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Educational Articles

  • This handout provides general information about diabetes mellitus in dogs. For information about its treatment, see the fact sheets "Diabetes Mellitus - Principles of Treatment" and "Diabetes Mellitus - Insulin Treatment".

  • This handout provides detailed information on insulin administration. For more information about diabetes mellitus, see the fact sheets "Diabetes Mellitus - General Information", and "Diabetes Mellitus - Principles of Treatment".

  • This handout provides detailed information on the principles of treatment in diabetes mellitus. For more information about diabetes mellitus and its treatment, see the fact sheets "Diabetes Mellitus - General Information", and "Diabetes Mellitus - Insulin Treatment".

  • Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency that occurs when there is not enough insulin in the body to control blood sugar (glucose) levels. It is important for your veterinarian to perform appropriate tests in order to diagnose this disease as similar signs can occur with other medical conditions. Treatment involves hospitalization with IV fluids, short acting insulin and electrolyte replacement. The most important step in prevention is ensuring proper insulin dosing is being administered.

  • The diaphragm is the muscular partition that separates the abdomen and the chest. Tearing or disruption of this thin muscle is called a diaphragmatic hernia or diaphragmatic rupture. The most common cause of diaphragmatic hernia is blunt force trauma.

  • Diarrhea is a symptom of an underlying problem that may be minor or very serious. Some cases may resolve on their own or with minimal treatment, while other cases require in-depth diagnostic testing and more aggressive treatment to address the underlying condition. The possible causes, diagnostic tests, and treatment protocols for diarrhea in dogs are numerous and are explained in this handout.

  • If your dog is having diarrhea, please complete this questionnaire as accurately as possible before your appointment. This information will be very helpful to your veterinarian in determining the cause of diarrhea.

  • Diazepam (brand names: Valium®, Diastat®, E Pam Tab®, Meva®l, Vivol®) is used as a muscle relaxant, anti-anxiety medication, appetite stimulant, and an anti-seizure medication. It is also used as a preanesthetic in hospital. It is used off label to treat anxiety, seizures, tense muscles, or decreased appetite. Give as directed by your veterinarian.

  • Diazoxide is given by mouth and is used off label in cats, dogs, ferrets, and other small mammals to treat low blood sugar associated with insulin-producing tumors of the pancreas. Diazoxide is given by mouth in the form of a liquid suspension or compounded capsule.

  • Diclofenac ophthalmic is a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication used to treat inflammatory eye conditions in cats, dogs, rabbits, avian species, and other animals. Diclofenac ophthalmic comes in liquid drop form.