be present. Diagnostic testing includes bloodwork, urine analysis, urine culture, bloodwork for infectious disease (such as leptospirosis), and abdominal ultrasound. Advanced imaging of the brain may also be pursued. Treatment goals are aimed at resolving the symptoms. Desmopressin acetate is prescribed in order to aid in diagnosis and is then continued for treatment if a positive response is appreciated.
Diabetes Mellitus (Canine) is a deficiency of insulin usually as a result of destruction of the pancreatic islet beta cells. Risk factors include obesity, recurring pancreatitis, diseases causing insulin resistance, and insulin antagonistic medications. Clinical signs include increased thirst and urination, urinary house soiling, increased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, blindness from cataracts, hindlimb weakness, and decreased jumping ability. Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is called Type 1 diabetes and is seen in 99% of dogs. Insulin injections are mandatory to control symptoms of the disease. Diagnostic testing includes bloodwork, urine analysis, and urine culture. The primary goal is to eliminate symptoms and stabilize weight. Potential complications include cataracts, peripheral neuropathy, urinary tract infection, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Treatment involves a prescription diet, daily insulin administration, fluid therapy, and antibiotics in the case of urinary tract infections.
Diabetes Mellitus (Feline) is a deficiency of insulin usually as a result of destruction of the pancreatic islet beta cells. Risk factors include obesity, recurring pancreatitis, diseases causing insulin resistance, and insulin antagonistic medications. Clinical signs include increased thirst and urination, urinary house soiling, increased appetite, weight loss, lethargy, lack of grooming, hindlimb weakness, decreased jumping ability, and a flat-footed stance (plantigrade). Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is called Type 1 diabetes and is seen in 50-70% of cats. Insulin injections are mandatory to control symptoms of the disease. Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus is called Type 2 diabetes and is seen in approximately 30% of cats. This type is defined by a reduced amount of pancreatic islet beta cells. Cats can also have a transient or subclinical diabetes which is when diabetes resolves weeks to months after insulin treatment is initiated. This type may recur. Diagnostic testing includes bloodwork, urine analysis, and urine culture. The primary goal is to eliminate symptoms and stabilize weight. Potential complications include peripheral neuropathy, urinary tract infection, and diabetic ketoacidosis. Treatment involves a prescription diet, daily insulin administration, fluid therapy, and antibiotics in the case of urinary tract infections.
Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s Disease) is caused by an excess of cortisol production. This is most common in dogs and rare in cats. Types of this disease incude pituitary-dependent or secondary to an adrenal tumor. Clinical signs include increased thirst and urination, urinary house soiling, increased appetite, pendulous abdomen, lethargy, tendency to bruise, thin skin, skin and haircoat changes, muscle wasting, and obesity. Diagnostic testing includes bloodwork, urine analysis, urine culture, blood pressure, abdominal and chest x-rays, and abdominal ultrasound. Treatment is directed toward resolving the clinical signs. Medications, such as Trilostane, may be prescribed. Surgery may be performed to remove an adrenal tumor.
Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s Disease) is a condition in dogs where the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones. The adrenal glands are responsible for producing cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress, and aldosterone, which helps regulate electrolyte balance. The exact cause of hypoadrenocorticism is often unknown, but it is believed to be an immune-mediated disease. It is more commonly seen in young to middle-aged female dogs. Symptoms can vary and may develop slowly over time. Common signs include weakness, fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, and sometimes shaking or trembling. In severe cases, dogs may experience a sudden collapse or go into shock. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure hormone levels and electrolytes. Treatment includes lifelong hormone replacement therapy, which requires regular monitoring of hormone levels to ensure proper dosing. In severe cases, dogs may require immediate treatment to stabilize their condition. This may involve intravenous fluids, medications to stabilize electrolyte imbalances, and other supportive care measures. With proper treatment and management, the prognosis is good and dogs can live a normal, healthy life.
Hypothyroidism occurs when there are decreased thyroid hormones. Hypothyroidism is most common in dogs and very rare in cats. This condition is most often acquired, but rare congenital forms of this condition exist. Clinical signs include weight gain, lethargy, exercise intolerance, cold intolerance, alopecia and hair thinning, pyoderma, a “rat-tail” appearance, reproductive disorders, and weakness or neurologic signs. Diagnostic testing includes bloodwork, thyroid blood testing, and urine analysis. Treatment involves oral thyroid supplementation.
Hyperthyroidism results from excessive thyroid hormone secretion. Hyperthyroidism is most common in cats. Canine hyperthyroidism is a result of thyroid carcinoma. Clinical signs include increased appetite, increased thirst and urination, weight loss despite a good appetite, hyperactivity, vomiting, unkempt haircoat, and heat avoidance. Diagnostic testing includes bloodwork, thyroid blood testing, blood pressure, and chest ultrasound if a cardiac murmur is present. Therapy includes medication or a prescription diet to block the iodination process, radioactive iodide therapy, or surgical removal of a thyroid tumor.