Diabetes also attacks dogs and cats

• April 28, 2024

The Mellitus diabetes , as in humans, is a disease of the endocrine system in which there is a lack of insulin (type 1 or insulin dependent diabetes) or there is insulin , but it can not act properly (type 2 or non-insulin dependent diabetes).

The diabetes It is a fairly common disease in cats and has very different characteristics in relation to dog both in its clinical presentation, as in its diagnosis or treatment.

One in 500 dogs develops diabetes. The average age of the canine diabetes It is between 7 and 9 years old. Among the most common breeds are: Samoyed, Australian terrier, Miniature Schnauzer, French poodle miniature, French poodle toy and Pug.

Symptoms in dogs and cats

These pets increase water consumption and increase fatigue, lose weight despite a voracious appetite, and become blind because they develop waterfalls.

To the extent that dog or cat It becomes stable diabetic, you must detect the decrease in your water and urine consumption, which becomes more dynamic, your appetite is normalized and begins to have a stable body weight.

Almost all dogs and cats with diabetes eventually develop cataracts in their eyes, but their development can be delayed with excellent supervision at home. You have to see the dog or cat looking for signs of hypoglycemia, if so inform your veterinarian immediately, as they can be dangerous to your life and are an indication that you have received too much insulin.

Signs of hypoglycaemia include principles of ravenous hunger and chills , which can progress to weakness, convulsions and trips. If you see these symptoms, immediately take it with your veterinarian: If your pet develops discomfort

The diagnosis of canine and feline diabetes it is based on the symptoms and the persistence of high levels of glucose in blood and urine. It is common for dogs and cats with diabetes to have other medical problems and they must have a complete blood count, blood chemistry, thyroid analysis panel, urinalysis, urine culture and blood pressure performed. Abdominal ultrasound and chest x-ray may also be justified based on your veterinarian exam results.

Treatment of diabetes in pets

Once diabetes has been detected in the pet , it is important to understand that the dog will remain a diabetic for life and that among the best treatment options are insulin injections, diet and exercise that, together with an excellent relationship with the vet, They are vital to the successful treatment of a sick dog.

In the case of cats, they should treat with insulin those who suffer from type I diabetes (lack of insulin), although some need 1, 2 or even more daily doses (although this is rare) since they eliminate insulin very quickly. The proper dosage should be determined by the veterinarian.

Some cats with type 2 diabetes (not insulinodependiente) should also receive insulin because as they remain for a long time with high blood sugar levels, they can develop type 1 diabetes. It is interesting to note that a significant percentage of these cats no longer need insulin after a while. The lack of insulin in the pancreas it is reversed and returns to be pets with type 2 diabetes, being able to be treated with oral diet and / or hypoglycemic agents.

Diet, exercise and insulin: the option

The veterinarian can recommend a diet specially formulated with high fiber and low in fat and calories, especially if your dog is overweight or obese. The same amount and type of food should be fed twice a day, at 12 o'clock, just before the administration of insulin in order to avoid large fluctuations in the daily activity of blood glucose.

Exercise "Burns" glucose in the same way as insulin, therefore, moderate amounts of daily exercise are recommended to your dog. Too much strenuous exercise can drastically reduce blood glucose levels, leading to hypoglycemia and should be avoided. In addition to improving the regulation of blood glucose, exercise also promotes weight loss and health to bones and muscles.

Many pet owners prefer pills instead of injections, however, the pill is not as effective as insulin for the treatment of diabetes in dogs. There are several forms of insulin available and your veterinarian will make the best selection for your dog. Most dogs require insulin injections twice a day (12 hours and after meals) for better control of diabetes symptoms. Your veterinarian will teach you how to handle and inject insulin, and how to supervise your dog, it is common for your dog to require multiple dose changes (especially the first year) and possibly even switch to another insulin. Good communication with your veterinarian will help you make these decisions.

Diabetes monitoring

There are some aspects of the surveillance of a diabetic dog or cat and your veterinarian will work with you to create a protocol that fits your lifestyle and needs, will always be monitored and symptoms, signs of the disease will be evaluated and may include urine control or blood glucose levels.

A recent study showed that 85% of dog owners with diabetes had no difficulty performing the procedure. It is important to use a device at the home where the dog is. The most recommended are the ALPHAtrak (Abbott), AccuCHEK (Roche Diagnostics) and ELITE Glucometer (Bayer) units.
Even in the absence of ovarian problems, its dog or diabetic cat You should see the vet two to three times each year. It is common for diabetic dogs and cats to develop urinary tract infections and other disorders that can complicate their development.

You must keep a daily record of the observations of your pet, This record should include the evaluation of appetite, activity level, water consumption, urine and volume and control of body weight. Include urine and glucose measurements in the blood , on this record sheet, if you ask your veterinarian.

Pets can have an excellent quality of life and live a healthy life.

Video Medicine: Diagnosis and Pathogenesis of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats (April 2024).