WHAT?

Diabetes mellitus is caused by a lack of insulin. Insulin is the vehicle that “drives” glucose into the cells of the body. Without insulin the cells of the body will starve even if there is plenty of glucose (energy) in the bloodstream.

WHY?
Diabetes mellitus in dogs is similar to type 1 diabetes in humans - both come from a genetic predisposition to an auto-immune inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that produces insulin. Dogs usually do not show signs of their illness until their pancreas is totally unable to produce insulin.

TREATMENT?
Most dogs are treated with twice daily injections of insulin for life. Diet is another important part of maintenance. A low-carb, low-fat, high-fibre diet is important to help control glucose levels.

MONITORING?
Regular veterinary monitoring is extremely important. Insulin requirements may change over time even if a dog has been on the same dose of insulin for years. We recommend check-ups with blood and urine tests every 6 months. It is also vital for owners to keep a close eye on the pet’s thirst, urination and weight - these are important signs that reflect how well controlled the diabetes is at home.

OTHER PROBLEMS?
Diabetics have reduced immune defenses which predisposes them to secondary infections like bladder and skin infections. The pancreas is prone to inflammation, which can cause gastrointestinal upset and can make regulation of the sugar levels difficult. Most diabetic dogs will eventually develop cataracts in both eyes, even if they are well-regulated.

SPECIAL CARE AT HOME?
Water, water, water. Make sure there is plenty of it. Take note if it’s suddenly disappearing. Diabetics are predisposed to dehydration and just because the pet may be drinking more doesn’t mean that they are well-hydrated. In fact, pets who are drinking more water than normal are usually dehydrated. Their thirst increases because something inside does not allow them to utilize all the water that they are drinking. So they are never satiated - and they just keep drinking. Keep your eye on the thirst!

Meal times and insulin injection times should be consistent, ideally every 12 hours. Know how to watch for signs of hypoglycemia. Weakness, tremors, twitching, collapse and seizures are signs that may indicate low blood sugar levels. If you notice these signs, you should take your pet to the nearest veterinarian.

Schedule a consultation with us to learn more about diabetes in your pet!