Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
A survey of Southeastern United States veterinarians' preferences for managing cats with diabetes mellitus.
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2012
- Authors:
- Smith, Jo R et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery · United States
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
This study looked at how veterinarians in the Southeastern United States manage cats with diabetes. About 74% of these diabetic cats need insulin for the long term, while 26% have diabetes that can go away. Most vets recommend a special diet that is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, and they often choose insulin based on how long it lasts in the body. The study found that newer veterinarians and those in larger practices are more likely to suggest dietary changes. Overall, the findings highlight the importance of proper insulin handling by pet owners to maintain good blood sugar control in diabetic cats.
Abstract
This study evaluated primary practitioners' perceptions of managing feline diabetics. Surveys distributed during local continuing education events achieved a response rate of 46% (90/195). A mean of 74% feline diabetics required chronic insulin; 26% were transient diabetics. Choice of insulin was most influenced by duration of action: human recombinant protamine zinc insulin was ranked first (42%) and glargine second (27%). Dietary management was always/usually recommended by 97% respondents, with prescription or proprietary low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets recommended in 93% responses. More recent graduates (P=0.0419), those who worked in larger practices (P=0.0315), and those who saw more transient diabetics (P=0.0288) were more likely to recommend dietary change. In-house blood glucose curves (BGCs) were the most popular method of assessing glycemic control, while at-home BGCs were least popular, although their use correlated positively with annual diabetic caseload (r=0.43, P=0.0239). Owners mishandling insulin was cited as the most common cause of poor glycemic control, while clinical signs of acromegaly were rarely recognized.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22661022/