Diabetes in dogs – the diabetesDiabetes in dogs – this is basically the same disease as in humans. There are two forms of diabetes, each requiring different forms of treatment. In type I, the body no longer produces insulin; in type II, insulin secretion is impaired. In both types of disease, muscles. organs are prevented from converting glucose into energy. This leads to an excess of glucose in the blood, which is called "hyperglycemia". The following article is about Diabetes in a dog, how can it be recognized and which preventive measures are there?
What is diabetes?
Diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism caused by an absolute or relative insulin deficiency. In the case of diabetes, metabolism refers to how the body digests and uses food for growth and energy. This process is largely dependent on an adequate amount of insulin in the body. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas and released into cells in response to the digestive conversion of carbohydrates and protein into glucose in the bloodstream. A large part of the food consumed is broken down into glucose, a type of sugar in the blood and thus one of the body's most important sources of energy. In a healthy metabolism, the liver and muscles are activated to absorb glucose from the blood cells and convert it into energy.
Diabetes in dogs – diabetes
diabetes, a common disease in humans, is unfortunately relatively common in our canine friends. With Type I diabetes the pancreas has completely stopped producing insulin. Affected dogs rely on daily insulin injections to maintain blood sugar balance. At Type 2 diabetes the pancreas can still produce insulin, but the body cannot respond adequately to it.
The symptoms
An affected dog seems to be hungry all the time. Since glucose does not reach the brain, glucose levels in the brain are too low. So in the "opinion" of the brain, it is not receiving food and is sending out signals> hunger. Since no signal is given by insulin to convert glucose into energy, excess glucose in the blood is released from the body in the urine. This is how the energy deficiency develops. Diabetes in dogs is often manifested by listlessness, sluggish and "lazy" behavior. Glucose enters the urine, where it interferes with normal urine concentration and leads to an increase in urination. In individual cases, it can get to the point where the canine friend becomes dehydrated due to the abnormal loss of water, which he tries to compensate for by drinking constantly. The liver is affected as well as the eyes. Kidneys in affliction pulled. Affected pets are also at increased risk for systemic infections, dental disease and cataracts.
Diabetes in dogs – no herbs and natural remedies will help here.
The first signs of diabetes in dogs
– constant urge to urinate – excessive thirst – permanent hunger – weight loss – increased blood sugar levels – glucose in the urine
The consequences of an untreated disease
– complete loss of appetite – lethargy – vomiting – cataracts – recurrent infections – diabetic ketoacidosis – coma
The causes of diabetes in dogs
There are several possible causes of diabetes mellitus. Genetic predisposition is a probable cause, as well as canine diseases such as pancreatitis or obesity are causal factors.
Diagnosis of diabetes in dogs
Standard tests include a complete blood count, chemical profile, and urinalysis. These tests should be performed for the diagnosis. Initial treatment is sufficient. Typically, in diabetes, an abnormally high glucose concentration is found in the blood and urine. Also abnormally high concentrations of liver enzymes. electrolyte imbalances are common signs. In severe cases, urine test results may also provide evidence of abnormally high concentrations of ketone bodies – water-soluble compounds produced as a byproduct of fatty acid metabolism in the liver and kidneys.
A number of other abnormalities may also be found. Radiographic studies, including x-rays and ultrasounds, can be helpful in diagnosing concomitant diseases and complications due to diabetes. Abdominal radiographs and ultrasound help determine the presence of kidney stones and/or inflammation of the pancreas and liver, as well as other associated abnormalities. In the case of liver disease, the veterinarian may take a sample of liver tie for further diagnostic evaluation if suspected.
Treatment and care of diabetic dogs
The veterinarian will certainly prescribe a course of treatment for your dog to keep his blood glucose levels within a normal range. This almost always requires twice daily insulin injections in combination with diet and exercise. It can be challenging at first, especially since regular blood glucose checks and adjustments are often required, but with proper attention and support, routine should set in fairly quickly.
Obesity is one of the main risk factors for diabetes and this condition can complicate the treatment of diabetes, however, obesity should be controlled slowly and with great care. The veterinarian can certainly help to set up a practical schedule for when the target weight should be reached. Of course, if your dog has actually lost weight due to diabetes, a weight gain plan will need to be worked out with the veterinarian.
Do not change the dog food suddenly or without prior consultation with the veterinarian. A sick dog needs a well thought out. Strictly enforced diet plan. Your veterinarian should be the contact person here when creating a diet plan. He can tailor his recommendations to meet the dog's needs, which ultimately makes living with diabetes easier. Also be informed about what to look for in hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose), both of which can occur in diabetic dogs. Taking notes and recording them in a daily and weekly chart can be of great benefit in the long run. Enter the amount of food, glucose test results, daily insulin dose and body weight.
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