Glycemia as a reliable indicator for diabetes mellitus in dogs and cats

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrinopathy in pet
animals with variable pathophysiological metabolic pathways
in dogs. Consequently, various hematological and biochemical
parameters tend to have high variability. Therefore, the aim
of this study was to assess the most reliable and practical
hematological and/or biochemical parameter for monitoring
DM during the insulin treatment in dogs and cats. This research
included 11 pet animals (8 dogs and 3 cats) with high resolution
of DM clinical symptoms. Red blood cell (RBC) and white blood
cell count (WBC) were measured on whole blood samples by
using hematological analyzer. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT),
alkaline phosphatase (ALKP), glucose, urea, and creatinine
were obtained from plasma samples analyzed with automatic
colorimetric analyzer. The variability of the parameters was
assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV, %). Parameters
with CV >34% were considered with non-normal distribution.
RBC and glucose had CV of 24% and 25%, respectively.
The other parameters had CV ranging between 39% and
162%. Polyuria and polydipsia were present in 7 dogs and 1
cat. Polyphagia was present in 4 dogs and 1 cat. Intermittent
polyphagia was found in 3 dogs. The clinical manifestations
had variable underlying conditions which resulted in variable
concomitant organopathies. In conclusion, the blood glucose
indicated normal distribution and can be used as a reliable
indicator for monitoring DM in diabetic dogs and cats. By using
telemetric blood glucose monitoring devices, the veterinary
doctors will have continuous and reliable data for the status and
the effectiveness of the therapy for their patients.