PET DIABETES MELLITUS
WHAT IS DIABETES?
Diabetes mellitus, or diabetes, is a condition that occurs when the body cannot use glucose (a type of sugar) normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body’s cells. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is required to transfer glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. In Diabetics, glucose isn’t transported into the cells and there is not enough energy for the cells to function normally.
WHAT PETS ARE AT RISK?
Diabetes in dogs and cats can occur at any age. Most diabetic cats are older than 6 years of age, and the disease is more common in neutered males. Most diabetic dogs are diagnosed at roughly 7-10 years of age. Diabetes is twice as common in female dogs compared to male dogs. Certain breeds of dogs may be predisposed to diabetes. Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of diabetes. As dogs and cats age, they may also develop other diseases that could result in diabetes or could significantly affect their response to treatment for diabetes, including overactivity of the adrenal gland in dogs (hyperadrenocorticism) or overactivity of the thyroid gland in cats (hyperthyroidism), pancreatitis, heart disease, kidney disease, urinary tract infections and skin infections. The long-term use of medications containing corticosteroids is also a risk factor for diabetes.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF DIABETES IN PETS?
Noticing the early signs of diabetes is the most important step in taking care of your pet. If you see any of the following signs, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian. The earlier the diagnosis, the better chance your pet may have for a longer and healthier life.
• Excessive water drinking and increased urination
• Weight loss, even though there may be an increased appetite
• Decreased appetite
• Cloudy eyes (especially in dogs)Chronic or recurring infections (including skin infections and urinary infections)
HOW IS DIABETES DIAGNOSED AND TREATED?
Diabetes may be suspected based on the signs a pet is showing, but the diagnosis is confirmed by your veterinarian by finding consistently high sugar levels in your pet’s blood and urine. Although a diagnosis of diabetes is often relatively straightforward, your veterinarian may run additional blood tests to rule out other medical conditions seen in older pets. A urine culture might be recommended to rule out a urinary tract infection. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, your veterinarian may prescribe an initial dose and type of insulin for your pet. Dietary recommendations are an important part of treatment
Dogs
• A high-fiber diet is recommended.
• Daily exercise is strongly recommended. Consult your veterinarian about an appropriate exercise program for your pet, considering factors such as weight, overall health, and age.
• Owners should consider spaying female dogs diagnosed with diabetes.
Cats
• A high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet is often recommended.
• Daily exercise is strongly recommended, although it can be challenging to practice a daily fitness regimen with cats. Your veterinarian may be able to help you develop a plan.
COMPLICATIONS
You must also regularly check your pet’s blood and urine sugar levels. Regular exams and testing at the veterinary clinic can be supplemented with at-home monitoring of blood and urine glucose levels. Watch for the signs of an insulin overdose, which can include weakness, tremors or seizures, and loss of appetite. Contact your veterinarian or an emergency clinic immediately if you observe any of these signs, and ask what you should do in the meantime to help your pet until it can be examined by a veterinarian.
Another complication of non-controlled diabetes is Diabetes Ketoacidosis (DKA) which is a life threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. The previously undiagnosed diabetic is most at risk, although the poorly regulated diabetic may also develop DKA. The critical nature of the disease requires aggressive treatment and, almost invariably, long-term hospitalization. Severely affected animals should be referred to specialists capable of providing 24-hour care. Once recovered, animals will likely require lifelong insulin management for diabetes mellitus.
Source: AVMA; Small Animal Emergency Medicine Critical Care Medicine, Rush
Written by: Dr. David Perez, ABVC Veterinarian
