Diabetes is an illness that is as dangerous for our pets as it is to us, in this small guide we are going to look at some of the aspects to be aware of with Diabetes and your pets. Visit http://www.365vet.co.uk

1. Diabetes and Your Pets
Just like in humans our animals can be affected by the
serious illness diabetes, in this post we are going to
take a look at some of the aspects of diabetes and your
pets.

2. Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal conditions in our
beloved four legged friends, most frequently occurring in middle aged
dogs (very common in unspayed bitches). Diabetes can be diagnosed
as young as 18 months.
Diabetes Mellitus (it's full name) occurs when the body stops making or
responding to insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas). Once
your dog has finished eating, his digestive system begins to break down
the food into various components, including glucose. Glucose is then
carried into the cells by insulin. A diabetic dog is unable to absorb and
use glucose effectively within his cells, causing an elevation of blood
sugar levels, which left untreated can cause serious health problems.
Symptoms of diabetes in dogs include: change in appetite, excessive
thirst/increase of water intake, weight loss, increased urination and
cataract formation. If you are concerned about any of these symptoms,
please contact you vet immediately.
There are 2 main types of diabetes – Type 1 (lack of insulin production)
and Type 2 (inadequate response to insulin). Both forms of diabetes will
usually require a daily or twice daily dose of insulin to maintain a steady
concentration of glucose in your dog’s blood, avoiding levels becoming
too high or too low. Your vet will be able to inform you of your dog’s
specific requirements once relevant blood tests/check­ups have been
performed.
Diabetes in Dogs

3. The dose of insulin is administered either by injection or using a special
insulin ‘Pen’ to do the injection and is painless for your dog; however,
some owners may find this difficult at first. If this is the case your vet
and nursing team will be on hand to provide you with plenty of support
and advice.
Your vet will also explain to you about the importance of diet and
exercise in a diabetic dog. Medication should be given at the same time
every day in conjunction with mealtimes. Sticking to this routine will
lessen the chances of any changes in the blood sugar levels as there
will be increased nutrients in the blood to match the increase of insulin.
It is also very important to remember to avoid feeding treats which are
high in sugar.
Monitoring the blood sugar level of your dog is a vital part of controlling
the condition. This can be done in several ways; however, the most
common method is to measure fructosamine which is a protein in the
blood that can give an indication of the blood sugar level. This
monitoring is likely to be done by your vet at regular checks ups, in
addition to urine sampling. Regular monitoring allows the vet to assess
your dog’s current insulin requirements and whether their medication
levels need changing.

4. Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal conditions diagnosed in
cats, but fortunately in most cases it can be diagnosed and managed
successfully. It is more common in older cats, neutered cats, female
cats and also obese cats.
Diabetes in cats appears to be very similar to a Type 2 diabetes, in that
the disease is characterised by abnormalities within the pancreas that
interfere with the ability to produce insulin and also the ability of the
tissues in the body to respond to the insulin that is produced.
Symptoms that may indicate a cat has diabetes include excessive
drinking, frequent urination, increased appetite, weight loss, lethargy
and dry and dull hair.
Most cats do require insulin therapy by injection or by using a special
insulin ‘Pen’ to administer the injection to control their diabetes, but in
milder cases oral medications and diet can be used to control the
condition. Some owners can be worried about having to inject their cat
on a daily basis however, it is something that most cats accept readily
and your vet and nursing team can help with advice and training.
Diabetes in Cats

5. Weight loss in obese cats is a vital part of treatment for those suffering
with diabetes. In a small number of cases appropriate weight loss and
diet management can result in cats being able to come of insulin
treatment.
Monitoring the blood sugar level of your cat is a vital part of controlling
the condition. This can be done in several ways; however, the most
common method is to measure fructosamine which is a protein in the
blood that can give an indication of the blood sugar level. This
monitoring is likely to be done by your vet at regular checks ups, in
addition to urine sampling. Regular monitoring allows the vet to assess
your cat’s current insulin requirements and whether their medication
levels need changing.

6. Head Office Address:
Beeston Animal Health Ltd.,
Whitchurch Road,
Beeston Castle,
Tarporley,
Cheshire.
CW6 9NJ, UK
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