Content continues after advertisement

Diabetic Neuropathy in Dogs

Michael Schaer, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM & ACVECC University of Florida

Endocrinology & Metabolic Diseases

|November 2010|Peer Reviewed

Sign in to Print/View PDF

Diabetic neuropathy is less commonly seen in dogs than in cats. Furthermore, clinical signs in dogs differ from those in cats. Primary clinical findings in cats are plantigrade posturing, subtle muscular weakness, neurologic deficits, and muscle atrophy; those in dogs include chronic and progressive hindlimb weakness that can also involve the forelimbs. This degree of weakness varies from mild paraparesis (Figure 1, above) to more severe involvement with tetraparesis and tetraplegia (Figure 2). Other signs include knuckling, hyporeflexia, muscle atrophy, and weakness.

Causative factors, as defined in animal and human studies, are controversial. They may include multiple mechanisms involving vascular factors, metabolic derangement of the Schwann cells, and primary axonal disease.

Metabolic factors are thought to involve myo-inositol deficiency, sodium-potassium

adenosine triphosphatase, or excessive glycosylation of proteins. This abnormal glycosylation has been shown to involve the vasa nervorum, which compromises blood flow to the peripheral nerves.

There is no definitive treatment for diabetic neuropathy other than insulin therapy. The dose should be titrated to maintain blood glucose in an acceptable range of 150 to 250 mg/dL. Mild cases should resolve over several weeks to months. However, more severe cases, as shown in Figure 2, require extensive physical therapy, including massage, extension and flexion movements, and owner- or trainer-assisted swimming. With such comprehensive support, the dog should improve over several months (Figure 3).


 

For global readers, a calculator to convert laboratory values, dosages, and other measurements to SI units can be found here.

All Clinician's Brief content is reviewed for accuracy at the time of publication. Previously published content may not reflect recent developments in research and practice.

Material from Clinician's Brief may not be reproduced, distributed, or used in whole or in part without prior permission of Educational Concepts, LLC. For questions or inquiries please contact us.

Podcasts

Clinician's Brief:
The Podcast
Listen as host Alyssa Watson, DVM, talks with the authors of your favorite Clinician’s Brief articles. Dig deeper and explore the conversations behind the content here.
Clinician's Brief provides relevant diagnostic and treatment information for small animal practitioners. It has been ranked the #1 most essential publication by small animal veterinarians for 9 years.*

*2007-2017 PERQ and Essential Media Studies

© 2023 Educational Concepts, L.L.C. dba Brief Media ™ All Rights Reserved. Terms & Conditions | DMCA Copyright | Privacy Policy | Acceptable Use Policy