Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Epidemiology of Diabetes Mellitus among 193,435 Cats Attending Primary-Care Veterinary Practices in England.
- Journal:
- Journal of veterinary internal medicine
- Year:
- 2016
- Authors:
- O'Neill, D G et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Production and Population Health.
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common hormonal disease in cats, and this study looked at how often it occurs among a large group of cats in England. Researchers found that about 1 in every 200 cats had diabetes, with certain breeds like Tonkinese, Norwegian Forest, and Burmese being more likely to develop the condition. The risk of diabetes also increased in heavier cats, older cats (over 6 years), and those with pet insurance, while sex did not seem to play a role. This information highlights the importance of monitoring for diabetes in cats, especially in those at higher risk. Overall, the study suggests that diabetes is a significant health issue for cats and can help guide future care and prevention strategies.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common endocrine disease of cats. The prevalence of DM in cats in England is not well-defined. HYPOTHESIS/OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence and identify risk factors for DM in a large population of cats attending primary-care practices. ANIMALS: A cohort of 193,563 cats in the VetCompass Programme attending 118 primary-care practices in England. METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of cohort clinical data. Data were extracted covering September 1st 2009 and August 31st 2014. Period prevalence of DM was calculated. Associations between risk factors and DM were assessed using logistic regression modelling. RESULTS: Of 1,128 DM cases were identified among 194,563 cats (period prevalence 0.58%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.61). Multivariable modelling indicated that Tonkinese (OR 4.1; 95% CI 1.8-9.6; P = .001), Norwegian Forest (odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% CI 1.3-9.6; P = .001) and Burmese (OR 3.0; 95% CI 2.0-4.4; P < .001) cats had increased odds of DM compared with crossbred cats. DM odds increased as bodyweight categories increased above 4 kg (P < .001), as cats aged beyond 6 years old (P < .001) and in insured cats (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.6-2.4; P < .001) but sex was not significantly associated with DM. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE: Diabetes mellitus is an important component of the primary-care practice caseload with 1-in-200 cats affected. An increased risk of DM in certain cat breeds supports a genetic predisposition. These results can guide future research and preventative healthcare.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27353396/