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10 YO Australian Shepherd (Sam) was diagnosed diabetic about 4 months ago. Glucose levels have gone down but still high (in the 500s). Recently Sam has been unable to control his bladder and was treated for a bladder infection. Vet now saying that maybe he had been misdiagnosed and there may be a problem with his adrenal glands. Would that account for elevated glucose levels or would that be an issue on top of the diabetes?

10 YO Australian Shepherd (Sam) was diagnosed diabetic about 4 months ago. Glucose levels have gone down but still high (in the 500s). Recently Sam has been unable to control his bladder and was treated for a bladder infection. Vet now saying that maybe he had been misdiagnosed and there may be a problem with his adrenal glands. Would that account for elevated glucose levels or would that be an issue on top of the diabetes?

Updated On January 13th, 2020

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | neutered | 48 lbs

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

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I'm guessing that the adrenal gland disease might be Cushing's, and it is a separate disease from diabetes although it is fairly common for dogs to have both diseases. Cushing's is caused by either the pituitary gland or the adrenal glands releasing hormones that result in excess cortisol. Cortisol causes insulin resistance so it can be difficult to regulate diabetes in dogs with Cushing's. A symptom of both diabetes and Cushing's is increased thirst and urination, and it is common for dogs with either disease to develop urinary tract infections.

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