Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a condition that occurs when the body cannot use glucose the way it is meant to. Diabetes affects not only human beings but also pets like cats and dogs. Diabetes occurs when sugars are not transported from the blood to the body cells to provide energy for the cells. Transportation of these sugars is done by a hormone known as insulin. Low insulin levels cause sugar to accumulate in the blood leading to diabetes. Deficiency in insulin can be compensated for through insulin injections. In pets, a special kind of insulin known as vetsulin made of pork insulin is used to correct the insulin levels in pets.
Signs of Diabetes in Pets
Signs of diabetes need to be taken note of in the earlier stages to ensure the problem is brought under check early enough. Increased urination and excessive drinking of water are the most common signs of diabetes. Polyuria and polydipsia whereby the urine is too dilute or too concentrated are a common sign too. Decreased appetite and in some cases increased appetite although it may come with weight loss. In addition, pets may experience recurring infections including urinary infections and skin infections. finally, dogs get cloudy eyes.
Diabetes Diagnosis
Diabetes can be suspected by observing the above signs although a proper diagnosis is required to confirm it. A veterinary officer may need to run a blood test and a urine culture to distinguish it from a normal urinary tract infection. The veterinarian will prescribe the initial dose and type of insulin for your pet, how to administer the subsequent dosages with a special needle and dietary recommendations.
Caring for Diabetic Pets
Pets infected with diabetes require lifelong treatment which may include daily insulin injections, special diets, a good fitness routine particularly in dogs and regular monitoring through blood and urine tests, and monitoring your pet’s weight, appetite, drinking and urination. Treatment varies from one pet to another hence constant contact with a veterinary officer is necessary.
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious health issue in pets just as in human beings which needs to be diagnosed early enough and may require lifelong treatment. Pet owners need to be on the lookout for the various signs and contact the veterinary officer for early diagnosis and treatment.
References: AVMA, Vet’s point
