Diabetes mellitus in a toco toucan

Diabetes mellitus is rarely diagnosed in avian species. The majority of reported cases have occurred in small birds, such as the parakeet and canary. A major complicating factor in the diagnosis of diabetes in birds is the lack of accepted normal blood glucose values, which can be highly variable among avian species. In the case to be reported here a Toco Toucan (Ramphastos toco) was affected. The diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in this instance was based on the history, clinical signs, and response to therapy.