Diabetes in Cats

The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus is usually extremely straightforward. Your veterinarian probably became suspicious of diabetes mellitus because you (the owner) noticed that your pet exhibited some or all of the following symptoms: weight loss and/or excessive urination, drinking, or eating. The diagnosis is confirmed with finding sugar in the urine and an abnormally increased blood sugar concentration. However, despite this relatively simple diagnosis, your veterinarian will likely recommend additional tests. These additional tests are warranted because most diabetic dogs and cats are middle aged or older and most have other medical problems. Those conditions seen most commonly among diabetics include urinary tract infections, skin infections, and an irritated pancreas (pancreatitis). Heart disease, kidney disease, and anemia are just a few of the non-diabetic diseases sometimes seen in these pets. So, additional blood and urine tests, radiographs of the chest, and ultrasonography or radiographs of the abdomen are tests well worth the investment.