Diabetes? In pets?
Yes, it can and does happen!
November is Diabetes Awareness month, and it’s important to acknowledge this serious disease in humans as well as in pets.
Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases diagnosed in pets. Diabetes is typically diagnosed in middle age to older pets, and we see it more in cats. It’s thought that obesity may be a factor in the development of diabetes.
Diabetes Mellitus is the common diagnosis which is caused by a chronic elevation of blood sugar. For unknown reasons the pancreas, which produces insulin for the body, stops working as well. Decreased insulin production leads to rising blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of diabetes in pets can mimic a number of illnesses, so it’s important for the pet to have a complete examination, along with necessary blood and urine tests.
Symptoms include:
- increased thirst (polydipsia)
- increased urination (polyuria)
- increased appetite (polyphagia-not
always seen)
- lethargy
- weight loss
- weakness
Blood work will evaluate the kidneys, thyroid function, liver function, cell counts and blood sugar levels, as many problems can cause the above symptoms. A urinalysis can tell us if there is sugar or ketones (waste products from the body’s breakdown of fat as energy) in the urine, which is an indicator of diabetes. A urinalysis can also tell us if there is a urinary tract infection or kidney issues.
Diabetic patients require constant monitoring, including frequent visits to the veterinarian. Sometimes they will require a stay for the day to check a glucose curve, which is when the veterinarian will check the blood sugar every few hours throughout the day. Also necessary is a blood test called a Fructosamine, which tell us how the blood sugar has been over the last few weeks. These help us monitor how the pet is doing with the current therapy.
Most pets with diabetes require insulin injections, either daily or twice daily. Your veterinarian will show you how to properly give an insulin injection. It’s really not hard, the needles are tiny, and most pets tolerate it well. Pet owners often say they are afraid of hurting their pet. I tell them that not giving the injections hurts the pet more, because the pet will continue to feel sick.
It is important to remember never to give an insulin injection to a pet who is not eating! This can cause the blood sugar to drop dangerously low. Symptoms of low blood sugar include lethargy, grogginess, dazed appearance, weakness, and seizures or tremors. If you suspect your pet has low blood sugar, carefully rub karo syrup (used for baking) or honey on the gums and call your veterinarian immediately.
Speaking of eating, just like with human diabetics, pets with diabetes also need to be on a strict diet. Often this involves a prescription diet from your veterinarian. Hill’s Prescription Diet line has M/D for cats and W/D for dogs. Other diets may also be suggested to you by your vet.
Exercise is important as well for diabetic pets. Daily walks or periods of play for dogs and periods of play for cats help your pets overall health and well-being.
Diabetes can be tricky to treat, but careful monitoring and a strict diet can help diabetic patients like a happy life. Untreated diabetic animals feel miserable and don’t have a good quality of life. Sometimes you can avoid diabetes just by feeding a proper diet and keeping your pet at an ideal weight and body condition.
Ask your
veterinarian to screen your pet for diabetes today!
Suburban Animal Clinic is located in