Transient type 2 diabetes mellitus in a raccoon (Procyon lotor)

J Zoo Wildl Med. 2008 Dec;39(4):622-5. doi: 10.1638/2007-0089.1.

Abstract

A privately owned, obese, adult female raccoon (Procyon lotor) presented with polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and increased appetite. Diabetes mellitus was diagnosed based on laboratory findings, including hyperglycemia and glucosuria. As a result of the raccoon's age and obesity at the onset of clinical signs, the raccoon was thought to have type 2 diabetes mellitus, a diagnosis that was supported by paired glucose tolerance tests. Treatment consisted of dietary management and daily insulin therapy. The raccoon was gradually weaned off insulin with no return of clinical signs, further verifying the characterization of type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose / metabolism
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diet therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / drug therapy
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / veterinary*
  • Diet, Reducing*
  • Female
  • Glucose Tolerance Test / veterinary
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Insulin / blood
  • Insulin / therapeutic use*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / veterinary
  • Raccoons*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • Insulin