Describe clinical signs in a cat with diabetes mellitus.

• A. PU/PD, polyphagia, weight loss, plantigrade stance
• B. Vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration
• C. Cough, sneezing, nasal discharge
• D. Lethargy, hair loss, itching

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is recognizing the typical presentation of diabetes mellitus in a cat. Diabetes causes high blood glucose that spills into the urine, drawing water with it, so the cat experiences increased urination and thirst (PU/PD). Many cats with early or uncontrolled diabetes also seem hungrier (polyphagia), but despite eating more they lose weight because their bodies aren’t using glucose properly and start breaking down fat and muscle. Over time, some cats develop a hind limb neuropathy from prolonged hyperglycemia, which can produce a plantigrade stance (walking on the hocks) due to weakness. So the combination of PU/PD, polyphagia, weight loss, and sometimes a plantigrade gait fits feline diabetes well.

The other sets of signs don’t fit this pattern. Vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration point more toward gastrointestinal disease; cough, sneezing, and nasal discharge suggest an upper respiratory issue; lethargy with hair loss and itching are more typical of skin or endocrine conditions other than diabetes.