Newsletter
November is Pet Diabetes Month
Diabetes mellitus, the medical name for diabetes, is a disease caused by a lack of insulin, or the inability of the body to utilize the insulin properly, that affects the level of glucose, or sugar, in your dog or cat’s blood. The glucose comes from the food that your pet eats. The food is broken down into very small components by the pet’s digestive system so their bodies can use it for energy. Glucose is one of these components and an important source of energy.
Glucose is absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream where it travels to cells throughout the body. Insulin is required for the cells to absorb glucose. Insulin is produced by the pancreas in response to the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Healthy pets produce insulin easily, but pets with diabetes don’t. In canine and feline diabetes, unused glucose builds up on the bloodstream.
Diabetes usually affects less than 1% of dogs and cats, but experts believe it is on the rise. Dogs and cats with diabetes can develop other health problems, usually after living with diabetes for a year or more. For dogs, a common complication of diabetes is cataract formation. Persistently high blood glucose levels can make the lens of the eye opaque, causing blindness. In cats, weakness of the hind legs is a common complication. Persistently high blood glucose levels may damage nerves, causing weakness and muscle wasting. For both dogs and cats, controlling high blood glucose can lead to healthier outcomes. For this reason, early diagnosis in your dog or cat is important.
Risk Factors for Dogs Risk Factors for Cats
Middle-age to older dogs Older cats
Unspayed females Neutered males
Genetics Genetics
Obesity Other insulin-resistant disorders or diseases, such as chronic pancreatitis or hyperthyroidism.
Breeds Obesity
Cocker Spaniels Physical inactivity
Dachshunds Indoor lifestyle
Doberman Pinschers
German Shepherds
Golden Retrievers
Labrador Retrievers
Pomeranians
Terriers
Toy Poodles
Common Signs of Diabetes in Dogs and Cats
Excessive Thirst
Excessive urination-your pet produces more urine per day, has accidents in the house or urinates outside of the litter box
Excessive hunger while losing weight
Lethargy (less active/sleeps more)
Cloudy eyes (dogs)
Doesn’t groom (cats)
Thinning, dry, and dull hair coats
Dr. Harrer can perform a general health exam and run tests on your pets blood and urine to determine if your pet has diabetes. Although there is no cure for diabetes, the disease can be successfully managed with the help of Dr. Harrer. Managing your dog or cat’s diabetes will require some effort, but the rewards are well worth it. Pets whose diabetes is under control have normal thirst, appetite, urination, and activity levels. Their weight is generally stable and they are less likely to develop complications.
Where can I learn more about diabetes in Dogs and Cats: