Diabetes:neuropathy

Introduction

• Very common complication in human diabetics and, although probably most common long term complication in cats, is a relatively infrequent occurrence in this species.
• Cause : nerve damage secondary to diabetes mellitus    (DM).
• Signalment : mature to older (with chronic DM).
• Signs : hindlimb wasting and weakness.
• Diagnosis : concurrent neurological signs and DM.
• Treatment : manage DM but no specific therapy for nerve injury.
• Prognosis : may show neurological improvement with successful treatment of DM.

Diagnosis

Clinical signs

• Plantigrade stance.

• Reduced postural reflexes and proprioceptive deficits.
• Resent palpation.
• Muscle atrophy.

• Progressive symmetrical paraparesis.

• May affect forelimbs in severe cases.

Diagnosis

Differential diagnosis

• Iliac thrombosis    (although this is much more painful than diabetic neuropathy).

Sequelae

Prognosis

• Most cases recover normal function if DM controlled or resolves.

Sources

Publications

Refereed papers

• Shell L G (1995)Diabetic polyneuropathy.Feline Pract23, 27-29.
• Towell T L & Shell L C (1994)Endocrinopathies that affect the peripheral nerves of cats and dogs.Comp Cont Ed16, 157-161.
• Kranek B, Moise N, Cooper B & Rafte M (1984)Neuropathy associated with diabetes mellitus in the cat.JAVMA184, 42-45.