Low-Dose Intramuscular Insulin Therapy for Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Dogs

Seven dogs with diabetic ketoacidosis were treated initially with lactated Ringer's solution or 0.45% NaCl solution subcutaneously or intravenously and low doses of regular (crystalline) insulin administered intramuscularly every hour until the blood glucose concentration decreased to less than 250 mg/dl. For dogs weighing less than or equal to 10 kg, the initial dose was 2 units and the hourly doses were 1 unit. For dogs weighing greater than 10 kg, the initial dosage was 0.25 units/kg of body weight, and the dosage for hourly injections was 0.1 units/kg. The mean hourly decrease of the blood glucose concentration for all 7 dogs was 87.6 mg/dl. The mean period of treatment required was 4.1 hours. Late hypoglycemia did not develop in any dog, but the serum potassium concentration decreased 0.4 to 1.0 mEq/L. The results suggested that low-dose intramuscular regular insulin therapy for treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is an effective alternative to conventional regular insulin therapy in dogs.