Archive Case #70: Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Clinical Clues

1. A middle-aged dog is brought in for excessive drinking, frequent urination, and weight loss.
2. The owner says the appetite has actually increased during this time.
3. On examination the dog is thin and bilateral lens opacity is noted.
4. A urine sample is strongly positive for glucose.
5. Bloodwork confirms persistent hyperglycaemia.
6. Insulin deficiency or resistance in dogs commonly causes diabetes mellitus with PU PD, weight loss, and cataracts.

Diagnosis

Canine Diabetes Mellitus

This case is most consistent with Canine Diabetes Mellitus because the dog has PU PD, weight loss despite a good appetite, glucosuria, and hyperglycaemia. The most important clues are the cataracts and metabolic pattern, which make simple kidney disease less likely.

Educational Use

Vetdle archive cases are educational veterinary games for diagnostic reasoning practice. They do not provide veterinary advice, diagnosis, treatment, or professional medical guidance.