Diseases of civilization do not stop at our dogs either. Diabetes in dogs mainly affects animals between five and nine years of age. On average, one in a hundred dogs develops diabetes. How to recognize diabetes in dogs and which treatment methods are available, you will learn here.
What is diabetes in dogs?
Diabetes is a Metabolic disorder, in which the cells are unable to produce Absorb sugar from the blood and turn it into energy. Normally, the hormone insulin is produced in the islet cells of Langerhans in the pancreas. insulin opens the entry port in the cell wall like a key opens the front door. sugar gets inside the cell. Is converted into energy.
Adds to the body little insulin available or if the hormone cannot be absorbed by the cells, the energy metabolism is impaired. The amount of sugar in the blood rises sharply.
Symptoms: How to recognize diabetes in dogs?
The dog's body needs energy for all processes. If too little of this energy is available to it, the hunger center in the brain reports: hunger, I need food. For the production of energy, the already existing body mass is resorted to. The dog leans, although he eats large quantities. The coat is shaggy and dull.
Since the sugar in canine diabetes cannot be absorbed by the cells, it is excreted in the urine. At the same time as the sugar molecules enter the urine, large amounts of water also enter the urine. The dog suffers from constant feeling of thirst and releases copious amounts of urine several times a day. Because blood flow to the tie is impaired, wounds heal very poorly. The susceptibility to infections increases.
If a dog has diabetes, it Always hungry. Hardly has he emptied his bowl, he already asks for food again. Nevertheless, you can clearly see his ribs. The animal loses weight more and more. Since the dog drinks a lot, he has to urinate frequently. You will probably also notice that the urine is very light in color and smells slightly fruity. Often the dogs are also tired. They no longer like to play. Do not want to participate in long walks.
Should you notice such symptoms in your dog, you should definitely have him examined by a Veterinarian have him checked out.
How to recognize diabetes in dogs?
The typical symptoms of diabetes in dogs are emaciation, constant hunger, intense thirst and urination in large quantities. The urine smells fruity.
Common causes of diabetes in dogs
Diabetes in dogs can congenital or acquired its. The development of the metabolic disease is promoted by overweight of the dog, lack of exercise and unhealthy, sugary and cereal-containing food.
Type 1 diabetes
In type 1 diabates, the islet cells are damaged and destroyed by several factors. The pancreas can no longer produce insulin in sufficient quantities. The Damage to the pancreas can be caused by an inflammation or an injury. Possibly, in case of a wrong reaction of the immune system, the own defense cells start to destroy the tie of the pancreas. Since the destroyed tie can no longer regenerate, this form of diabetes in dogs requires lifelong therapy.
type 2 diabetes
In the type 2 form of diabetes, insulin is present in sufficient amounts. However, the hormone cannot dock to the cells. Provide for the absorption of the sugar. Here we also speak of "Insulin resistance" of the cells. This form of diabetes in dogs can disappear again with treatment.
The iatrogenic diabetes in the dog
Diabetes in dogs can also Triggered by medication be. High doses of cortisone lead to a strong Feeling of thirst. The dogs suffer from constant hunger and thirst. They excrete large amounts of urine. This form, also known as diabetes insipidus, disappears after cortisone is stopped.
Other causes of diabetes in dogs
Non spayed bitches suffer more often from diabetes, because progesterone, a sex hormone, promotes the development of diabetes in dogs. The symptoms are mainly during the heat period. To recognize the false pregnancy. Other disorders of hormone metabolism, such as Cushing's syndrome, and tumors of the pancreas can also cause diabetes in dogs.
In some breeds of dogs diabetes is congenital. Puppies are either born with a severely atrophied pancreas or the gland regresses during the first weeks of life. Dog breeds affected by congenital diabetes in dogs include Spitz, Miniature Poodle, Maltese, Yorkshire Terrier, Pug and Miniature Schnauzer.
Diabetes in dogs is promoted by the dog being overweight, lack of exercise and unhealthy food containing sugar and cereals.
Diagnosis and treatment of diabetes in dogs
The diagnosis is made in the veterinary practice by an Blood test and a urinalysis posed. The blood sample is taken by the veterinarian in the morning, when the dog is still sober. The amount of glucose in the blood is measured. In healthy dogs the Glucose level between 63.1 and 109.9 milligrams per deciliter of blood. In sick dogs, the wrong amount of glucose is produced. In diabetes mellitus, the morning urine is also altered. The specific weight is reduced. A large amount of sugar is excreted with the urine.
During treatment the dog receives insulin, So that the sugar is again available to the cells for energy production. The individually required dose is determined by checking the sugar level in the blood. The insulin must always be administered in the form of an injection. An insulin pen can be used for this purpose. An overdose of insulin results in hypoglycemia. The dog staggers and suffers from convulsions and must be fed immediately to prevent it from going into a coma.
In case of Underdosage of the insulin the existing symptoms do not decrease. Unfortunately, treatment with tablets that lower the sugar level in the blood is not possible in dogs. Treatment by the veterinarian, monitored by regular checks of the sugar level in the blood, must always be supplemented by an appropriate diet and exercise program.