Diseases Related to Canine Diabetes mellitus

Acromegaly

Acromegaly is a rare endocrine disease caused by growth hormone excess. It is characterized by chronic overgrowth of connective tissue, bone and organs. Among other clinical signs, insulin resistant diabetes and enlargement of soft tissue organs and proliferation of gum tissue is seen.

Dogs generally develop acromegaly due to progesterone secretion and growth hormone production by the mammary glands. Acromegaly may rarely be caused by pituitary or hypothalamic neoplasia.

Spaying of bitches is usually curative, although the concurrent diabetes may be permanent, depending on the remaining ability of the pancreas to secrete insulin.

top

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a congenital or acquired condition that can affect both dogs and cats, although it is more common in dogs. Young adult dogs, especially German shepherd dogs, are usually affected.

EPI is usually due to pancreatic acinar atrophy (PAA). It may be seen together with Diabetes mellitus if there is damage to both the exocrine and endocrine pancreas.

Diagnosis and treatment
EPI is diagnosed on the basis of blood tests and is treated with pancreatic enzyme replacement. Enzyme replacements usually result in improvement of the clinical signs, and dietary management.

top

Hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s syndrome)

Hyperadrenocorticism is a relatively common endocrine syndrome of dogs.

Etiology
Excessive endogenous cortisol production is due to pituitary tumor (85% of cases) producing excessive adrenocorticotrophichormone (ACTH) or an adrenal (15% of cases) tumor producing excessive cortisol. Iatrogenic administration of exogenous glucocorticoids can result in iatrogenic   hyperadrenocorticism.

Clinical signs
Hyperadrenocorticism is a slowly progressive syndrome with signs that vary in severity depending on the duration and degree of cortisol excess. Clinical signs are similar to Diabetes mellitus.

In addition dogs frequently have a pot-bellied appearance and alopecia or other skin and/or coat changes. Diabetes mellitus may develop secondary to hyperadrenocorticism, due to the insulin resistance caused by cortisol excess.

Treatment
Hyperadrenocorticism can be treated medically or surgically. Concurrent Diabetes mellitus requires insulin treatment.

top

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Digestive enzymes leak into and damage the surrounding pancreatic tissues.

Etiology
In most cases the cause of pancreatitis is idiopathic. Other predisposing factors may be high fat, low protein diet and other diseases (Cushing's syndrome, diabetes mellitus).

Risk factors for pancreatitis include breed - Miniature schnauzer, Miniature poodle and Cocker spaniel are at higher risk - obesity, diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome and chronic renal failure.

Acute pancreatitis may produce temporary Diabetes mellitus and if there is extensive pancreatic necrosis this may become permanent. A similar situation can arise if there is pancreatic neoplasia.

top

Diseases Related to Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Pathophysiology of EPI

  • Abnormal digestive enzyme secretion by the pancreas
  • Food is not sufficiently digested and processed
  • Diarrhea and weight loss in spite of a normal or increased appetite

Certain diseases may contribute to the development of diabetes.