Content continues after advertisement

Quiz: Feline Diabetes

Adam Rudinsky, DVM, MS, DACVIM, The Ohio State University

Endocrinology & Metabolic Diseases

|April 2017|Peer Reviewed|Web-Exclusive

Sign in to Print/View PDF

6  Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
Score 0/6

Quiz: Feline Diabetes

This quiz on feline diabetes mellitus reviews key principles in the diagnosis and management of the disease. Feeding recommendations, differential diagnoses, diagnostic testing, insulin therapy, diabetic neuropathy, and long-term monitoring are covered. 

Take this quiz by answering the following multiple choice questions.
1/6  Questions
Score
Score 0/6

    

    

 

George, a 10-year-old castrated domestic short-haired cat (Figure 1), is presented for evaluation of previously diagnosed diabetes mellitus. He weighs 8.1 kg and has a BCS of 8/9, with a muscle condition score showing mild diffuse muscle wasting. A clinic associate had previously seen George for classic clinical signs of diabetes mellitus (ie, polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, weight loss, lethargy). According to the owners, their cat is tolerating insulin therapy well and the clinical signs of diabetes mellitus are improving. However, the owners have a few questions regarding the best dietary management strategy for their cat. He is currently fed ad libitum using a high-carbohydrate, moderate-protein diet, offered in both canned and dry formulations.

Which of the following factors is most important when designing a feeding plan for this cat?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Quiz: Feline Diabetes
2/6  Questions
Score
Score 0/6

    

    

 

Pixie, a 6-year-old spayed domestic short-haired cat weighing 4.2 kg (Figure 2), is presented for polyphagia and weight loss. According to the owners, ≈2 months before the appointment, they noticed larger urine clumps in the cat’s litter box. Shortly thereafter, they also realized that Pixie appeared to be losing weight, even though they were filling her food bowl more often. Review of the cat’s dietary history confirmed that she is eating ≈300 kcal/day (resting energy requirement [RER] = 70 × [body weightkg]0.75 = 209 kcal/day). The physical examination was unremarkable, except for generalized decreased muscle wasting despite an ideal BCS of 4/9.

Which of the following conditions is the most likely diagnosis?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Quiz: Feline Diabetes
3/6  Questions
Score
Score 0/6

    

    

 

Oscar, an 11-year-old castrated domestic short-haired cat (Figure 3), is presented for polyuria, polydipsia, and weight loss. Based on clinical signs at presentation and diagnostic findings (Table) of hyperglycemia, glucosuria, and elevated serum fructosamine concentration, diabetes mellitus is diagnosed.

Table

KEY DIAGNOSTIC FINDINGS

TestResultReference Interval
Blood glucose389 mg/dL (21.6 mmol/L)74-120 mg/dL(4.1-6.7 mmol/L)
Glucose (urine dipstick)3+Negative
Serum fructosamine level576 µmol/L>550 µmol/L (poor control)

Which of the following is not an appropriate primary or adjunctive treatment option for this cat?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Quiz: Feline Diabetes
4/6  Questions
Score
Score 0/6

    

    

 

Sandy, an 11-year-old spayed domestic short-haired cat (Figure 4), had been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus 3 weeks earlier. During the initial appointment, the owner reported polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia, and weight loss. Physical examination revealed mild diffuse muscle wasting, BCS of 6/9, and body weight of 5.3 kg. Diagnostic testing revealed an elevated serum fructosamine concentration of 651 µmol/L (reference interval, >550 µmol/L), an indicator of poor control and thus consistent with a diagnosis of uncomplicated diabetes mellitus. Therapy consisting of insulin glargine was initiated at a dose of 1 unit/cat SC q12h. 

At the recheck appointment, the cat now weighs 4.9 kg for an additional loss of 0.4 kg. According to the owner, mild improvement of polyphagia has occurred, but polydipsia and polyuria persist. The cat was fed its normal meal and received its normal dose of insulin as prescribed at 7:00 am prior to the recheck appointment. The change in serum fructosamine concentration (ie, 643 µmol/L) is insignificant (Table), and blood glucose findings reveal levels higher than the typical ideal goal of 100 to 300 mg/dL (5.6-16.7 mmol/L) for diabetic cats (Table).24

Table

RECHECK AT 3 WEEKS

TestResultReference Interval
Serum fructosamine643 µmol/L>550 µmol/L (poor control)

Blood glucose curve

1. 8:00 AM

2. 10:00 AM

3. 12:00 PM

4. 2:00 PM

5. 4:00 PM

6. 6:00 PM

 

1. 443 mg/dL (24.6 mmol/L)

2. 422 mg/dL (23.4 mmol/L)

3. 408 mg/dL (22.6 mmol/L)

4. 343 mg/dL (19.0 mmol/L)

5. 409 mg/dL (22.7 mmol/L)

6. 481 mg/dL (26.7 mmol/L)

 

1. Ideal goal, 100-300 mg/dL (5.6-16.7 mmol/L) in diabetic cats

Based on updated findings, which of the following options represents the best clinical decision?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Quiz: Feline Diabetes
5/6  Questions
Score
Score 0/6

    

    

 

Wesley, a 13-year-old castrated domestic short-haired cat (Figure 5), is presented for recheck examination of diabetes mellitus. Physical examination reveals a stable body weight, and the owner reports minimal clinical signs directly related to diabetes. However, the cat seems to have difficulty jumping onto furniture. 

Which of the following statements is most accurate?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Quiz: Feline Diabetes
6/6  Questions
Score
Score 0/6

    

    

 

Test results confirm diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in Gerald, a 10-year-old castrated domestic short-haired cat (Figure 6). The family is waiting to learn more about the diagnosis. 

Which of the following take-home points conveyed to family members during the initial diabetic discussion is most accurate?

Select one of the above choices and click submit.
Quiz: Feline Diabetes
6/6  Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
Score 0/6

Quiz: Feline Diabetes

Final score
0 of 6

References and Author Information

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