Multi-organ damage in a cow with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Summary:A clinical, hematological and pathological study was carried out on a bovine case of diabetes mellitus (DM) presenting clinical sings of polydipsia, polyuria, glycosuria, hyperglycemia, progressive emaciation and decreased milk yield. The body temperature, heart and respiratory rates were in normal range. Also there was no significant change in hematological values. Prior to slaughter; blood and urine samples were taken twice 48 hour interval from the cow. At necropsy, liver was pale and enlarged. Multiple small white foci were observed on the cortical area of the kidneys. Lung edema and foamy exudates in the lumen of the trachea and bronchus was present. At the gross examination pancreas was in normal appearance. Histopathologically reduced number and size were observed at the pancreatic islet localized in all pancreatic lobes. Decreased cell number observed in the Langerhans islets. Vacuolization and degenerations at the beta cells were commonly seen. Immunohistochemical study of pancreatic tissue revealed a marked reduction in the concentration and distribution of insulin, proinsulin, and amylin, but an increase in glucagon secreted cells. According to the clinical, histopathological and immunohistochemical findings, a combination of diabetes mellitus and multiorgan damage were diagnosed in a cow.