Monitoring the diabetic dog: clinical signs or a single glucose
11-year-old spayed female Yorkshire Terrier, diabetic on lente insulin every 12 h for 4 months. According to the owner she drinks and urinates normally, eats well and maintains her weight. At the recheck, in mid-afternoon after a car journey, blood glucose is 360 mg/dL.
What is the most appropriate approach?
chevron_right Show answer and explanation
A. Increase the insulin dose by 50% because control is inadequate
A single glucose does not reflect control: it depends on timing relative to the dose, stress and food. Raising the dose without clinical signs is a common cause of hypoglycaemia.
B. Keep the dose: clinical control is good, and a single glucose does not justify changes
Correct. Control is judged mainly by thirst, urination, appetite, weight and the absence of hypoglycaemia. If signs return, then a curve is done, preferably at home or with a sensor.
C. Hospitalise for a 2-hourly glucose curve and adjust according to the result
Without clinical signs it is not indicated, and in-hospital curves can be distorted by stress, poor appetite and a different routine, leading to wrong decisions.
D. Change to another insulin, as lente is not working
Nothing suggests the insulin is failing: the dog is clinically controlled. Changing insulin without reason means readjusting from scratch.
lightbulb Key takeaway
When monitoring a diabetic, always ask about thirst, urination, appetite, weight and episodes of weakness, and weigh the animal at every visit. Fructosamine and curves complement, but do not replace, clinical assessment.
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Updated: October 31, 2026 · Educational content for veterinary professionals. It does not replace current clinical guidelines or the judgement of the attending veterinarian.