Spontaneous remission and relapse of diabetes mellitus in a male dog

Abstract

An 8‐year‐old male neutered Miniature Schnauzer was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus based on fasting hyperglycemia and glucosuria after a 2‐week history of polydipsia and periuria, in line with the Agreeing Language in Veterinary Endocrinology consensus definition. Treatment of insulin and dietary management was initiated. The insulin dose was gradually reduced and eventually discontinued over the next year based on spot blood glucose concentrations that revealed euglycemia or hypoglycemia. After discontinuation, the dog remained free of clinical signs for 1 year until it was again presented for polyuria/polydipsia with fasting hyperglycemia and glucosuria. Insulin therapy was resumed and continued for the remainder of the dog's life. Although diabetic remission often occurs in cats and humans, the presumed etiopathogenesis of pancreatic beta cell loss makes remission rare in dogs, except for cases occurring with diestrus or pregnancy. This case demonstrates that diabetic remission is possible in dogs, even in cases without an identifiable reversible trigger.

Remission of diabetes mellitus in an intact female dog

“…Por outro lado, a remissão do Diabetes Melittus Canino (DMC) é considerada um evento raro, mas é possível quando seu diagnóstico está relacionado a fatores de resistência a ação da insulina, principalmente, aqueles associados aos ciclos hormonais da gestação, do estro e suas complicações como hiperplasia endometrial cística, piometra e síndrome do ovário remanescente (Fall et al, 2007;Feldman et al, 2014;Pöppl et al, 2013;Rak et al, 2024).…”

Progesterone-Related Diabetes Mellitus in the Bitch: Current Knowledge, the Role of Pyometra, and Relevance in Practice

“…Eventually, the use of aglepristone to block P4 effects by the end of estrus [154] could also be considered as a preventive measure in highly susceptible bitches. Notwithstanding, the recent characterization of diabetes remission in a male dog suggested that much of the beta-cell biology is still to be unraveled in canine diabetology [1,2,187]. Many owners do not agree with spaying their dogs, and in these cases, other ways to try to prevent PRDM are welcome.…”