Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes in Dogs

Home 9 Dog Health 9 Diabetes in Dogs

DIABETES MELLITUS IN DOGS

Author(s): Cathy Lambert, Photos: Diana Andersen, Animalinfo Publications

What is Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs?

Also known as Type 1 or insulin-dependent diabetes, this disease impairs the body’s ability to utilise carbohydrates and sugars. The pancreas produces the hormone insulin, which regulates the uptake of sugars into cells throughout the body. In diabetic dogs, either the pancreas is defective, and insulin is not being produced, or it is being produced, but the body is not recognising and using it appropriately. There is a genetic predisposition for the body’s immune system to destroy insulin-producing cells in some cases. In other cases, genes can make the dog more susceptible to diabetes in association with other factors such as obesity, illness or exposure to some drugs in large doses (corticosteroids or reproductive hormones). Without insulin, sugar builds up in the blood, causing an array of problems. There is no cure for diabetes, but it can be controlled with insulin injections, diet and exercise. Once the disease begins, your pet will need careful monitoring and insulin injections, usually twice a day, for the rest of its life.

What are the Signs or Symptoms?

Symptoms may go unnoticed at first, as the onset of the disease is usually gradual. The first sign will usually be an increase in the amount the dog drinks and urinates. Affected dogs will also be hungrier because they cannot utilise the sugar in their blood but tend to lose weight because they burn body fat for energy almost exclusively. Fat can then accumulate in the liver. When blood sugar is about twice its normal level, it enters the urine, causing excessive thirst and urination. Long term problems include the development of cataracts, liver disease, pancreatitis and an increase in bacterial infections, especially of the urinary tract. Persistent infections of the bladder and skin are common. If diabetes is left untreated, dogs will eventually develop ketoacidosis, a serious illness that can develop quickly over a few days. Waste products called ketones build up as a result of fat metabolism and causes depression, vomiting, breathing problems and dehydration, which may lead to eventual coma or death. Treating ketoacidosis can be very expensive and may not be successful.

In severe cases of diabetes, signs are evident by six months of age. Affected puppies tend to eat and drink more than normal but grow quite slowly. They urinate a lot, and their faeces are soft. In later-onset, diabetes does not develop until middle age. Signs include an increase in food and water intake and frequent urination combined with weight loss.

How is it Diabetes in Dogs Diagnosed?

If your dog is showing symptoms of diabetes, you will need to take it for a physical examination by a vet, who will also test for sugar and ketone levels in the blood and urine.

How is it Treated?

If caught early and there are no other complications, then insulin treatment, diet and exercise will balance blood glucose levels and help minimise daily fluctuations. It may be necessary to test glucose levels in the urine or blood daily and inject insulin up to twice a day. If your dog’s diabetes is due solely to obesity and there are no other complications, it should improve significantly or even fully recover once its weight is under control.

Complications from insulin treatment can occur if the dose is not right. If given too much insulin, hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar can occur. If not enough, secondary problems such as cataracts and liver disease may develop. If you are committed to helping your dog by carefully following a treatment plan provided by your vet, then your dog can still lead a happy, healthy long life.

A common problem in dog health is obesity.

Obesity increases a dog’s chance of developing diabetes.

Dog health information.

More health Articles >

Medicating Dog Eyes

Although some dogs may never need eye medications, most will probably end up with a minor problem at some stage that requires treatment. Injuries may be physical trauma to the eye, like a scratch from a stick or a foreign body like grass seeds.

Trimming Dog’s Nails

Trimming dog’s nails can be done at home with care. Early conditioning to allow your dog to be comfortable with nail trimming is essential.

Dog Grooming

Dog grooming tips for beginners. Learn to use the correct tools and techniques for your dog’s coat to keep your dog clean, well-groomed and looking beautiful.

Is Chocolate Good For Dogs?

Everyone feels better after a piece of chocolate, but is chocolate good for dogs? Chocolate toxicity can be a serious problem in dogs & cats and can be fatal. If you suspect chocolate poisoning, seek vet help immediately.

Dog Dental Care

Dog dental care is essential in preventing the deterioration of your dog’s teeth and is essential for the long-term health of your dog.

Ear Cleaning for Dogs

Ear cleaning for dogs is an important health task for dog owners to learn to do safely. Cleaning your dog’s ears helps prevent ear infections. A dog with an ear infection will also shake his ears frequently and might scratch more than usual.

Addison’s Disease in Dogs

Addison’s Disease in dogs, or Hypoadrenocorticism, is a disease that causes damage to the adrenal glands. Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

French Bulldog Digestion

Understanding that limited French Bulldog digestion comes with the limited airways in brachycephalic breeds! Feeding the ideal French Bulldog diet will aid in digestion.

How can you Avoid Buying a Dog with Diabetes?

Diabetes appears to be an inherited trait in some breeds, although the transmission mode has not yet been identified. However, to reduce the incidence of this disease, it is recommended that dogs with diabetes, along with their parents and siblings, should not be used for breeding.

Most dogs that are susceptible to diabetes will not develop the disease until after the age of five, so if you are purchasing a puppy, you should enquire about the parents’ health status. However, if you are buying an older dog, you should arrange a general vet check before purchase if you are concerned about diabetes. If the dog is obese or has had pancreatic problems in the past, it will be at greater risk of developing diabetes. Reproductive females are also at higher risk.

References

All Creatures Care
http://www.2ndchance.info/

Canine Inherited Disorders Database
http://www.upei.ca/~cidd/intro.htm

CavalierHealth.org
http://www.cavalierhealth.org/index.html

Further Reading from this Author

Getting to Know Dogs, A Guide to Choosing, Caring For and Living With Man’s Best Friend

Getting to Know Dogs, the Ultimate dog ownership guide

Read More…

RELATED POSTS

Medicating Dog Eyes

Medicating Dog Eyes

Although some dogs may never need eye medications, most will probably end up with a minor problem at some stage that requires treatment. Injuries may be physical trauma to the eye, like a scratch from a stick or a foreign body like grass seeds.

Trimming Dog’s Nails

Trimming Dog’s Nails

Trimming dog’s nails can be done at home with care. Early conditioning to allow your dog to be comfortable with nail trimming is essential.

Dog Grooming

Dog Grooming

Dog grooming tips for beginners. Learn to use the correct tools and techniques for your dog’s coat to keep your dog clean, well-groomed and looking beautiful.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This

Share This

Share this post with your friends!