Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which the body does not produce enough insulin, or does not respond normally to insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, and is necessary for body tissues to use blood sugar. Without insulin, sugar remains in the blood and eventually passes into the urine. This causes increased urine production and thirst. Hunger increases because the body cannot use the sugar in the blood. As the disease progresses, chemicals called ketones accumulate, resulting in vomiting and dehydration. Eventually coma and then death occur in untreated animals. Diabetes is not a curable disease but, with proper treatment, the disease can be controlled. What causes Diabetes? The cause of diabetes is not typically known, although obesity can be a factor, and certain breeds (Keeshonds, Cairn Terriers, Miniature Pinschers, Poodles, Dachshunds, Miniature Schnauzers and Beagles) are more susceptible.
What are the signs of Diabetes? How is a diagnosis of Diabetes made? When a pet is presented to the hospital with signs of Diabetes, the first step is to perform a complete physical examination, followed by blood work and a urinalysis. These diagnostic steps will confirm the presence of Diabetes, as well as identifying any other disease processes which might affect the treatment of the patient. Can Diabetes be treated? Yes! Although Diabetes is a serious illness, it is not necessarily a death sentence. Most dogs will require lifelong injections of insulin once or twice daily. While this may seem daunting at first, it is actually a very simple treatment, easily done by most pet owners. Diabetes in cats is a different disease process. Some cats will require daily insulin injections, while others can be managed with oral medications. Some cats will even "recover" from a transient diabetic state, and may never show signs again. Diabetic patients also need strict dietary control and regulated exercise, and they will require frequent rechecks with the veterinarian. Hormones elevated during heat or pregnancy make treatment more difficult, so female diabetics should be spayed as soon as possible. It may be suggested that the diabetic pet's urine or blood sugar be checked periodically at home. (We recommend the One-Touch Ultra® Monitor. To download a short video on home monitoring, click here.) Owners of diabetic pets should follow their veterinarian's instructions precisely, and should call immediately if any of the following signs occur:
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