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Kreilmeier-Berger T, Zeugswetter FK, Blohm KO, Schwendenwein I, Baszler E, Ploderer B, Burgener IA, Künzel F. Successful Insulin Glargine Treatment in Two Pet Guinea Pigs with Suspected Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11041025. [PMID: 33916377 PMCID: PMC8067123 DOI: 10.3390/ani11041025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This is the first case report of two guinea pigs with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (DM) successfully treated with long-acting basal insulin glargine. Both animals presented with typical symptoms and laboratory changes like polyphagia, glucosuria and highly elevated blood glucose levels that suggested the presence of a diabetes mellitus. One of the guinea pigs had asymmetric bilateral cataracts. Mostly, a disorder resembling type II-DM in humans seems to be prevalent in guinea pigs. In this case, the animals did not respond to the standard treatment of a dietary change but responded promptly to insulin treatment. The diabetes has remained controlled for over 1.5 years now. Thus far, there is only sparse scientific information on spontaneous type I diabetes mellitus and treatment modalities in pet guinea pigs. We discuss the current literature including up to date diagnosis, treatment, monitoring with the evaluation of different glucometers and long-time follow-up. Moreover, individual ophthalmic abnormalities and management regarding suspected diabetic cataracts are described in detail. Abstract Scientific information on spontaneous type I diabetes mellitus (DM) and treatment modalities in guinea pigs is scarce. As most diabetic guinea pigs are overweight and respond to dietary changes, a disorder resembling type II-DM in humans seems to be most prevalent in this species. In the present report, a nine-month-old female intact guinea pig (GP1) was presented because of a cataract and polyphagia. The physical examinations in GP1 and its littermate, GP2, were unremarkable. Laboratory tests revealed hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, elevated fructosamine concentrations, and glucosuria in GP1 and GP2. Not responding to dietary changes, an insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus was suspected in both animals. Treatment with 0.5 IU of glargine insulin (Lantus®) per guinea pig subcutaneously (s.c.) once daily was initiated in both animals. Monitoring included repeated clinical evaluations and the measurement of plasma glucose and fructosamine concentrations. Capillary glucose concentration was measured using a glucometer, and glucosuria was monitored by dipstick. Blood glucose concentrations decreased quickly in both GPs, and glucosuria resolved. Including several dose adjustments, DM remained controlled for over 1.5 years. Bilateral cataracts and lens-induced uveitis in GP1 were medically managed with only slight progression. This is the first report of guinea pigs with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that were successfully treated with long-acting basal insulin glargine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Kreilmeier-Berger
- Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Clinic, Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (F.K.Z.); (E.B.); (B.P.); (I.A.B.)
- Correspondence: (T.K.-B.); (F.K.); Tel.: +43-01-25077-6371 (T.K.-B.)
| | - Florian K. Zeugswetter
- Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Clinic, Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (F.K.Z.); (E.B.); (B.P.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Klaas-Ole Blohm
- AniCura Tierärztliche Spezialisten, 22043 Hamburg, Germany;
- Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Clinic, Ophthalmology Unit, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria
- Tierklinik Rostock, 18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Ilse Schwendenwein
- Department of Pathobiology, Clinical Pathology Platform, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Elisabeth Baszler
- Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Clinic, Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (F.K.Z.); (E.B.); (B.P.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Bernadette Ploderer
- Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Clinic, Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (F.K.Z.); (E.B.); (B.P.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Iwan Anton Burgener
- Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Clinic, Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (F.K.Z.); (E.B.); (B.P.); (I.A.B.)
| | - Frank Künzel
- Clinical Department for Small Animals and Horses, Small Animal Clinic, Internal Medicine, University of Veterinary Medicine, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (F.K.Z.); (E.B.); (B.P.); (I.A.B.)
- Correspondence: (T.K.-B.); (F.K.); Tel.: +43-01-25077-6371 (T.K.-B.)
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Abstract
Guinea pigs and chinchillas, which have become increasingly popular pets, are today more commonly presented as adult and geriatric animals. Problems of older guinea pigs and chinchillas include those related to diet and management, infections whose symptoms are more common in older animals, and neoplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Jenkins
- Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital Inc, 2317 Hotel Circle South, Suite C, San Diego, CA 92108-3310, USA.
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