A Clinical Case of a Poodle Named Chapi

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs: A Clinical Case of a Poodle Named Chapi

A 7-year-old poodle named Chapi was presented to the Veterinarium Clinic with the following clinical signs: excessive thirst (polydipsia), excessive urination (polyuria), and weight loss.

After a detailed history was obtained and a physical examination was performed, the clinic’s internist, Nino Kushitashvili, decided to conduct a complete diagnostic workup, including a complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemistry, electrolyte panel, and urinalysis.

Serum biochemistry revealed a markedly elevated blood glucose level - hyperglycemia of 32.2 mmol/L (upper reference limit 7.1 mmol/L). In the context of polyuria and polydipsia, electrolyte imbalance was also detected. Urinalysis confirmed the presence of glucose (glucosuria) at 500 mg/dL, whereas glucose should not be detectable in the urine of a healthy animal.

Based on the patient’s history, clinical signs, and laboratory findings, Chapi was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine (hormonal) disorder characterized by persistently elevated blood glucose levels. This condition may result from insufficient insulin production or from tissue resistance to insulin. In most animals, diabetes is a chronic disease and cannot be completely cured. Disease management requires lifelong insulin therapy and an appropriate diet.

A diagnosis of diabetes is often difficult for pet owners to accept, as diabetic animals require daily care, including insulin injections every 12 hours, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, and strict dietary management.

According to the treatment plan developed by the veterinarian, insulin therapy was initiated for Chapi with a starting dose. On the first day of treatment, Chapi remained hospitalized, and blood glucose levels were measured every two hours following insulin administration to generate a glucose curve. A special diabetic diet was also prescribed. A positive clinical response was observed shortly after treatment initiation, with resolution of polyuria and polydipsia within the first few days

One week after starting insulin therapy, Chapi underwent repeat dynamic blood glucose monitoring over a defined period (glucose curve). At that time, blood glucose levels remained unsatisfactory at 27.5 mmol/L 6 hours after insulin administration, prompting an increase in the insulin dose. On the day the new dose was introduced, a full-day glucose curve was performed again, demonstrating satisfactory glycemic control with a nadir of 10.1 mmol/L. Although this value is elevated compared to healthy animals, it is considered acceptable and well controlled for a diabetic dog.

Currently, Chapi continues diabetes management at home according to the treatment plan developed by the clinic’s veterinarian, Nino Kushitashvili, which includes insulin injections every 12 hours and an appropriate diet. Blood glucose monitoring will be performed every 3-4 months.