What is diabetes and how does it affect dogs?
It’s fairly well-known that Diabetes is a disease that affects people but did you know that dogs get diabetes too? In fact Diabetes Mellitus (to give it its full name) is one of the most common endocrine conditions seen in dogs.
The term endocrine relates to glands whose secretions (hormones) flow directly into the blood stream. This is not a definitive guide but provides an overview of Diabetes Mellitus, helping the reader gain a better understanding of what causes the disease, the effect it has on a dog and how to manage it.
What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes Mellitus is a complex condition caused by resistance to, a deficiency or a complete lack of a hormone called Insulin. This hormone is normally released from the Pancreas, a gland that lies close to the stomach.
Insulin is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates, fats and proteins and is important for maintaining glucose levels in the blood stream. If a dog is unable to produce insulin or cannot utilise it properly, its blood sugar level increases and this leads to Hyperglycaemia, a term used to describe excessive glucose in the blood. If left untreated hyperglycaemia can lead to a number of serious health problems.
The actual cause of Diabetes is still not known although auto-immune disease, obesity, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), tumours and the long term administration of a drug called glucocorticoids can all play a role in its development.
Which dogs are most prone to Diabetes?
It’s more usual to see Diabetes in middle-aged dogs and certain breeds including Poodles, Terriers, Schnauzers and Dachshunds seem to be over represented. Bitches that haven’t been spayed are at greater risk because of the presence of the female hormone progesterone. However, the condition can occur at any age and in any breed or sex of dog.
Classification of Diabetes Mellitus and what type do most dogs get?
As in people, this condition can be divided into two types, Type I (lack of insulin production) and Type II (insulin resistance).
Symptoms of type I diabetes in dogs
Type I (insulin dependent diabetes) is the most common form in dogs and ultimately, in order to survive, they require insulin therapy. Evidence of any of the following symptoms should be reported to your veterinary surgeon immediately:
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Changes to normal eating patterns (increased hunger or lack of appetite)
- Lethargy and lack of energy
- Changes in weight
- Urinary tract infection
- Development of cataracts
- Vomiting and dehydration
- A sweet smelling breath (Ketoacidosis)
How is Diabetes diagnosed?
The diagnosis is based on evidence of the clinical symptoms and includes the following veterinary investigations:
- Urinalysis (checking for the presence of glucose in the urine)
- Fasting blood tests showing a persistently elevated blood glucose level
- Assessing water intake over a 24 hour period
Treatment and home management
It is extremely unusual for a dog to respond to oral medication and most cases they require a combination of injectable insulin and strict dietary management. Most dogs require one insulin injection per day although some do benefit from twice daily injections.
The aim of the treatment is to address and correct any of the symptoms and restore the blood glucose level to as near normal as possible. The main objective is to prevent the blood glucose levels swinging too high or too low.
Dogs that are seriously ill will be hospitalized and receive intensive care until they have been stabilized. Entire bitches should be spayed.
Once a dog’s individual insulin dose has been established they will be allowed home and owners will be taught how to administer injections and given detailed management instructions. Owners will usually be asked to keep a note of their dog’s daily routine and to carry out the following tasks regularly:
- Take urine glucose values each day and/or measure and record blood glucose levels (using simple home test kits)
- Record the amount of insulin injected
- Record the amount and time of feeding
- Assess bodyweight
- Pre-printed assessment sheets are usually provided by the veterinary surgeon to help owners.
Dietary management plays an essential role in the treatment of Diabetes Mellitus. It is important that the main meal coincides with peak circulating insulin levels so feeding the exact amounts in conjunction with insulin injections is crucial.
Diet and Diabetes Mellitus in dogs
A high fiber diet with complex carbohydrates helps to prevent fluctuations in blood glucose levels and controls obesity. Feeding the correct composition of fats and proteins is also important.
For these reasons a prescription diet, specifically designed for diabetics should be used rather than a general proprietary brand. Avoid treats, especially those that are high in glucose.
Diabetic dogs should have free access to a fresh supply of clean water at all times. Exercise is important in maintaining blood glucose levels, helps with weight loss and enhances the mobilization of insulin. However, the amount and timing of exercise should be consistent and must not vary from day to day.
What is hypoglycaemia?
If too high a dose of insulin is given or if the dog fails to eat after its injection, then there is a risk of it becoming hypoglycaemic. This is when the level of glucose in the bloodstream is too low. The signs of hypoglycaemia include:
- Lethargy
- Muscle tremors
- Weakness
- Collapse
- Diabetic coma and death
What is the first aid treatment for hypoglycaemia?
At the first signs, administer a glucose rich solution such as honey or glucose and water by mouth. If using a syringe ensure that you do this slowly, giving the dog time to swallow. DO NOT administer any oral solutions if the dog is collapsed or unconscious.
In the above circumstances, the dog must be taken to the vets as soon as soon as possible where it will be placed on an intravenous infusion of glucose and closely monitored.
Do dogs with Diabetes Mellitus have a good quality of life?
The good news is that, provided the condition is quickly diagnosed and the dog has been stabilized, the majority of dogs respond well to treatment. With the appropriate care and management most go on to have a good quality of life.
Main photo by Juan Gomez on Unsplash
