Concurrent diabetes mellitus and hypoadrenocorticism in the dog: Diagnosis and management of eight cases

Eight cases of concurrent diabetes mellitus and hyperadrenocorticism are described. In all but one dog diabetes mellitus was the first condition recognised and, in these, clinical signs attributable to hyperadrenocorticism developed further while the dogs received replacement insulin therapy. The most common signs were resistance to exogenous insulin with daily insulin replacement dosage requirements exceeding 2 iu/kg, erratic insulin requirements, continuing polydipsia/polyuria and weight loss. Lethargy and muscle weakness were variable and dermatological abnormalities were present in only four cases. Six dogs were treated with op'DDD and clinical signs resolved with improvement of glycaemic control.