Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs and Cats
The carbohydrates in your pet’s food are digested into different types of sugars; glucose is then absorbed into the blood and provides energy to the body’s cells. However, glucose can’t enter cells without insulin, which is a hormone produced in the pancreas. When the pancreas does not produce adequate insulin (either due to genetic factors, other diseases in the body, obesity, infections, or prolonged use of certain drugs like steroids), glucose cannot enter the body’s cells and accumulates in the blood. The result is hyperglycemia which results in the development of Diabetes Mellitus (DM).
What will you see if your dog or cat has diabetes?
A common sign of an animal having diabetes is an enormous appetite, along with weight loss. This increased hunger feeling is caused because the glucose cannot be absorbed, and as such, the body keeps telling the brain it needs energy. DM also causes increased drinking and urination. Pets suffering from DM often have chronic infections that do not clear up quickly. Many diabetic dogs develop cataracts within one year, while cats rarely develop cataracts. If your pet is showing any of these signs, please visit our veterinary clinic in Dubai and discuss your concerns for your pet.
Sometimes, when diabetes has not been diagnosed or controlled, the pet can become severely weakened, depressed, and dehydrated. Patients are likely experiencing diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). It is a life-threatening condition that is a medical emergency. Please be sure to call your trusted vet so that your pet can receive immediate care. The most commonly affected dogs are middle-aged, with females being affected twice as often as males. Some small breeds, such as Miniature Poodles, Dachshunds, Schnauzers, Cairn Terriers, and Beagles, seem to develop diabetes more readily, but any breed can be affected. In cats, there is not a particular breed that is more affected by diabetes.
How do we diagnose and treat diabetes in pets?
At ABVC, veterinarians can diagnose this condition by finding high levels of sugar in the blood and urine after a period of fasting (not letting your pet eat for some hours). Very stressed animals can also show elevated levels, therefore, might be that we will do multiple tests in the clinic to ensure the results fit the picture and lead to the correct diagnosis.
If the pet suffering from DM is not yet sterilized, we would advise stabilizing the Pet, starting her on an insulin regime, controlling diabetes, and spaying or neutering the Pet. Treatment may involve a combination of weight loss management with a stable feeding routine, a high-quality and high-fibre diet, and daily insulin injections. This medication requires a time commitment from pet parents. Our nurses and vets will help you get comfortable with the daily injections needed, as well as advise you concerning the necessary feeding regimes.
Regular re-checking of the blood glucose levels is necessary to ensure that the disease is being controlled. Diabetes can’t be cured in all cases but with some changes in daily routine, your pet can live a normal and healthy life.
Contact us to diagnose and treat diabetic-related concerns in your pet.
Written by: Dr. David Perez, ABVC Veterinarian
