Canine immune-mediated diabetes mellitus: a case report

A four-year-old, spayed female toy fox terrier presented with hyperglycemia and severe anemia. A diagnosis of immune-mediated diabetes mellitus was made based upon the finding of beta-cell specific antibodies. Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia was diagnosed based on findings of a regenerative anemia, spherocytosis, hyperbilirubinemia, hemoglobinuria, and bilirubinuria. The anemia resolved following two months of immunosuppressive therapy. The diabetes was treated with insulin for four months, after which time treatment was no longer necessary. However, the dog remained positive for beta-cell antibodies which may be a predictive marker for the recurrence of diabetes mellitus in the future.