Work

The effect of glycemic control on diabetic cataract progression rate in dogs: A preliminary study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a leading cause of canine cataracts. This study aimed to determine the association between diabetic cataracts progression rate and long-term glycemic control in dogs. Nine dogs recently diagnosed with DM and early incipient cataracts were enrolled. Dogs were fitted with sensors for continuous glucose monitoring and underwent biweekly medical and ophthalmic examinations for 6 months or until phacoemulsification surgery was indicated. Measures of glycemic control were compared between dogs that required phacoemulsification surgery (PS) and those that did not (N), and between visits in which surgery was recommended (VS) and all other visits (O). Overall, 4/9 dogs required surgery within 12-24 weeks of recruitment. Coefficient of variation of glucose concentrations was higher in PS than N (P<.001), and was positively associated with cataract progression (P=.023). Average glucose and fructosamine concentrations were higher in VS than O (P≤.03). Fructosamine concentrations decreased with time in N (P=.001), but not in PS. Glycemic variability percentage increased with time in PS (P<.001), but not in N. This study shows that cataract progression in diabetic dogs is associated with increased glucose concentrations and glycemic variability. These preliminary findings suggest both measures of glycemic control should be improved in order to slow down cataract progression in dogs. • Four of 9 dogs recently diagnosed with diabetes mellitus developed cataract that required surgery within12-24 weeks. • Coefficient of variation of glucose concentrations was positively associated with cataract progression. • Coefficient of variation of glucose concentrations was higher in dogs that required • surgery compared to those that did not. • Glycemic variability percentage increased with time only in dogs that required surgery. • Fructosamine concentrations decreased with time only in dogs that did not require surgery.

Source: The Veterinary Journal

DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2025.106491

Authors: D. Arad, R. Ofri, L. Sebbag, D. Rimer, M. Mazaki-Tovi

Institution: Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Language: English

Topic: Veterinary Medicine and Surgery

Subfield: Small Animals

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,310