Diabetes in dogsWhat is diabetes in dogs? Symptoms and treatment method for diabetes, affected breeds and possible costs.
– Diabetes FAQ – Definition – Symptoms and Therapy – Affected Races
Diabetes in a dog
Diabetes in dogs is one of the most common diseases of four-legged dogs, especially un-neutered bitches in the early senior age suffer from it. Although a cure for the metabolic disease is not possible, it can certainly be treated.
What is diabetes?
Diabetes in dogs is differentiated into two forms according to the cause. In type 1, the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin, which causes the blood sugar level to rise. In the much rarer type 2, there is enough insulin, but the cells are resistant to it, which also leads to increased blood glucose levels. As a result, the body receives less energy, the supply and thus the performance decrease, the blood circulation is reduced and organs are damaged.
How the disease manifests itself?
The following symptoms are typical of diabetes in dogs:
– Increased thirst and urination – Increased appetite – Weight loss, even with larger amounts of food – Impaired wound healing – Increased susceptibility to infection – Fatigue and even apathy – Clouding of the eyes – Lameness, especially in the hind legs – Sensory disturbances – Hair loss
However, these signs can also indicate a variety of other diseases. Only a comprehensive diagnosis, which should be carried out as soon as possible by a veterinarian, will provide reliable information.
Are there risk factors for diabetes in dogs?
Diabetes in dogs cannot be prevented in every case, but the risk can be reduced. For this purpose it is of course important to know favoring factors. These are:
– Overweight – Inadequate, unbalanced or starchy diet – Inflammation and other diseases of the pancreas – Lack of exercise – Hormonal fluctuations in old age, especially in unspayed bitches
However, it may also be a hereditary predisposition, which is particularly common in the following dog breeds:
– Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed – Beagle – Cairn and West Highland White Terrier – Chow-Chow – Dachshund – Doberman Pinscher – Golden and Labrador Retriever – Keeshond – Poodle – Puli – Schipperke – Spitz – Springer Spaniel – Dwarf Pinscher
You can find out whether your dog may also have risk factors for impending diabetes with a diabetes test.
Things to know about diagnosis and therapy
For a reliable diagnosis of diabetes in dogs, blood and urine must be examined. The determined values are also necessary for the following treatment with insulin. Therapy must be individualized, but usually controlled feedings and insulin doses at twelve-hour intervals are recommended. Regular checks of blood glucose levels, as well as examinations by the veterinarian. Adjustments in treatment may also be necessary. Do not underestimate the cost of permanent medication for diabetes. The necessary control examinations. With the right dog health insurance, you have the costs of this type of chronic disease firmly under control.