Diabetes in dogs is a cause of concern for pet owners. While diabetes is a common disease among human beings, it does not spare animals as well. Recently, many dogs are diagnosed with diabetes, mostly diabetes mellitus or sugar diabetes. Although the disease is incurable, it can be kept under control with proper diet and medication.
Let us delve deeper into diabetes in dogs in this article.
What is diabetes in dogs?
When there is a malfunction of glucose and insulin in the body of a canine, it causes diabetes. The disease affects their metabolism, which is the way; the body converts food to energy. Glucose creates fuel for the body, and insulin channels it to the different cells found in the body. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach the body cells. In a diabetic canine, the glucose-insulin connection does not work as it should. It triggers the body to yield more glucose, which builds up in the bloodstream and causes health issues.
Dogs experience two types of diabetes-
Type I or Insulin deficiency diabetes:
In this case, the dog’s body is not producing enough insulin because the pancreas is not functioning effectively. It is the most common type of diabetes in dogs.
Type II or Insulin-resistance diabetes:
In this case, the pancreas produces some insulin. However, the body of the dog is not utilizing insulin as it should. This type of diabetes affects older and obese dogs.
Type III or hormone-induced diabetes:
This case is typically related to pregnancy. Although this type of diabetes is rare in dogs, however, if it occurs, it could be fatal. Type III can reoccur during the second pregnancy.
What causes diabetes in dogs?
Inflammation of the pancreas is medically called "pancreatitis", which leads to damage in the pancreas and causes diabetes. The most common cause of pancreatitis is too much of a fatty diet. Obese dogs are prone to pancreatitis. It means obesity increases the chance of diabetes in dogs.
Genetics:
Genetics plays a significant role in
developing diabetes in dogs. Few breeds of dogs, including Cairn Terriers,
Miniature Schnauzers, Dachshunds, and Springer Spaniels are more prone to
diabetes.
Gender:
It has been observed that 70% of dogs
with diabetes are female.
Age:
Diabetes usually occurs in
middle-aged to senior dogs.
Steroid medication:
Steroid medications can also cause
diabetes if used in the long term.
Other health issues:
Some autoimmune disorders and viral
diseases can trigger diabetes.
What are the symptoms of diabetes in
dogs?
Some early signs of diabetes in dogs
include-
- Increased thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Urinary tract infection
- Changes in vision
- Loss of muscle mass
- Liver damage
- Dehydration
Besides these typical symptoms, some dog owners also see changes like neurologic weakness with a change in their gait. Cushing disease, hypothyroidism, and pancreatitis often cause complications in diabetic dogs.
How is diabetes diagnosed in dogs?
If you observe your dog showing any of these
symptoms, contact your veterinary doctor. The vet will recommend simple tests
to determine the glucose levels in your dog’s body and urine.
If the blood test report shows an increased glucose level in the blood and urine, and the pet displays the above symptoms, it is a clear indication that the dog has diabetes. Other health issues like high liver enzymes and electrolytic imbalances that indicate diabetes in dogs can also be detected through the test.
Please note that early detection of diabetes in
dogs will help in early treatment, thus improving the chances of the dog
leading a normal life.
What is the impact of diabetes on dogs?
Cataracts:
Diabetes can sometimes severely impact the health
of dogs. Some dogs can develop cataracts rapidly because sugar affects their
eyes. Some may also lose eyesight. However, with the right medication and
surgical treatment, cataracts can be corrected.
UTI:
Another impact is urinary tract infection (UTI), which occurs due to excessive sugar in the urine, thus encouraging bacteria to breed
Unclean teeth:
It is significant for diabetic dogs to have their teeth cleaned regularly because an infection in the mouth can increase the level of blood sugar.
Kidney failure:
An increased sugar level in dogs can even harm kidneys and cause kidney failure.
Seizures:
Sometimes over-medication can lead to low blood sugar levels, and this causes seizures. Therefore, regulating the glucose level is vital to treating diabetes in dogs.
Liver disease:
A side effect of diabetes is hepatopathy or liver disease. Fat metabolism leads to abnormally high levels of fatty acids in the liver. As fat accumulates within the cells of the liver, it causes swelling and damage to the liver.
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome (HHS):
This complicated form of diabetes causes high blood glucose and osmolality. Osmolality refers to the number of dissolved particles in the bloodstream. Dogs suffering from HHS are typically very sick and require intense nursing care and advanced treatment.
Diabetic neuropathy:
Chronic diabetes in dogs can damage the nervous
system. Dogs with diabetic neuropathy have abnormal and uncoordinated gait with
partial paralysis of the hind legs.
How to treat diabetes in dogs?
A veterinarian can plan out the course of treatment
to help you manage diabetes in dogs. Following are some of the ways to treat
diabetic dogs-
- Including high-protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates in their
daily diet
- Regular exercise to keep glucose levels in check
- Daily shots of insulin injection
- Daily monitoring of blood glucose in the body
- Female dogs should be spayed, if diagnosed with diabetes
- Checking urine sugar levels regularly
Life expectancy statistics of diabetic dogs are encouraging. If properly treated and monitored, dogs can do brilliantly with diabetes. So, no need to hold back your puppy; if he is diagnosed with diabetes. You can always seek advice from experienced vets and trainers to know about the right course of treatment.
