EXPRESS: Spectrum of veterinary care in feline diabetes mellitus

Approximately 10% of cats with diabetes mellitus (diabetes) are euthanized at diagnosis and a further 10% euthanized within the first year of treatment, despite diabetes being a treatable and manageable disease. This review presents a spectrum of veterinary care aimed at providing practitioners with a range of treatment options to discuss with the owner which may assist in preventing euthanasia at diagnosis. Barriers such as owner concerns about lifestyle impact, pet welfare and presence of comorbidities contribute to decisions to euthanize, while financial limitations can significantly restrict access to veterinary care for cats with diabetes. This highlights the urgent need to implement a spectrum of care approach for feline diabetes with the aim of reducing euthanasia rates and improving owner and cat outcomes. The primary costs of diabetes management arise from treatment, monitoring, diet and veterinary care. Substituting a more affordable option in any of these areas can reduce overall expenses, generally without impacting care. By being aware of the available options and their associated costs, veterinarians can offer flexible, individualized and informed treatment plans that address financial and practical barriers – ultimately reducing treatment costs and enhancing prognosis, owner satisfaction and feline wellbeing.