Canine and Feline Endocrinopathies Flashcards
What is diabetes mellitus?
A disease associated with absolute or relative insulin deficiency.
What animals does diabetes mellitus affect?
- Canines.
- Felines.
What causes diabetes mellitus?
Destruction of the Islets of Langerhans cells in the pancreas.
What are the pre-disposing factors for diabetes mellitus?
- Pregnancy (Canines).
- Obesity.
- Glucocorticoid administration.
Where is the pancreas located?
Near the duodenum. The right lobe is parallel to the duodenum. The left lobe is parallel to the pylorus.
What is the exocrine function of the pancreas?
Producing digestive enzymes.
What is the endocrine function of the pancreas?
Producing insulin and glucagon.
What pancreatic cells produce glucagon?
Alpha cells.
What pancreatic cells produce insulin?
Beta cells.
What is the function of insulin?
To cause glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids to be absorbed into cells for use as energy or storage as glycogen.
What is the overall effect of insulin?
The level of blood glucose decreases.
What does insulin deficiency result in?
Hyperglycemia.
What does the body do if it produces too little or no insulin?
It breaks down fat and proteins.
What are the 2 types of diabetes mellitus?
- Type I: Insulin dependent.
- Type II: Non-insulin dependent or insulin resistant.
What are the clinical signs of diabetes mellitus?
- Polyuria (PU).
- Polydipsia (PD).
- Polyphagia (PP).
- Weight loss.
What happens if diabetes mellitus is left untreated?
Diabetic ketoacidosis, which is a life threatening emergency.
How is diabetes mellitus diagnosed?
- Persistent hyperglycemia and glucosuria.
- Fructosamine test (Out of house test that can measure blood sugar from the past 3 weeks).
What are the treatment options for diabetes mellitus?
- Dietary management.
- Insulin therapy.
What is the preferred diet type for diabetic dogs?
High fiber.
What is the preferred diet type for diabetic cats?
High protein, low carbohydrate.
What are the different options for insulin therapy?
- Short-acting (Emergency use only).
- Intermediate acting.
- Long-acting.
How is insulin concentration measured?
Units (U)/mL.
What are the available concentrations of insulin?
- U-40.
- U-100.
*The syringe being used MUST match the concentration.
How many times a day is insulin typically given?
BID.
What are the requirements for insulin usage?
- Must be refrigerated.
- Resuspend the insulin before use by gently rolling the bottle.
- Given when the pet is fed a meal.
- Given SQ at rotating sites to prevent scar tissue formation (ex: Pretend the scruff is a clock and inject at 12 and 1 on day 1, 2 and 3 the next day, etc.). .
- Insulin syringes are single use.
- Too much insulin can result in hypoglycemia.
*Educating the owner is of the utmost importance.
What is hyperthyroidism?
When the thyroid gland overproduces thyroid hormone.
What animal does hyperthyroidism primarily affect?
Felines.
Where is the thyroid located?
On either side of the trachea, bilobular.
What 2 hormones does the thyroid gland produce?
- Thyroid hormone.
- Calcitonin.
What is the function of thyroid hormone?
Helps regulate the body’s metabolic rate.
What is the function of calcitonin?
Helps lower blood calcium levels.