Diabetes Mellitis in Dogs
Diabtes mellitus is a condition that can affect dogs as well as other animals. A diabetic dog cannot produce enough of a crucial protein called insulin. Diabetic dogs requires veterinary treatment and regular monitoring to remain healthy.
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Diabetes Mellitus
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The pancreas produces insulin, a protein crucial for regulating the amount of sugar in the system. Insulin breaks down sugar taken from food and also acts as a shut-off switch if the body is producing too much sugar. Diabetic animals do not produce a sufficient amount of insulin. This causes a build-up of more sugar than the kidneys can properly filter.
Symptoms
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The primary symptom of diabetes in dogs is frequent urination and excessive drinking. When the kidneys can't filter excess sugar, it passes into the urine and removes more water from the body than is normal. The dog compensates by drinking excessively. A veterinarian should examine a dog that displays these symptoms. Weight loss despite a healthy appetite is another symptom of canine diabetes.
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Complications
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Prolonged high blood sugar (glucose) leads to medical complications. Cataracts are one such complication. High blood sugar causes changes in the lens of the eye, possibly resulting in blindness in one or both eyes. If the dog's blood glucose level swings too wildly either up or down, serious life- threatening complications such as seizures or a coma can result.
Treatment
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The primary treatment for canine diabetes is insulin. Dogs must take insulin by way of injection, because it is not effective if taken orally. Each dog has its own insulin requirement. A veterinarian must determine the proper amount. It is important to maintain a healthy and stable diet, as this makes it easier to manage blood sugar levels. It is better to use commercially available food rather than homemade food. A veterinarian might recommend a specific type of food for the dog.
Prognosis
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Caring for a diabetic dog requires devotion, but it is not a lost cause. With proper treatment and supportive monitoring, a diabetic dog should live a full life.
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References
- Photo Credit dog image by Michal Tudek from Fotolia.com
