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1,272 bytes added ,  12:28, 25 July 2010
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===Monitoring===
 
===Monitoring===
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Since diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease, its course is best monitored by the owners of the affected animal with regular visits to a veterinary surgeon.  The following variables can therefore be easily measured:
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*'''Owner's subjective opinion''' of the general health of the animal.  The owner may be encouraged to keep a diary documenting any episodes of concern.
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*'''Weight''', since unstable animals will lose weight.
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*'''Ketones''' and '''glucose''' in urine, which can be monitored semi-quantitatively with dipsticks.
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*'''Polyuria''' and '''poldipsia''' as water can be measured easily before it is offered.
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Repeat measurements of blood glucose and/or fructosamine can be made when the animal is presented for re-checks.  Ideally, the blood glucose concentration should be maintained slightly above the normal level and it is worth remembering that many animals suffer stress-induced hyperglycaemia when in an unfamiliar environment.  If this is considered to be a problem in a particular animal, the fructosamine level will give an indication of the degree of control achieved over the previous 2-3 weeks.  Blood glucose curves are not indicated unless the patient shows overt clinical signs of diabetes mellitus or if a change to the insulin dose is intended.
    
===Instability===
 
===Instability===
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