Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease that often occurs in dogs. This is characterized by hyperglycemia in plasma. To date, it has not been developed a classification of different types of this disease in dogs, such as in humans. In humans, it can be classified as type I and type II DM, as well as gestational DM. In dogs, the same classification is used, but usually, there are some clinical symptoms of DM associated with diestrus and pancreatitis. 50% DM type I is diagnosed in dogs and less frequent type II DM and other. The main clinical signs in dogs are polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, polyphagia and less common hepatomegaly and cataracts. For Laboratory diagnosis three tests are usually applied: blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis. When positive results of hyperglycemia and glycosuria are found, the patient will be diagnosed with DM and veterinarian will provide an adequate treatment based on insulin therapy, balanced diet, and regular exercise. Therefore, the aim of this review is to provide basic and update information about DM for public, veterinary students, and veterinarians. Key words: Dog, diabetes mellitus, Insulin, Glucose.

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