DOI : 10.56496 / RGWF9084

April Louise Murphy , RVN , ISFMCertFN

The London Cat Clinic

ENVELOPE missapril104 @ gmail . com

April is an RVN and has completed her International Society of Feline Medicine certificate in feline nursing . She works at the London Cat Clinic and is passionate about feline care and nursing , as well as surgery and anaesthesia . She hopes to encourage veterinary nurses , students and veterinary care assistants to have a voice and feel valued in their roles . April has a 12-year-old cat called Toffee , who is very precious .

ABSTRACT Diabetes mellitus is a common medical disorder that can be caused by a relative lack of insulin in the body , or the body ' s cells being resistant to insulin . Owners of diabetic pets often need help during the stabilisation period of their pet and while implementing the lifestyle changes required to manage the condition . Veterinary nurses are integral to helping owners create a home care plan to ensure that their pet has a good quality of life .

Keywords Diabetes mellitus , insulin , diabetic ketoacidosis , weight management

Introduction

Diabetes mellitus ( DM ) is a common medical condition , which is caused by a lack of insulin in the body or by the tissues being resistant to insulin . In veterinary practice , it is seen mainly in cats and dogs .

Veterinary nurses ( VNs ) can play an integral role in the management of DM , particularly in supporting owners with the home care of patients with the condition .

To maintain their pet ' s health , it is essential that owners know how to identify and manage potential complications of DM .

52 Veterinary Nursing Journal