Diabetes In Dogs
Sadly diabetes isn’t limited to humans and its growing to be relatively common in dogs too.
Luckily though there are ways to treat this which allows dogs to live longer healthier lives.
The body’s cells live on a sugar called glucose.
The body gets these from breaking down carbs from the food we eat.
Cells then extract glucose from the blood with the help of insulin. Insulin is made by the Pancreas.
So basically with Diabetes the cells don’t take in enough glucose and this causes a build up in the blood
This causes the cells to starve, and the organs that are being drowned with this sugary blood are damaged.
There is no cure for diabetes but there is a way to treat it.
They say dogs get two kinds of diabetes:
- insulin-deficiency diabetes (IDD)
- insulin-resistance diabetes (IRD)
With IDD the dog loses beta cells, this means that the dog doesn’t make enough insulin and can’t keep the glucose levels under control.
This is often caused by inflammation of the pancreas, and genetic defects.
With IRD there is something that prevents the insulin from functioning properly. Causes vary from pregnancy, Diestrus, endocrine disease, or treatments with steroids. Diestrus is one of the most common causes.
SIGNS
- More hungry/thirsty than normal.
- Going to the toilet more often
- Weight loss
RISK FACTORS
- Age
- Weight
- Gender
- Diet
- Infections
- Inflamed pancreas
- Steroid type drugs
DIAGNOSIS
A blood test is the best way to determine whether your dog has diabetes.
TREATMENT
- The goal of the treatment is to keep the blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible—this is between 65 and 120 mg/dl.
- Weight loss is necessary if your dog is overweight
- A proper diet
- Home testing of the glucose levels (weigh your dog, and watch their habits and look for any changes) Food can change the readings, so here a proper diet is essential
- Insulin – In some cases dogs need injection shots to survive. One to two per day. This is injected under the skin.
- If you spay your dog it will prevent your dog from getting diestrus.
- It would be good to keep a diary of your dogs levels – this way you can monitor their health and make sure you are giving them the best healthcare you possibly can.
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