Diabetes is not just a human disease. It is also prevalent in canines. In general, the most afflicted with diabetes are older dogs and certain breeds such as Poodles, Old English Sheepdogs, Golden Retrievers, Daschunds, Miniature Pinscher, Schnauzer and Beagles.
Diabetes is defined as the non production of insulin with increased glucose levels in the blood. In order to remedy this situation, insulin must be given. Luckily, there is specific insulin produced for canine use.
Two forms of Diabetes:
Diabetes Insipidus: Is the lack of the anti-diuretic hormone called Vasopressin. Vasopressin controls how the kidneys absorb water.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Is insulin insufficiency. It is the most common and the most dangerous for dogs.
Diabetes is comprised of two types:
Type 1 - Is insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is not making insulin at all. Type 1 is seen mostly in younger dogs.
Type 2 - Is non insulin dependent diabetes. The pancreas is making insulin but the body is resistant to it. This type is mostly seen in older dogs.
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that can be passed from parent to puppies. In addition, big dogs have a higher risk for onset of diabetes than smaller dogs.
Symptoms:
You may notice that your dog is:
Eating more Drinking more Weighing less Diagnostic Testing:
If your dog is showing symptoms of this disease, a visit to the vet is in order. The vet will conduct blood tests to check your pet's glucose level. He will also do a urinalysis to check for kidney function and urinary tract infection. If your pet is positive for diabetes, changes in diet and getting more exercise will aid in reducing the symptoms and prevent complications.
Treatment:
Treatment generally consists of a high fiber and protein diet with fats and carbohydrates no longer being allowed. This may require that you feed your dog prepared meals. In addition, feeding your dog at the same time every day helps regulate glucose levels at a consistent normal range. If insulin is needed, it is always given after meals. It is very important to note that your dog must be allowed to have ALL the water they want.
Exercise:
Regular daily exercise at the same time each day helps to keep blood glucose down, thus preventing a detrimental effect of up and down glucose levels. Glucose needs to be consistently within normal levels.
Another risk factor for diabetes in dogs is hormonal changes experienced by female dogs. This can be alleviated by having your dog spayed.
Barb Hicks is a licensed registered nurse and featured health writer on Clivir.com where you can find her class about Diabetes Diet and other lessons including Diabetes Causes.
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