Case Report: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus In A Seven Year-Old German Shorthair Pointer Bitch

Abstract

A seven year-old pregnant female German Shorthair Pointer presented to the Florida Veterinary Referral Center on June 28, 2010 for reduced appetite, polydipsia and lethargy. The bitch was 53 days pregnant (based on date of mating) at presentation. Serum biochemistry, blood glucose measurement and urinalysis were performed. The results indicated hyperglycemia and glycosuria. An abdominal radiograph confirmed the presence of seven fetuses. The bitch was diagnosed with the rare condition gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and managed medically with neutral protamine Hagedom (NPH) (NovolinTM, Novo Nordisk, Bagsværd, Denmark) insulin at increasing doses towards the end of gestation. An elective cesarean section and ovariohysterectomy were performed on day 63 after breeding. Seven live puppies were delivered. Three died within 15 days of birth and four puppies were alive at 24 weeks postpartum. The dog remained insulin dependent.