Diabetes in Dogs: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Diabetes in dogs is a complicated disease caused by either a lack of the hormone insulin or an inadequate reaction to insulin.
After a dog consumes, his gastrointestinal system breaks food into various elements, consisting of glucose-which is brought into his cells by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas. When a dog does not produce insulin or can not utilize it generally, his blood sugar levels raise. The result is hyperglycemia, which, if left neglected, can cause numerous complicated health issue for a dog.
It is essential to comprehend, however, that diabetes is considered a manageable disorder-and many diabetic dogs can lead happy, healthy lives.
What Type of Diabetes Do Most Dogs Get?
Diabetes can be categorized as either Type 1 (lack of insulin production) or Type II (impaired insulin production together with an insufficient reaction to the hormonal agent.)
The most common form of the disease in dogs is Type 1, insulin-dependent diabetes, which happens when the pancreas is incapable of producing or producing adequate levels of insulin. Dogs who have Type I need insulin therapy to make it through. Type II diabetes is discovered in cats and is a lack of normal response to insulin.
What Are the Symptoms of Diabetes in Dogs?
The following symptoms ought to be examined as they might be signs that your dog has diabetes:
- Change in appetite
- Extreme thirst/increase in water usage
- Weight loss
- Increased urination
- Unusually fragrant or fruity breath
- Lethargy
- Dehydration
- Urinary tract infections
- Vomiting
- Cataract formation, blindness
- Chronic skin infections
What Causes Diabetes in Dogs?
The specific reason for diabetes is unidentified. Nevertheless, autoimmune disease, genetics, obesity, chronic pancreatitis, certain medications and unusual protein deposits in the pancreas can play a significant function in the advancement of the disease.
Which Dogs Are Prone to Diabetes?
It is believed that obese dogs and female dogs may run a higher risk of establishing diabetes later in life (6-9 years of age). Some breeds may also run a higher risk, including Australian terriers, basic and miniature schnauzers, dachshunds, poodles, keeshonds and samoyeds. Juvenile diabetes can likewise be seen and is especially common in golden retrievers and keeshonds.
How Is Diabetes Diagnosed?
In order to effectively diagnose diabetes, your vet will gather details about your dog’s scientific signs, perform a health examination and check blood work and a urinalysis.
See also: Diabetes in Cats and Dogs
How Is Diabetes Treated?
Diabetes treatment is based upon how severe the symptoms and laboratory work are and whether there are other health problems that might complicate therapy. Each dog will respond a little bit in a different way to treatment, and therapy should be customized to the individual dog throughout his life.
Some dogs might be seriously ill when first diagnosed and will require intensive medical facility care for numerous days to control their blood sugar level.
Dogs who are more stable when first diagnosed might respond to oral medication or a high-fiber diet that helps to stabilize glucose levels in the blood.
For most dogs, insulin injections are needed for sufficient regulation of blood glucose. When your family pet’s individual insulin treatment is established, typically based on weight, you’ll be shown how to offer him insulin injections at home.
Purifying your dog is advised, as female sex hormonal agents can have an impact on blood sugar level levels.
Your vet might also show you how to perform glucose tests at home.
What Should I Know About Treating My Diabetic Dog at Home?
As your vet will discuss, it’s crucial to constantly give your dog insulin at the very same time every day and feed him regular meals in conjunction with his medication. This permits increased nutrients in the blood to accompany peak insulin levels, and will minimize the chance that his sugar levels will swing either too high or too low. You can work with your vet to create a feeding schedule around your pet’s medication time. It is also essential to prevent feeding your diabetic dog treats that are high in glucose. Routine blood glucose checks are a crucial part of tracking and dealing with any diabetic patient, and your veterinarian will help you set up a schedule for inspecting your dog’s blood sugar level.
Please likewise consult your vet about a consistent, everyday exercise program and appropriate nutrition for your dog to assist keep his weight in check.
How Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
Although a specific type of diabetes-the type found in dogs less than a year of age-is inherited, proper diet and routine exercise can be very efficient in assisting to avoid start of diabetes in older dogs. Aside from other negative health effects, weight problems is known to contribute to a capability to respond generally to insulin.
What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Diabetes?
If your dog is revealing any of the scientific signs listed above, please see your vet immediately.
What Can Happen If Diabetes Goes Untreated?
If diabetes advances without being dealt with, dogs can develop secondary health problems like cataracts and severe urinary tract problems. Eventually, without treatment diabetes can cause coma and death.
