Cats: Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes mellitus
Differentiating factors
Common differentiating factors associated with diabetes mellitus in cats are:
- Weight loss despite a good appetite
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Polyphagia
Weight loss despite a good appetite
Noticeable weight loss in a cat may cause a concerned pet owner to visit the veterinarian. Although diabetes mellitus is a common diagnosis, other factors that can cause these clinical signs should be considered. The following algorithm can help you make an accurate diagnosis:
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Adapted from Rijnberk A. Clinical Endocrinology of Dogs and Cats. Kluwer Academic Publishers, NL. 1996:222.
Polyuria and polydipsia
Quite often, cat owners visit their veterinarian when their pet is urinating in the house or consuming large amounts of water. Although diabetes mellitus is a well-known cause of polyuria and polydipsia, there are many other factors to consider. The following algorithm can help you identify the cause:
Click on icon for full image:
Adapted from Rijnberk A. Clinical Endocrinology of Dogs and Cats. Kluwer Academic Publishers, NL. 1996:221.