Subtypes

• Two subtypes exist within diabetes mellitus, or DM. The subtypes are type I DM and type II DM. Type I DM is caused by your dog's inability to produce appropriate levels of insulin. Type II DM is associated with your dog's inability to use insulin.
  
  Diabetes insipidus also features two subtypes, which are central DI and nephrogenic DI. Central DI is caused by a decrease in the production of an anti-diuretic hormone. Nephrogenic DI is caused by the kidney's inability to properly respond to the anti-diuretic hormone.
  
  

Occurrence

• Although any breed can be affected by diabetes, some are at higher risk than others. Dog breeds commonly affected by diabetes mellitus include the standard schnauzer, miniature schnauzer, Australian terrier, samoyed, bichon frise, cairn terrier, keeshond, standard poodle, miniature poodle, spitz and fox terrier.
  
  Diabetes insipidus is not known to affect any specific breed more so than others.
  
  

Symptoms

• Both types of diabetes affecting canines present with similar symptoms. Signs of diabetes mellitus include weight loss, increase in fluid intake, frequent urination, lethargy, spontaneous onset of blindness and an overall poor body condition.
  
  Symptoms of diabetes insipidus include increase in fluid intake, frequent urination, decrease in coordination, seizure and personality changes, such as unexplained disorientation.
  
  

Treatment

• Course of treatment for canine diabetes varies based on which main type and subtype the dog is suffering from. Treatment for diabetes mellitus type I includes daily insulin injections, weight management, increase in fiber intake and spaying in females to reduce the effects of estrogen. Diabetes mellitus type II is treated by finding and repairing the underlying cause of the body's inability to use insulin.
  
  Central and nephrogenic diabetes insipidus are treated with various types of medications, such as desmopressin acetate, chloropropamide and thiazie diuretics. Decrease in salt intake also may be required.
  
  

Prevention

• There are very few effective strategies for preventing diabetes in dogs. The likelihood of developing diabetes mellitus can be slightly decreased by ensuring that your dog maintain a healthy weight at all times.
  
  No strategies of prevention have been linked with central diabetes insipidus. Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can be prevented in future generations by not allowing affected dogs to breed.