Canine Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a common hormonal disorder in dogs. Statistics show that the dogs of developing diabetes in the 400th to keep you and your dog with diabetes alone – many other pet owners help their dogs healthy and live a normal life with this disease.

Types of diabetes

The majority of diabetic dogs are suffering from diabetes mellitus (pronounced MEL-uh-tus). In diabetes mellitus, the islet cells of the pancreas that produce insulin, thedestroyed during episodes of pancreatitis, or if the immune system (a form of autoimmunity) attacks. Dogs with diabetes usually require insulin injections to help the body the energy from the food she eats.

Diabetes insipidus means that either the body enough of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH), the kidney does not control or regulation in water, or the kidneys do not respond to ADH. Diabetes insipidus is very rare inDogs; This article deals only with diabetes mellitus in dogs.

What is diabetes mellitus?

Diabetes mellitus is the body’s inability to properly use the energy from food. The disease is caused by a deficiency of insulin, a hormone that, like the cells to absorb and use sugar levels in the blood causes regulated. Insulin is produced by the pancreas, a gland of the endocrine system.

The pancreas has two functions: one, when the production of digestive enzymes, the otheris the regulation of blood sugar. The pancreas produces and releases enzymes to penetrate the small intestine to nutrients of food. In addition, the hormones in the blood sugar to help the body use (glucose). One of these hormones, insulin controls glucose uptake into cells. Cells use glucose as fuel for power generation. If the body does not produce enough insulin, the dog may show symptoms of blood sugar, such as excessive thirst and increased hunger,Urination, and weakness of the limbs.

The lack of glucose, insulin causes enough to accumulate in the blood when the kidneys have to use water to flush excess glucose in the urine, leading to dehydration. severe dehydration and blood pressure can causelow possible shock, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible, diabetes mellitus.

Cases of diabetes mellitus

Scientists are not sure about the cause of diabetes may be caused byvarious factors, including genetic predisposition, diet, or exposure to certain viruses. But they can show risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle and genetic history.

Risk Factors

The following risk factors for diabetes in dogs:

Age – the dogs are usually more than seven years, but occasionally diagnosed in much younger age. On average, dogs aged between 8 and 12 are diagnosed.

Sex – FemalesDiabetes are nearly twice as fast as men.

Breed – Although all races can have diabetes, studies suggest that some breeds more likely to be diagnosed more often with diabetes, the disease is a genetic predisposition.

The races, which include a higher risk include:

Keeshond

Cairn Terrier

Schnauzer (miniature and standard)

Poodle

Dachshund

Beagles

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms that may indicate diabetes are:

Low energy, lethargy

Remove

Eating too much, not eating, or other changes of interest to eat

Drinking large amounts of water

Urinate frequently, which can lead to waking up at odd hoursurinate

By the time you notice that your dog’s eating habits have changed, that he is drinking water excessively, or even vomiting, you may lose your pet is overweight and more lethargic. For the diagnosis of diabetes can be controlled easily with early stage, it is important to go to a veterinarian as soon as you notice symptoms of this.

The longer the symptoms persist without a diagnosis, the largest increases in the levels of sugar in the blood and cause damage in the bladder, kidney, liver,and eyes. Dogs with diabetes may also have a lower resistance to bacterial infections.

Diagnosis

Tell the vet all the symptoms you observed in your dog, including physical symptoms and changes in mood, behavior and energy. Your veterinarian can assume, on the right diabetes and take a quick measurement of blood sugar that diabetics human use. This type of test is an immediate reading of blood glucose in progress, but it is nota definitive diagnosis because high blood sugar levels can be caused by diabetes and other problems.

Your veterinarian will know many other health problems that cause similar symptoms as Cushing’s disease, and may have a blood test for levels of sugar in the blood along with other tests of renal and liver function, etc. order

It may take a few days before the blood test back from the lab. The veterinarian will work with you to get the results and discussionMaintenance, you must give your pet.

Treatment

Treatment for most of the dogs are insulin therapy, weight control, diet therapy and exercise.

Insulin

Most diabetic dogs require insulin, such as daily injections. Depending on the type of insulin the veterinarian says your dog will need one or two injections per day.

The veterinarian will show you how to treat and administer insulin shots to your dog. The vet can give you practicalthe shot at the office to make sure that you know how it works and to answer questions.

insulin injections are given under the skin so that there is no need to find a vein. Some veterinarians recommend shots in the buttocks area, hitting other loose skin around the neck. Ask your veterinarian is recommended as an area for your pet.

too much insulin

The biggest threat to your dog’s health in relation to insulin is too much insulin. This causes the blood sugar levelare too low (hypoglycemia), which makes the dog very sick and can cause death. Just like humans diabetic a candy bar or orange juice have to treat their low blood sugar, you should wear corn syrup or sugar pills with you for your diabetic dog.

The symptoms of hypoglycemia are:

Dizziness or unsteadiness

Lethargy

Trembling

Fall

Seizures

Every dog has a different combination of theseSymptoms. Respond directly to the symptoms your dog corn syrup or sugar pills. It ‘important to make sure that your dog ingested glucose in one of these forms as soon as possible. You can dilute the corn syrup in water and let your dog drink. If the dog does not drink voluntarily to administer orally a Turkey Baster. corn syrup is absorbed into the bloodstream through the tissues of the mouth, is effective immediately.

You should soon see a change in the dogThe symptoms and behaviors, as this treatment the blood glucose level increased immediately. Remember that a high level of sugar in the blood for a short period of time much less dangerous blood sugar. To prevent low blood sugar, is generally better to err on the side of too little insulin, rather than too much.

Weight Control

A healthy weight for your dog will help you control diabetes and keep your dog active. A diet low in fat, moderate complex carbohydrates, andhigh protein is recommended. Your veterinarian may recommend changes in diet food or prescription for your dog.

Make sure your pet at certain times of food a day and keep together the times. Resist the temptation to eat extra food such as leftover food, and ask others in your family not to give, to modify the treatment may increase blood sugar or weight. Ask your veterinarian for treatment acceptable.

Other drugs

Ask your veterinarian aboutother medications your pet is there. Some medications should be avoided in diabetic dogs.

Consequences of diabetes

Diabetes can cause many health problems if not properly regulated. Some of the complications include:

The eyes – Diabetes can cause or worsen cataracts

Kidney disease

Liver disease

Arts – hyperglycemia can lead to instability and weakness in the legs

increased susceptibility to infections

Forecast

Most dogs are diagnosed with diabetes at age 8 and 12 that some are much younger, but with constant care, you can expect your pet to live a normal life and be active and healthy.

This article was adopted by Ellen Miller, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM Flatiron Veterinary Specialists

Please consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and before beginning a treatment program.