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Diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus
Your veterinarian may recommend several types of laboratory tests to
get a clear picture of your dog's condition. The majority of these are
accomplished from a simple blood drawing.
The complete blood count (or CBC) may prove essentially normal
with the exception of increased white blood cells.
A serum cholesterol and triglyceride concentration test often
indicates increased levels of lipids in the bloodstream. This is a common
finding in untreated diabetics as the body breaks down body fat.
A serum biochemical panel, which measures liver function, may
indicate increased levels of liver enzymes, especially alkaline phosphatase
(abbreviated ALKP, ALP or SAP). Some dogs demonstrate increased or abnormal
levels of bile acid (circulating levels of bile acids) and increased serum
bilirubin levels, as well.
Pancreatic enzyme tests may indicate generalized pancreatic disease,
which often accompanies DM. Test results frequently include raised levels
of amylase and lipase enzymes.
Urinalysis (analysis of urine) may offer the most consistent
findings in cases of DM. These commonly include glucosuria (sugar in urine),
ketonuria (ketones in urine), proteinuria (protein in urine), and bacteriuria
(bacteria in the urine.)
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