How to Detect Dog Diabetes
Diabetes is a common disease in dogs just as it is in humans, with obese pets more prone to developing it. The most common breeds affected are golden retrievers, German shepherds, miniature schnauzers, keeshonden, poodles, dachshunds, cocker spaniels, cairn terriers and beagles. Onset is generally between six and nine years of age, with females three times more likely to have diabetes than males. Symptoms are diverse, but once you know what to look for are they relatively easy to spot. Failure to detect diabetes can result in a host of health problems and even death.
Instructions
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Observe Daily Behavior
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Observe daily behavior from the time your pooch becomes a member of your family. Note habits such as amount of food and water consumed, frequency of urination and typical levels of physical activity. Habits vary with each animal. Knowing what is normal for yours aids diagnosis.
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Know and look for the most common symptoms. These include: excessive consumption of water, excessive urination, unexplained weight loss or weight gain and lethargy. Don't overlook less common indicators. These are: confusion, poor skin and hair coat, shaking and/or weakness in the rear legs, loss of appetite, vomiting, frequent bladder infections, sweet-smelling breath and sudden formation of cataracts.
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If you note two or more symptoms, take your dog to the veterinarian. Make sure the veterinarian gives the dog a thorough examination. Medical indicators include an enlarged liver and neurological problems.
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Laboratory tests are needed to confirm canine diabetes. Glucose and ketone levels should be checked in blood. Urine should also be checked for excess glucose. Generally, acceptable blood glucose levels range from 80 mg/dl to 120 mg/dl. Diagnosis should not be made on the basis of a single blood test. Stress can induce isolated high glucose levels.
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Tips & Warnings
Symptoms can appear suddenly. Do not ignore them. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
Treating symptoms early can prevent further complications. Diabetes can affect all major organs if left untreated.
Dogs with normal weight may also be affected.
Canine diabetes can appear in juvenile form as well as adult-onset types.
Unspayed female dogs with no sexual activity are at higher risk for developing the disease.
Diabetes is a silent killer. Some dogs do not show symptoms until the disease is advanced. Regular check-ups are important in preventive care.
Symptoms mimic those of other diseases. Do not automatically assume diabetes. Examination should be thorough to rule out other possibilities.
