Insulin overdose in dogs and cats: 28 cases (1986-1993)
Whitley, N.T.; Drobatz, K.J.; Panciera, D.L.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 211(3): 326-330
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-1488 PMID: 9262672 Document Number: 482576
Medical records of 8 dogs and 20 cats receiving insulin for treatment of diabetes mellitus were reviewed. Records of animals that had an episode of hypoglycaemia were reviewed in detail. Overdosing of insulin was more common in cats than in dogs. Median weight of diabetic cats that became hypoglycaemic was significantly greater than that of the hospital population of diabetic cats at diagnosis. 80% of cats that became hypoglycaemic were receiving insulin doses >6 U/injection, administered once or twice daily. Dose and type of insulin did not correlate with duration or severity of hypoglycaemia. In 7 of 8 dogs and 10 of 20 cats, management factors or concurrent medical problems were considered to be predisposing causes for insulin overdose. 2 dogs and 2 cats did not have clinical signs of hypoglycaemia, despite documented low concentrations of glucose in their blood. It is concluded that diabetic cats, especially if obese, are at greater risk of insulin overdose than are diabetic dogs. The reason for overdose may not be evident. Diabetic dogs and cats may become hypoglycaemic without developing autonomic warning signs of hypoglycaemia, or these signs may not be recognized.