Diabetes in Dogs
It is estimated that approximately 1 in 500 dogs develops diabetes. So you're not alone if you have a diabetic dog.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Animals affected by Diabetes Mellitus are unable to use glucose in their diets as an energy reserve for their cells.
In normal animals this process is controlled by the hormone, Insulin. Diabetic animals either cannot produce insulin or their bodies cells are not responding to it.
Glucose Metabolism in Non-diabetic Dogs
Food is broken down into components that can be used by the body. Conversion of carbohydrates (starches) produces sugars, including glucose. Once absorbed from the intestines, glucose goes into the blood and provides energy to the cells of the body.
The intake of glucose into most cells is dependent upon the presence of the hormone insulin. Insulin is produced by specific cells in the pancreas, a gland situated near the intestines.
What Dogs Are Suspectible to Diabetes Mellitus?
Middle aged to older dogs are the more prone to developing diabetes. The most commonly affected being un-spayed bitches.
An increased risk of developing diabetes mellitus can appear in the following dog breeds:
- Keeshond
- Poodle
- Samoyed
- Daschund
- Alaskan malamute
- Miniature schnauzer
- Chow chow
- Beagle
- Doberman
- Labrador retriever
- Hungarian puli
- Golden retriever
- Miniature pinscher
- Old English sheepdog
- Springer spaniel
- Schipperke
- Finnish spitz
- West Highland white terrier
- Cairn terrier
Symptoms of Diabetes
If any of the following apply to your dog, consult your veterinary surgeon:
- Drinks a lot of water
- Urinates frequently
- Is always hungry
- Has lost weight despite eating more
Diagnosis of Diabetes
Although the symptoms described above are very suggestive of diabetes mellitus, they are also seen in other diseases. For this reason we would recommend firstly a thorough examination by your regular vet. Then if we a re still worries we will recommend the following tests:
Urine sampling- Your veterinary surgeon may first examine a urine sample to determine if there is glucose in the urine and/or a urinary tract infection.
Blood sampling- To confirm the diagnosis, your veterinary surgeon will take a blood sample and determine the glucose (sugar) level in your dog's blood.
If the blood glucose concentration is consistently higher than normal, it may indicate that your dog has Diabetes
Because some other conditions can make the treatment of diabetes much trickier we may well recommend some further blood tests.
Treatment of Diabetes
With exercise, correct nutrition and insulin therapy you can successfully manage the health of your diabetic dog. It is vital that therapy is implemented as untreated animals can go on to suffer so nasty consequences:
- Chronic weight loss and emaciation
- Blindness caused by diabetic cataracts
- Ketoacidosis - a very serious and lifethreatening complication
- Secondary infections of the urinary tract.
Can diabetes be cured?
The underlying cause of diabetes cannot be cured. Diabetic dogs require lifelong treatment with an insulin preparation such as Caninsulin.
Aim of Treatment
Restoring your diabetic dog's quality of life is the aim of treatment.
How are Diabetic Dogs Treated?
Successful diabetes management is dependent upon a regular routine.
- Regular insulin injections frequently twice daily
- Correct feeding - special diets are required
- Regular exercise
- Intact female dogs should be spayed
- We also regularly assess and monitor the effectiveness of treatment with health assessments and blood testing.
You're Not Alone
Managing Diabetes Mellitus is very much a partnership between pet owner and practice. It is not unusual for owners of newly diabetic animals to feel overwhelmed or alone.
It is important therefore to know that you are not on your own.
- Remember 1:500 pet have this condition.
- Parkvets have dedicated trained nursing staff to help coach you through all stages of the disease from giving injections to learning more about the disease. You can see the nurses as often as you need.
- We have lots of clients with diabetic animals who are leading normal lives.
Helping your dog regain its quality of life through the effective treatment of diabetes is very rewarding.
Related External Links
Pet Diabetes - A comprehensive website from the manufacturers of Caninsulin, Intervet
Pets with Diabetes - An online support group resource
