Diabetes mellitus remission after resolution of inflammatory and progesterone-related conditions in bitches

Canine diabetes mellitus (CDM) remission is a rare event that is possible after the resolution of insulin resistance conditions, especially those related to the estrus cycle. A retrospective study was carried out at the Division of Veterinary Endocrinology from 2006 to 2011 to assess CDM remission rates after the resolution of problems associated with ovarian activity. Out of 117 female dogs diagnosed with CDM, six diabetes remission cases were identified and described after resolution of diestrus (1), or after ovariohysterectomy for pregnancy (1), ovarian remnant syndrome (1), and pyometra (3), even after initial presentation in severe diabetic ketosis or long after diagnosis (ovariohysterectomy was performed from 3 to 81days after diagnosis, and diabetes resolution was achieved within 4–39days after gonadectomy). Several factors may lead to diabetes remission. However, in these cases, ovariohysterectomy was crucial for the restoration of normal blood glucose levels, suggesting that diabetic bitches be spayed independently of the length of time after diagnosis.