Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Incidence of diabetes mellitus in dogs

All dogs are susceptible to diabetes but it is usually seen in middle aged to older dogs. A higher incidence is seen in entire bitches.

Breeds that appear to be at increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus include:

However, reports may be biased due to confounding factors such as breed popularity.

For many breeds and many disorders, the studies to determine the mode of inheritance or the frequency in the breed have not been carried out, or are inconclusive. We have listed breeds for which there is a general consensus among those investigating in this field and among veterinary practitioners, that the condition is significant. Pedigree analysis has, however, apparently identified a genetic predisposition in keeshonds and samoyeds.