Diabetes In Dogs :

 

The growing diabetes disease is not limited to humans but it is increasing among dogs as well. It is a common disease in dogs. According to researchers, one in 150 - 200 dogs will develop the Diabetes.The average age for this disease is 6 - 9 years.

 

What is diabetes in the dog ?

Animal lovers, pet owners should know about the disease well.

Diabetes is a result of inadequate (lacking) production of insulin by the islet (the pancreas contains clusters of cells that produce hormones.These clusters are known as islets) cells in the pancreas. Insulin enables glucose to pass into cells. There it is metabolized to produce energy for metabolism. Insulin deficiency results in high blood sugar and high urine sugar. Diabetic dog passes large volumes of urine and sometimes this creates dehydration so the dog urge to drink large amount of water.

3.44 - 6 mmol/L and 62 - 108 mg/dL is considered as normal glucose values range for dogs.

 

There are two types of diabetes in dogs.

Type 1 diabetes is insulin-dependent/ juvenile. This is analogous to the type which affects virtually all dogs.

Type 2 diabetes is adult onset. This type is the result of insulin resistance linked to diet and obesity.

 

Symptoms :

Here are some common symptoms of diabetes in dogs.

Dizziness, confusion, excessive thirst, increased urination, lethargy, depression, weakness, loss of balance, trembling, vomiting, weight loss despite normal/increased food consumption, some times loss of consciousness, cataracts and blindness can also be a symptom, etc.

 

Causes :

*Heredity - If dog's parent s had diabetes, there is high chance dog may develop diabetes. or sugary foods are consuming high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates. It affects the blood glucose levels.

*Obesity - Is a common and important reason. Fattening or sugary foods are consuming high amounts of sugars and carbohydrates. It affects the blood glucose levels. In result dog may develop diabetes.

*Steroids - If dog is need to be given steroid shots to help with other ailments so it may affect the pancreas. In results an imbalance of insulin levels. This may be the cause of diabetes.

*Diseases - Some diseases affects the pancreas and in results abnormal production of insulin in the dog's body. So in future it may cause of diabetes.

 

Diagnosis :

The diagnosis of diabetes in dog is easy to confirm. There are simple tests of sugar (glucose) in the blood and urine. If the blood glucose concentration is consistently higher than normal it means dog's pancreas is not enough insulin. Dog is suffering from diabetes mellitus. Because of diabetes dog may get some other diseases like enlarged liver, ketones in urine, elevated cholesterol/triglycerides low blood phosphorus levels, increased urine specific gravity resulting from dehydration, etc. So there should be test done for these diseases.

 

Cataract and blindness :

Most of dogs develop cataracts / blindness within few months/a year of being diagnosis with diabetes. Cataract can develop fast and it left untreated. It can lead to blindness and glaucoma. Catracts can be surgically removed. So proper diagnosis and treatment should be followed.

 

Preventions of dog diabetes :

The best way to prevention is keeping dog at a healthy and balanced diet and normal weight. Regular exercise will prevent obesity in dog. As this is important to know if dog's parents have a history of diabetes so it will help in prevention. Cut out fattening and sugary food.

 

Treatments of dog diabetes :

There are different treatment options including home remedies are available to treat dog's diabetes.

 

Insulin therapy - There are several types of insulin like Humulin, Humalog, Novalog,etc. 

 

The Humulin N -  is used along with insulin for the treatment of diabetes..It helps to control the dog's sugar/glucose level.The amount of insulin needed according to size and level of diabetes dog has.

 

Diet for diabetic dog -  There should be the right and healthy diet for diabetic dog. It is very important. Fattening or sugary food should not be given to a diabetic dog. Dietary fiber in moderate amount is good for diabetic dog. It slows gastric emptying/ the digestion of carbohydrates, which slows the release of glucose. Other dietary control and daily injections of insulin will help to keep diabetic dog active and healthy.

 

Blood sugar level testing kits - There are kits available to help monitor dog's diabetes. So you can monitor and keep watching dog's condition regularly. It includes a glucose monitor, test strips, syringes.

 

Home remedies/ Natural treatments for dog's diabetes :

There are some good home remedies/natural treatment options which can help to keep the dog's diabetes not cured but in control.

*Karela - It can stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin. It helps to improve the absorption of food.

*Cinnamon - It works by substituting insulin in the blood. Very small amount only can be given into dog's food.

*Bejak - It is a herb which helps to reduce the presence of blood sugar. It also helps for urination related problems in dog's diabetes.

*Chromium - This is a mineral in the body. It is important and necessary to help the pancreas create natural insulin. It may be given to diabetic dog as a supplement to balance glucose level in the body.

*Vitamin - E - It helps reduce insulin dependency. Can be given daily.

Also Apple cider vinegar and grapefruit can help in control excess weight of dog.

 

If you see the signs of hypoglycaemia in dog you can give honey, corn syrup, pancake syrup. This should be rubbed on dog's gums/ under the tongue. One gram of glucose can be given in hypoglycaemia. Since glucose acts fast and quickly so response of dog should be seen within a minute or two. Everything should be given according to size and weight of the dog.

 

Diabetes disease Complications in the dog :

Ketones, Nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome, dehydration, Cushing's disease, rental, liver and cardiac insufficiency, chronic inflammation, cancer, severe obeysity, etc.

 

Finally - Diabetes can not be cured. It is lifelong process but it can be controlled. An experienced veterinarian is the best advisor.

 

Always take care of not only your pet but also take care of all animals/stray animals. They need your love,care,help and support as well as your pets.