Friday, November 18, 2011

Diabetes in Cats and Dogs

Overview

Diabetes is increasing in cats and dogs in the United States, just like in humans.  And just like in humans, excess weight is often the cause.  When animals take in more calories than they can burn over long periods of time, the pancreas doesn't work the way it should.  Insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar,  is not produced properly and diabetes is the result.  In other cases, the pancreas just stops working for unknown reasons.  Breeds like Keeshonds, Samoyeds, the Maltese, Lhasa Apsos, Miniature Pinschers. Poodles, Beagles, Dachshunds, Bichon Frises, Fox Terriers, Yorkshire Terriers, and Cairn Terriers more openly affected.  In cats overweight males are more likely, but it can strike any cat.
Diagnosis

Symptoms include increased thirst and urination, weight loss without reason, poor coat, and in dogs, loss of sight.  A blood test can tell your vet what your pet's blood glucose level is. Blood glucose is measured in mg/dl or milligrams per deciliter in the US.  Near 100 is normal. Consistently high glucose reading are the hallmark of diabetes.  Under 75 can cause loss of consciousness and seizures.  Damage to your pet's organs occur when blood sugar is too high for long periods of time.

Treatment

The goal of diabetes management is to keep blood glucose levels in the normal range (around 100).  This is accomplished with diet and most times with insulin injections.  Routine is your best weapon.  Consistent feeding times, keeping to the same food and schedule will all help in getting and keeping your pet regulated.  In the early days of diagnosis this will involve many visits to your vet's office for blood tests.  Good control is usually not reached for several months in most cases.  Don't get frustrated, once you have a formula of feeding this much food, giving this much insulin and exercising this much it will become a habit and you will see your sickly dog or cat become healthy again.

Diabetic dogs do best on low fat, high fiber formulas like Purina DCO or Royal Canin HF.  Cats need a high protein, low carb diet and many recommend feeeding wet food to overweight and diabetic cats.

Special Considerations

Once your pet is diagnosed, you need to talk to your vet about what to do if the unexpected happens.  If you need to go out of town, what boarding facilities can take care of your pet's special needs?  What do you do if your dog or cat gets sick and won't eat, or vomits the food he just ate?  If you have these answers ahead of time the unexpected is not so scary, and you will feel more prepared.

Diabetic pets cannot control their body temperature as well as they did before, so a sweater may be needed if you live in a cold climate.  Fido probably won't be able to spend as much time outside during extreme weather as he used to.

Since he is eating a special diet are treats forbidden?  Check with your vet, but generally lean chicken breast, and unseasoned vegetables like carrots or green beans are fine.

Prevention

Diabetes is manageable in most cases, but there is no cure.  Prevention is not always possible, but maintaining a healthy weight throughout your pet's life is your best chance of avoiding this disease.  As your pet ages, regular bloodwork checks and exams can catch it early, before serious consequences like blindness and kidney disease take their toll.

No comments:

Post a Comment