Diabetes mellitus can lead to a secondary myocarditis (malfunction of
the heart muscles). This can eventually cause heart failure. The signs
that this is happening include a decrease in activity or weakness associated
with normal activities, difficulty breathing or increased respiratory rate,
decrease in appetite and sometimes pain or paralysis of the rear legs.
Unfortunately, most of these signs can also occur for other reasons, including
other complications of diabetes, like diabetic neuropathy leading to hind
limb weakness or decrease in appetite associated with a loss of control
of insulin regulation. With diabetes, it is important to work very closely
with your vet to monitor the treatment. Teamwork makes a huge difference
in the successful maintenance of a dog or cat with diabetes.