Very Common
Less Common
OTHER DIAGNOSES CONSIDERED
Other conditions or ailments that might also need to be ruled out by a vet.
Diagnosis
Conditions or ailments that are the cause of a problem that you see - your observation.
Your vet may diagnose
Diabetes Mellitus
Synonyms: Insulin Dependent Diabetes
Summary
Cells (beta cells) within the pancreas produce the hormone insulin, which is vital to normal metabolism. Diabetes mellitus (insulin-dependent diabetes) is failure of these cells to produce insulin for any reason.
True insulin dependent diabetes is very rare in horses. Much more common is inhibition of insulin function by cortisol in horses with PPID (Cushing's Disease).
Cases occur when the pancreatic cells are destroyed from pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. There have been reports of parasitic migration into the pancreas, causing pancreatitis and destruction of Beta Cells. Diagnosis requires oral or IV glucose tolerance test.
The only treatment for true insulin dependent diabetes is administered insulin (given by injection as in human diabetics).
True insulin dependent diabetes is very rare in horses. Much more common is inhibition of insulin function by cortisol in horses with PPID (Cushing's Disease).
Cases occur when the pancreatic cells are destroyed from pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. There have been reports of parasitic migration into the pancreas, causing pancreatitis and destruction of Beta Cells. Diagnosis requires oral or IV glucose tolerance test.
The only treatment for true insulin dependent diabetes is administered insulin (given by injection as in human diabetics).
my vet's role
Diagnostics Used
These are tests that might be helpful to make this diagnosis or further characterize the condition.
Treatments May Include
These treatments might be used to help resolve or improve this condition.
Very Common
PROGNOSIS AND RELEVANT FACTORS
The prognosis in these cases is poor.my role
I might observe
You might make these observations when a horse has this condition.
Skills I Might Need
I might need these skills if my horse has this diagnosis.
Questions To Ask Your Vet:
- What is the underlying disorder that caused insulin dependent diabetes?
Related References:
Higgins AJ, Snyder JR eds. The Equine Manual. 2nd Ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier Saunders 2006.