Diabetes in Dogs

What is diabetes?

     
         Diabetes is a chronic disease that  can affect dogs, cats, and other  animals and humans. Diabetes can't be cured but, successfully, it can be managed.
        
        Diabetes mellitus : It is also called “sugar diabetes” is a condition that occurs when the body can't use glucose normally. Glucose is the main source of energy for the cells of the body. The level of glucose in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin produced by the pancreas. It is a metabolic disorder in which glucose level is increased above the normal level or range
which is bearable to the body. (Metabolism means how the body converts food to energy).

Two types of Diabetes occur  in dogs :

1. Insulin-deficiency diabetes:
          This form of diabetes occurs when the body is not producing a sufficient amount of insulin.This occurs when the pancreas is damaged or otherwise not functioning properly.Dogs with this type of diabetes need routine wise shots to replace the missing insulin. It is the most common type of diabetes in dogs.
2. Insulin resistance diabetes:
         This is when the pancreas is producing some insulin, but the body of the dog is not utilizing the insulin as it should. The cells are not responding to the insulin's message so glucose is not being pulled out of the blood and into the cells.This type of diabetes can especially occur in aged, obese
dogs. Female dogs can also develop temporary insulin resistance when in heat or pregnant.

What causes(factors) involve for diabetes in a dog?

Age:
        Diabetes can occur at any age, but in dogs, it occurs from middle age to senior age. Aged dogs
are more susceptible to this disorder. Mostly the dogs are Five years old or above when they are more affected by diabetes.
Gender: 
        Female dogs are more sensitive to this disorder than male dogs.
Chronic pancreatitis:
        Inflammation of pancreas causes damage to the organ which leads to diabetes.
Obesity:
        This is the main factor which is the cause of diabetes. Insulin resistance is produced due to
obesity which leads to pancreatitis.
Excessive use of Steroids:
        These can cause diabetes when used for a long period.
Genetics:
         Diabetes can occur in any breed or mixed-breed, and it seems genetics can play a role in either
increased or decreased risk.
Cushing's disease:
         With Cushing's disease, the body over produces steroids internally, so this condition also can cause diabetes.

Symptoms/signs of diabetes in dogs:

  There are three symptomatic stages of diabetes:
        1. Early signs
        2. Advanced signs
        3. Life-threatening signs

Early signs:
The owner will sometimes notice certain symptoms/signs that can be early signs of diabetes

•  Excessive thirst
• Increased urination
• Increased appetite
• Weight loss

Advanced signs:
In more advanced cases of diabetes, symptoms can become more noticeable and can include.

• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Lack of energy
• Depressed behavior

Life-threatening signs:
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to devastating effects on the dog's body that is why early detection and proper treatment are essential. Effects of diabetes on the health of dogs can include:

• Cataracts(leadingtoblindness)
• Enlargedliver
• Urinarytractinfections
• Seizures
• Kidneyfailure

Treatment of diabetes in dogs

Diet:
      Your veterinarian will suggest the best type of diet for your diabetic dog. Usually, this will include some good quality protein, as well as fiber, and complex carbohydrates that will help to slow the absorption of glucose.Your veterinarian may also recommend a diet with relatively
low-fat content.
Exercise:
      To help avoid sudden spikes or drops in glucose levels, it is especially important that diabetic dogs maintain a moderate but consisten texercise routine.
Injections:
      For diabetic dogs, there is a need to give shots of insulin under the skin, something that the owner
will have to learn to do. Although it's understandable to be worried about doing this, it's not as hard as it might sound.

Written By :

 Shahzad Hur Balouch

Semester 5th (DVM)

College of Veterinary And Animal Sciences, Jhang  (CVAS)

Reference :

1. Diabetes in Dogs : Symptoms, Causes,& Treatment
                                                     BY:AKCStaff

2. Merck Veterinary Manual
                            American Veterinary Medical Association(AVMA),

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