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In her article in the Delphos Herald, Dr. Bonnie Jones says diabetes is common in household pets. Type I diabetes is not preventable, and is probably genetic, Jones says, but it is treatable. Type II diabetes is much more common in pets than Type I, and, as in humans, is increasingly likely in obese pets.
Symptoms of the disease in pets are very similar to those found in human cases, and may include weakness, increased thirst and urination and even blindness. Proper care, and a daily active routine, can increase a pet's chances living a productive life, even with diabetes, but Jones reminds owners that a pet with diabetes can be just as fulfilling a companion as one without the disease. If you enjoy this article, you may also be interested in an article entitled 'American Diabetes Association peddling nutritional nonsense while accepting money from manufacturer of candy and sodas.'
Overview:
- Probably each of us is acquainted with or related to someone who has Diabetes Mellitus, a disease caused by a deficiency of or resistance to insulin, resulting in high blood sugar.
Diabetes is one of the most common hormonal disorders in dogs and cats and can be very debilitating if left undiagnosed and untreated.
Veterinarians most commonly diagnose Type II diabetes which occurs when a pet's body is resistant to the effects of insulin.
Weight control through diet and exercise may help prevent the onset of Type II diabetes.
In dogs, diabetes is at least twice as common in females, especially overweight females, while in cats neutered males are at greater risk.
If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, take it to your veterinarian for a complete physical exam.
Be advised that annual physical exams and wellness blood screening of your apparently healthy pet performed by your veterinarian can provide early diagnosis for this treatable disease before symptoms occur.
Once your pet's diabetes has been diagnosed, your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate course of treatment that may require one or two daily insulin injections to lower the blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Treatment of your diabetic pet may also include a diet change and proper weight management through diet and exercise.
Treatment of a diabetic pet requires close daily monitoring to determine treatment success and prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) associated with insulin overdosing.
These symptoms are readily treated with immediate administration of a sweet substance such as Karo syrup or honey, either ingested by the pet or applied to an unconscious pet's gums.
Keeping a journal of daily activities, insulin administration and food intake can prove very helpful in diabetes regulation as well.
