Long-term Complications of Feline Diabetes
The long-term complications of feline
diabetes are a result of prolonged hyperglycaemia:
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Diabetic nephropathy
- Diabetic cataract
- Extremely variable.
- May be subclinical, acute or chronic.
- Sudden onset of weakness, progressive paraparesis, proprioceptive deficits, muscle atrophy and depressed spinal reflexes may be seen.
- Hind limb weakness and wasting are seen most commonly.
- Cats may be presented walking on their hocks (plantigrade stance).
Due to their shorter life span, diabetic cats seem to develop
fewer long-term complications than human diabetics. Obtaining
optimal control of blood glucose concentration helps to prevent
the long-term complications of diabetes mellitus.
Diabetic neuropathy
Neuropathy is occasionally seen in feline diabetes.
The pathogenesis of diabetic neuropathy remains unknown and is likely multifactorial (including persistent hyperglycaemia and resultant metabolic damage to nerves).
Clinical signs
Treatment
There is no specific treatment although methylcobalamin (a form
of vitamin B12) has been proposed. The prognosis is guarded but
partial or full resolution of the clinical signs has been reported
following regulation of blood glucose concentrations with insulin.
Diabetic nephropathy
A very serious complication
of diabetes mellitus that may be seen in cats. The clinical signs
are those of renal insufficiency.
Diabetic cataract
Cataracts are seen far more common in canine diabetes than feline diabetes.
For more information see Diabetic cataracts in dogs.