Rebecka S. Hess

Outcome of dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis: 127 dogs (1993-2003).

The aim of this study was to retrospectively describe the outcome of 127 dogs with naturally occurring diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and to examine the association between outcome of canine DKA and clinical and clinicopathologic findings. Eighty-two (65%) dogs were diagnosed with DKA at the time of initial diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Eighty-seven dogs (69%) had one or more concurrent disorders diagnosed at the time of hospitalization. Commonly identified concurrent conditions included acute pancreatitis (52, 41%), urinary tract infection (21, 20%), and hyperadrenocorticism (19, 15%). Dogs with coexisting hyperadrenocorticism were less likely to be discharged from the hospital (P = .029). Of 121 treated dogs, 89 dogs (70%) survived to be discharged from the hospital, with a median hospitalization of 6 days. Nonsurvivors had lower ionized calcium concentration (P < .001), lower hematocrit (P = .036), lower venous pH (P = .0058), and larger base deficit (P = .0066) than did survivors. Time from admission to initiation of subcutaneous insulin therapy was correlated with lower serum potassium concentration (P = .0056), lower serum phosphorus concentration (P = .0043), abnormally high white blood cell count (P = .0060), large base deficit (P = .0015), and low venous pH (P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that base deficit was associated with outcome (P = .021). For each unit increase in the base deficit, there was a 9%) greater likelihood of discharge from the hospital. In conclusion, the majority of dogs with DKA were not previously diagnosed with DM. Concurrent conditions and electrolyte abnormalities are common in DKA and are associated with length of hospitalization. Survival was correlated to degree of anemia, hypocalcemia, and acidosis.

Abnormalities of serum electrolyte concentrations in dogs with hypoadrenocorticism.

BACKGROUND The sensitivity and specificity of the sodium to potassium ratio (Na:K ratio) as a cutoff for recommendation of an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test in dogs suspected of having hypoadrenocorticism (HA) is unknown. Additionally, abnormalities in plasma ionized calcium (iCa2+) and ionized magnesium (iMg2+) concentrations and venous pH of dogs with HA are incompletely documented. OBJECTIVES To define the sensitivity and specificity of the Na:K ratio as a diagnostic aid for HA in dogs and to examine for associations between venous pH and the Na:K ratio, iCa2+ concentration, or iMg2+ concentration in dogs with HA. ANIMALS Seventy-six dogs with HA and 200 dogs randomly selected from the general hospital population. METHODS Retrospective study. Dogs were included in the study if results of an ACTH stimulation test confirmed a diagnosis of HA, the dog had a serum sodium concentration below the reference range or a serum potassium concentration above the reference range, and the dog was treated with mineralocorticoids. Receiver operating curve analysis was used to determine optimal cutoffs of sensitivity and specificity for the Na:K ratio in diagnosing HA. RESULTS Use of Na:K ratios of 27 or 28 classified 95% of dogs correctly as diseased or not diseased. The sensitivity of a Na:K ratio of 28 was 93% (CI, 85-98%) and that of 27 was 89% (CI, 80-95%). The specificity of a Na:K ratio of 28 was 96% (CI, 92-98%) and that of 27 was 97% (CI, 93- 99%). The sensitivity and specificity of a Na:K ratio of 24 were 79% (95% CI, 67-86%) and 100% (98%, CI, 97%-100%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE Na:K ratios of 27 or 28 identify the highest percentage of dogs with suspected mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid deficiency correctly. In dogs with a Na:K ratio of 24 or less, the likelihood of confirming a diagnosis of HA with an ACTH stimulation test is high.

Use of lispro insulin for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis in dogs.

OBJECTIVES To characterize the use of lispro insulin in dogs with diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) and to compare the length of time required for resolution of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis, respectively, in dogs with DKA treated with lispro or with regular insulin. DESIGN Randomized prospective clinical trial performed between November 2006 and May 2009. SETTING University teaching hospital. ANIMALS Client-owned dogs with naturally occurring DKA. Dogs with a blood glucose (BG) > 13.9 mmol/L (>250 mg/dL), blood pH between 7.0 and 7.35, and a blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) concentration >2.0 mmol/L were eligible to be enrolled into the study and were randomly assigned to receive an IV continuous rate infusion (CRI) of either lispro or regular insulin. INTERVENTIONS Lispro or regular insulin was administered as an IV CRI at an initial dose of 0.09 U/kg/h. The dose was adjusted according to a previously published protocol. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Twelve dogs were enrolled into the study. The time to biochemical resolution of DKA was defined as the time interval from when the IV CRI of insulin began until marked hyperglycemia (BG > 13.9 mmol/L [>250 mg/dL]), acidosis (venous pH < 7.35), and ketosis (BOHB concentration >2.0 mmol/L) resolved. The median time to biochemical resolution of DKA in dogs treated with lispro insulin was significantly shorter (26 h; range 26-50 h) than in dogs treated with regular insulin (61 h; range, 38-80 h, P = 0.02). Median admission blood glucose concentration of all 12 dogs (24 mmol/L [432 mg/dL; range, 17.8-38.9 mmol/L [321-700 mg/dL]) decreased significantly with fluid resuscitation and prior to insulin therapy (20.5 mmol/L [369 mg/dL; range, 14.5-33.3 mmol/L [261-600 mg/dL], P = 0.0085). No adverse effects were observed in association with IV lispro insulin administration. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of DKA in dogs with IV CRI lispro insulin is safe, and as effective as treatment with regular insulin.Objectives To characterize the use of lispro insulin in dogs with diabetes ketoacidosis (DKA) and to compare the length of time required for resolution of hyperglycemia, ketosis, and acidosis, respectively, in dogs with DKA treated with lispro or with regular insulin. Design Randomized prospective clinical trial performed between November 2006 and May 2009. Setting University teaching hospital. Animals Client-owned dogs with naturally occurring DKA. Dogs with a blood glucose (BG) > 13.9 mmol/L (>250 mg/dL), blood pH between 7.0 and 7.35, and a blood beta-hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) concentration >2.0 mmol/L were eligible to be enrolled into the study and were randomly assigned to receive an IV continuous rate infusion (CRI) of either lispro or regular insulin. Interventions Lispro or regular insulin was administered as an IV CRI at an initial dose of 0.09 U/kg/h. The dose was adjusted according to a previously published protocol. Measurements and Main Results Twelve dogs were enrolled into the study. The time to biochemical resolution of DKA was defined as the time interval from when the IV CRI of insulin began until marked hyperglycemia (BG > 13.9 mmol/L [>250 mg/dL]), acidosis (venous pH 2.0 mmol/L) resolved. The median time to biochemical resolution of DKA in dogs treated with lispro insulin was significantly shorter (26 h; range 26–50 h) than in dogs treated with regular insulin (61 h; range, 38–80 h, P = 0.02). Median admission blood glucose concentration of all 12 dogs (24 mmol/L [432 mg/dL; range, 17.8–38.9 mmol/L [321–700 mg/dL]) decreased significantly with fluid resuscitation and prior to insulin therapy (20.5 mmol/L [369 mg/dL; range, 14.5–33.3 mmol/L [261–600 mg/dL], P = 0.0085). No adverse effects were observed in association with IV lispro insulin administration. Conclusions Treatment of DKA in dogs with IV CRI lispro insulin is safe, and as effective as treatment with regular insulin.

An Investigation of the Action of Neutral Protamine Hagedorn Human Analogue Insulin in Dogs with Naturally Occurring Diabetes Mellitus

BACKGROUND Neutral Protamine Hagedorn human analogue insulin (Humulin N) is commonly used for treatment of canine diabetes mellitus (DM). However, blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations in Humulin N-treated dogs with naturally occurring DM have not been reported. OBJECTIVE To investigate blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations in the clinical setting of client-owned Humulin N-treated dogs with naturally occurring, well-regulated DM. ANIMALS Ten client-owned dogs with naturally occurring, well-regulated DM. METHODS In this clinical study, blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations were measured when dogs received food and insulin (T(0)), at approximately every half hour for the next 2 hours, and then approximately every 2 hours for an additional 8 hours. Insulin duration of action was defined as the number of hours from T(0) to the lowest blood glucose concentration and until blood glucose concentration returned to an interpolated value of 70% of basal blood glucose concentration (Glucose(b)). RESULTS Mean percent of insulin-induced blood glucose suppression was 49.9 +/- 17.1% (median, 46%; range, 29-78%). Insulin duration of action ranged from 4 to 10 hours. Blood glucose concentration increased initially and returned to Glucose(b) within 0.6-2.2 hours after T(0) in 5 dogs. This initial blood glucose surge then was followed by blood glucose suppression in all 5 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE These results suggest that Humulin N administered SC twice daily is an effective mode of treatment for dogs with naturally occurring DM. Postprandial hyperglycemia is present in some well-regulated diabetic dogs treated with Humulin N.

White Blood Cell Count and the Sodium to Potassium Ratio to Screen for Hypoadrenocorticism in Dogs

BACKGROUND Abnormal sodium to potassium (Na:K) ratios can raise suspicion for hypoadrenocorticism (HA). Although dogs with HA usually have normal leukograms, their white blood cell counts may be useful in screening for HA. OBJECTIVES To examine the utility of combining the Na:K ratio with white blood cell counts to screen for HA in hospitalized dogs requiring fluid treatment administered i.v.. ANIMALS Fifty-three dogs with confirmed HA and 110 sick dogs confirmed not to have HA. METHODS Retrospective, case-control study. Dogs were included if they were hospitalized and administered fluids i.v., had a complete blood count and measurement of serum Na and K concentrations. HA was diagnosed using an ACTH stimulation test, or ruled out by measurement of basal serum cortisol concentration. RESULTS The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the lymphocyte count was not significantly different from the ROC curve of the Na:K ratio (P = .55). The ROC curve for the model combining the Na:K ratio and lymphocyte count was superior for identifying dogs with HA compared to the Na:K ratio (P = .02) or lymphocyte count (P = .005) alone. At the 100% sensitivity cutoff, lymphocyte count was more specific for detection of HA than Na:K (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE A combination of the Na:K ratio and lymphocyte count provides a better screening test for HA compared to the Na:K ratio or lymphocyte count alone. At 100% sensitivity, the lymphocyte count is a more specific test for HA than the Na:K.

Evaluation of cytokines and hormones in dogs before and after treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and in uncomplicated diabetes mellitus.

In human beings, diabetes mellitus (DM) and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) are recognized as proinflammatory states and dysregulation of cytokines has been linked to some potentially fatal complications. Cytokine profiles of dogs with DM or DKA have not been reported. The objectives of this study were to compare cytokine and hormone concentrations in dogs with DKA before and after resolution of ketoacidosis, to compare these concentrations before treatment of DKA to those measured in dogs with uncomplicated DM and healthy dogs, and to compare concentrations in dogs with uncomplicated DM to those measured in healthy dogs. 27 dogs were included in this prospective clinical study. 18 dogs had naturally-occurring disease (9 DKA and 9 DM) and 9 dogs were healthy. Serum GMCSF, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, CXCL8, IL-10, IL-15, IL-18, IFNγ, IP-10, TNFα, Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1), Keratinocyte Chemoattractant (KC), glucagon, leptin, adiponectin, and resistin were assayed using Milliplex MAP Canine kits.(2)(,)(3) IL-18, resistin, and GMCSF concentrations were significantly higher in dogs with DKA before treatment compared to after resolution of ketoacidosis. CXCL8, MCP-1, KC, and resistin were significantly higher in DKA dogs compared to healthy controls, and KC was also significantly higher in DKA compared to DM dogs. Additionally, CXCL8 and MCP-1 were significantly higher in dogs with DM compared to healthy controls. Significant differences were not detected in concentrations of the other measured analytes, including glucagon. It is concluded that IL-18, resistin, GMCSF, and KC may be involved in the pathogenesis of canine DKA, and their importance in this pathogenesis may be as great as that of glucagon. Dysregulation of CXCL8 and MCP-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of DM in dogs.

Insulin Resistance in Dogs

In diabetic dogs, many concurrent diseases can cause resistance to exogenous insulin. The most common concurrent disorders in diabetic dogs are hyperadrenocorticism, urinary tract infection, acute pancreatitis, neoplasia, and hypothyroidism. When a concurrent disorder is treated, the insulin dose should be decreased to avoid possible hypoglycemia when an underlying cause of insulin resistance is removed. Hormonal disturbances have been observed in obese dogs, but the clinical significance of these changes is not known.

Skin fragility syndrome in a cat with feline infectious peritonitis and hepatic lipidosis

Abstract A 6‐year‐old spayed female domestic shorthair cat with a 3‐week history of inappetence, weight loss, and hiding was examined. A palpable abdominal fluid wave, dehydration, and a small tear on the left flank were noted during initial examination. When the cat was gently restrained for blood sampling, the skin on the dorsal neck tore, leaving a 15 cm × 7 cm flap of skin. Clinicopathological abnormalities included nonregenerative anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, increased globulin concentration, and mildly elevated aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities. Abdominal fluid was viscous and had a total protein of 5.3 g dL−1 with 316 cells µL−1, consistent with a modified transudate. Cytology of the abdominal fluid revealed 86% nondegenerate neutrophils, 13% macrophages, and 1% small lymphocytes. Histopathological evaluation and indirect immunohistochemistry confirmed a diagnosis of feline infectious peritonitis, hepatic lipidosis and feline skin fragility syndrome. Feline skin fragility syndrome has not previously been reported in association with feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Its inclusion as a clinical sign associated with FIP may facilitate a diagnosis.

Familial Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Samoyed Dogs

Five adult Samoyed dogs from two unrelated litters were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. Two full-sibling male dogs (Family A) were raised in the same household. The other three dogs, two female and one male, were also full siblings (Family B) raised in different households. All five dogs developed polyuria and polydipsia and demonstrated fasting hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed in all five dogs and responded to appropriate therapy with insulin. The occurrence of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in multiple, closely related Samoyed dogs suggests a familial predisposition in this breed.

Glargine insulin for treatment of naturally occurring diabetes mellitus in dogs

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of twice-daily glargine insulin administration in dogs with diabetes mellitus. DESIGN Open-label, prospective clinical trial. ANIMALS 10 dogs with naturally occurring diabetes mellitus. PROCEDURES Dogs with poorly regulated or newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus were enrolled if their owners agreed to return them to the hospital at 1- to 3-week intervals for 4 follow-up visits. During each follow-up visit, blood glucose concentrations were measured every 2 hours for at least 10 hours after feeding a diet high in insoluble fiber and after administration of glargine insulin (time 0). The initial glargine insulin dosage was 0.5 U/kg (0.23 U/lb) SC twice daily. RESULTS All dogs had well-regulated diabetes mellitus at a mean ± SD of 38 ± 14 days (median, 43 days; range, 7 to 55 days) following study enrollment. At the time diabetes mellitus was well regulated, mean glargine insulin dosage was 0.5 ± 0.15 U/kg (0.23 ± 0.068 U/lb; median, 0.5 U/kg; range, 0.32 to 0.67 U/kg [0.15 to 0.30 U/lb]) twice daily, and 3 dogs were receiving a dosage < 0.4 U/kg (0.18 U/lb). In dogs with well-regulated diabetes mellitus, the mean minimum blood glucose concentration (163 ± 89 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, 100 to 227 mg/dL) was detected 2 hours after administration of glargine insulin and the mean maximum blood glucose concentration (230 ± 95 mg/dL; 95% confidence interval, 64 to 323 mg/dL) was detected 12 hours after administration of glargine insulin. There was no significant difference between mean minimum and mean maximum blood glucose concentrations nor were there significant differences between blood glucose concentrations measured at other time points. Blood glucose concentration < 80 mg/dL was measured at least once in 7 of 10 dogs. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results of the present study suggested that, in diabetic dogs fed a diet high in insoluble fiber, glargine insulin is a peakless insulin that does not induce a distinct blood glucose concentration nadir. For glargine insulin, 0.3 U/kg (0.136 U/lb) SC twice daily is recommended as an initial dosage.