The use of isophane insulin for the control of diabetes mellitus in dogs

For this study 54 dogs with diabetes mellitus verified by anamnesis, clinical examinations and laboratory analyses were selected in 13 Danish and Swedish small animal clinics. After instruction the owners gave isophane insulin ("Insulin Protaphan Human") injections to the dogs morning and evening followed by a commercial or homemade meal rich in fibers. The veterinarians examined the treated dogs 5 times or more in the 90 day treatment period, preferably in the morning before injection and meal. In all 54 dogs the clinical symptoms disappeared a few days after isophane insulin injections, and 54% of the dogs were clinically healthy within 8 days. Within a month 96% of the dogs were normalized after therapy. Simultaneously the blood glucose levels were normalized in 64% of the dogs within 14 days and in further 21% within 30 days. The urine glucose levels were normalized in 64% of the dogs within 14 days and for further 19% within 30 days. At the end of the study 48 out of the 54 diabetic dogs were clinically healthy, alert and free from symptoms of diabetes. The average dose of isophane insulin was for greater dogs 0.44 units per kg bw twice a day, for small dogs 0.79. Six dogs had been destroyed in the trial period for various reasons. One owner had injection troubles. Another owner was hospitalized and had to get rid of the dog. One dog developed advanced breast cancer, 1 went fierce and 2 developed cataracts. Four dogs had by 1 or 2 occasions shown hypoglycemic symptoms, which quickly disappeared after appropriate adjustments of insulin dosing, feeding schedule and exercise programme.