How Sweet It Is

                        Probably each of us is acquainted with or related to someone who has Diabetes Mellitus, a disease caused by a deficiency of or resistance to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar.  But, did you know that diabetes can occur in pets as well?

                        Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs and cats and can be very debilitating if left undiagnosed and untreated. Fortunately, diagnosing diabetes in pets is easy, while treating the disease can sometimes prove to be a little tricky.  Our feline family members can be especially challenging when it comes to treatment of this disease.

                        As in humans, pets experience different types of Diabetes Mellitus.  Type I diabetes results from a deficiency of insulin in the body due to an insufficient number of insulin-producing cells located in the pancreas.  Type I diabetes is not preventable, is the most serious form of the disease, and most often develops in younger pets. Type I diabetes is most likely genetic, occurring commonly in Samoyeds, Miniature Schnauzers, Miniature Poodles, and Pugs. In cats, no breeds are more at risk than others.

                        Veterinarians commonly diagnose Type II diabetes which occurs when a pet’s body is resistant to the effects of insulin. Older, obese pets are more prone to Type II diabetes because fat cells often become resistant to insulin.  Weight control through diet and exercise may help prevent the onset of Type II diabetes.

                         In dogs, diabetes is at least twice as common in females, especially overweight females, while in cats neutered males are at greater risk. Diabetes can develop at any age, but peak onset is usually around eight years old.

                        Symptoms of diabetes in pets are very similar to those seen in humans and may include weakness, increased thirst, increased and frequent urinations, weight loss, appetite changes (initially increases and later declines), depression, vomiting, cataracts (in dogs) and blindness. Some pets are diagnosed only after their owners begin to notice that a previously well housetrained dog or litter-trained cat begins to have accidents in the house.

                        If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, take it to your veterinarian for a complete physical exam. Your veterinarian will perform blood and urine tests to quickly and easily diagnose diabetes. Be advised that annual physical exams and wellness blood screening of your apparently healthy pet performed by your veterinarian can provide early diagnosis for this very treatable disease before symptoms occur.

                        Once your pet’s diabetes has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate course of treatment that may require one or two daily insulin injections to lower the blood glucose (sugar) levels. Your veterinarian can train you in proper injection techniques to make the experience more comfortable for you and your pet. Treatment of your diabetic pet may also include a diet change and proper weight management through diet and exercise. All diabetic dogs require supplementation with insulin while about a third of diabetic cats may be managed by dietary changes and/or oral hypoglycemic agents such as Glipizide.

                        Treatment of a diabetic pet requires close daily monitoring to determine treatment success and prevent hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) episodes associated with insulin overdosing.  Signs of hypoglycemia in pets include weakness, staggering, disorientation and seizures.  These symptoms are readily treated with immediate administration of a sweet substance such as Karo syrup or honey, either ingested by the pet or applied to an unconscious pet’s gums. You should then contact your veterinarian for further recommendations.

               
                        Developing a routine for your diabetic pet and adhering to it closely will reduce the likelihood of mistakes in insulin regulation.  Keeping a journal of daily activities, insulin administration and food intake can prove very helpful in diabetes regulation as well.  Never take your diabetic pet away from home without Karo syrup or honey in case your pet experiences a hypoglycemia attack. Also, provide your pet with a “Diabetic” identification tag (include your veterinarian’s name and number) in case the pet gets separated from you.

                        Caring for a diabetic pet can be a fulfilling experience, and diabetic pets can provide just as much companionship and enjoyment as other pets.  Diabetic pet owners always seem to develop a good relationship with their veterinarian as the two work closely to monitor and regulate the pet’s diabetes. Don’t let your pet suffer needlessly from a treatable disease such as Diabetes Mellitus. Your “sweet success” in diagnosis and regulation of your diabetic pet is as close as your veterinarian.

Author:  Dr. Bonnie Jones