Diabetes in Dogs

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Diabetes in Dogs

By: Dr. Leah Cohn

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Section: Overview

Diagnosis

Veterinary care should include diagnostic tests to determine the underlying cause of the elevated blood sugar and help guide subsequent treatment recommendations. Some of these tests include:

Complete medical history and thorough physical examination.

Analysis of the urine to check for glucose and for signs of urinary tract infection.

Serum biochemical profile to determine the blood glucose concentration and to exclude other potential causes of the same symptoms.

A complete blood count (CBC).

Other tests such as abdominal X-rays or abdominal ultrasound if complications or concurrent diseases, such as pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), are suspected.

Treatment

Essentially all dogs will require one or two daily injections of insulin to control blood glucose. These injections are given under the skin using a small needle.

Most dogs become readily accustomed to the treatments. Your veterinarian's office will train you in the proper use of insulin and injection techniques.

Most oral hypoglycemic agents only work if the pancreas is still producing some insulin. This is why oral medications are ineffective in dogs (because dogs almost always have type I DM).

Proper weight management, a high fiber diet and regular exercise can aid in control of DM.

Ovariohysterectomy (spaying) is indicated in female diabetic animals
to reduce the effects of estrogen on diabetes and insulin.

Complications like urinary tract infections may require additional medications, but certain drugs, including steroids (such as prednisone), should be avoided in diabetic dogs.

Prepare for frequent adjustments to therapy early in the course of treatment. Veterinarians prefer to start with a low dose of insulin initially and adjust upwards slowly to avoid overdosing. Your veterinarian may recommend hospitalization to measure the blood glucose every few hours (mapping a 24-hour glucose curve).

Glucose curves may help your veterinarian determine the best type of insulin, the dosage, and the frequency of insulin administration, however they are thought to be of limited use in some pets and are not currently being recommended for all pets.

Home Care and Prevention

At home care involves administering prescribed medications, including insulin, as recommended. Try to give insulin twice a day, 12 hours apart and at the same time each day. You should also work with your veterinarian to develop a weight management and feeding plan. Stick to regular feeding times.

Observe your dog's thirst and frequency of urination. If these remain increased, your veterinarian may need to adjust the insulin dosage.

Insulin overdose may cause low blood glucose, potentially resulting in disorientation, weakness or seizures (convulsions). If you notice any of these symptoms in an otherwise responsive dog, offer food immediately. If the dog is unconscious, Karo® syrup can be applied to the gums. In either case, call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Familiarize yourself with insulin, insulin syringes, insulin storage, and insulin handling; your veterinarian or pharmacist can help.

While there is no way known to prevent type I DM, proper weight management can reduce the likelihood of your dog developing type II DM.

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1 Home Monitoring of Diabetic Dogs
Diabetes is a disorder involving blood sugar and insulin. Proper home care is a vital part of keeping your diabetic dog healthy. There are many different ways to monitor your pet at home so it is best...
Read More
2 Insulin (Humulin®, Iletin®, Vetsulin™)
Insulin is a common medication used on dogs and cats to control blood sugar in diabetic animals. Insulin has also been used to temporarily reduce life-threatening levels of blood potassium related to certain...
Read More
3 Obesity in Dogs
The primary causes of obesity in dogs are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your dog.
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4 How to Give Injectable Medication to Your Dog
Some dog diseases require periodic administration of injectable medications. Frequently, this is done by the owner at home.
Read More
5 Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs
Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...
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6 Polyphagia (Increased food consumption) in Dogs
Polyphagia is the term used for an increased consumption of food, and it may be caused by a diseased state or by psychological reasons. Animals with polyphagia are generally described as having a ravenous...
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7 Glucose Curve in Dogs
A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug....
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1Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs
Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...
Read More
2Polyphagia (Increased food consumption) in Dogs
Polyphagia is the term used for an increased consumption of food, and it may be caused by a diseased state or by psychological reasons. Animals with polyphagia are generally described as having a ravenous...
Read More
3Obesity in Dogs
The primary causes of obesity in dogs are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your dog.
Read More
4How to Give Injectable Medication to Your Dog
Some dog diseases require periodic administration of injectable medications. Frequently, this is done by the owner at home.
Read More
5Home Monitoring of Diabetic Dogs
Diabetes is a disorder involving blood sugar and insulin. Proper home care is a vital part of keeping your diabetic dog healthy. There are many different ways to monitor your pet at home so it is best...
Read More
6Insulin (Humulin®, Iletin®, Vetsulin™)
Insulin is a common medication used on dogs and cats to control blood sugar in diabetic animals. Insulin has also been used to temporarily reduce life-threatening levels of blood potassium related to certain...
Read More
7Glucose Curve in Dogs
A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug....
Read More

Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes in Dogs

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