What is Diabetes Mellitus?
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common hormonal disorders
in cats and dogs. Diabetic animals do not produce enough insulin.
Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose (sugar) uptake into cells.
The result is unregulated levels of unusable glucose in the body.
Glucose is the main source of energy for the metabolism. Without
insulin, the amount of glucose in the blood can reach dangerously
high levels (hyperglycemia). When the body is lacking, or unable to
use glucose, it uses other sources such as fat and protein. This causes
weight loss and an abnormally large appetite.
What causes diabetes?
Diabetes is caused by lack of insulin production by the pancreas,
or by excessive insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone which allows
glucose (sugar) uptake into cells. Like humans, obesity is can be a
contributing factor to the development of diabetes. Diabetes is more
often seen in female dogs and neutered cats.
Diagnosing Diabetes
Common signs of diabetes include:
accurately diagnose a diabetic animal in addition to a physical
exam, a full blood panel and urinalysis will need to be performed.
The blood panel will show the veterinarian not only the blood
glucose levels, but also a full overview of the animal's condition and
organ function.
The urinalysis will allow the veterinarian to determine:
Treatment:
Treatment in almost all cases is insulin injections once or twice a
day. Owners should see the animal start to feel better, urinate and
drink less, have a normal appetite, and steady weight.
To determine how the animal is reacting to the insulin the doctor will
perform a blood glucose curve. The owner feeds the animal in the
morning and administers the insulin injection. The pet is dropped of at
the hospital. The blood glucose is checked every few hours for the
entire day. The doctor can then adjust the insulin dose as needed to
regulate the animal.
Helpful Links:
http://www.petdiabetes.com/
http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/diabetes/pets.php
http://www.felinediabetes.com/
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this
one do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most common hormonal disorders
in cats and dogs. Diabetic animals do not produce enough insulin.
Insulin is a hormone which allows glucose (sugar) uptake into cells.
The result is unregulated levels of unusable glucose in the body.
Glucose is the main source of energy for the metabolism. Without
insulin, the amount of glucose in the blood can reach dangerously
high levels (hyperglycemia). When the body is lacking, or unable to
use glucose, it uses other sources such as fat and protein. This causes
weight loss and an abnormally large appetite.
What causes diabetes?
Diabetes is caused by lack of insulin production by the pancreas,
or by excessive insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone which allows
glucose (sugar) uptake into cells. Like humans, obesity is can be a
contributing factor to the development of diabetes. Diabetes is more
often seen in female dogs and neutered cats.
Diagnosing Diabetes
Common signs of diabetes include:
- Drinking large amounts and urinating large amounts
- Weight loss (more common in dogs than cats)
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Insatiable appetite
accurately diagnose a diabetic animal in addition to a physical
exam, a full blood panel and urinalysis will need to be performed.
The blood panel will show the veterinarian not only the blood
glucose levels, but also a full overview of the animal's condition and
organ function.
The urinalysis will allow the veterinarian to determine:
- How well the kidneys are functioning (if the urine is
concentrated) - If there is glucose, blood, or protein in the urine and the check
the pH level - Check for sediment and bacteria (which can cause
increased drinking and urination)
Treatment:
Treatment in almost all cases is insulin injections once or twice a
day. Owners should see the animal start to feel better, urinate and
drink less, have a normal appetite, and steady weight.
To determine how the animal is reacting to the insulin the doctor will
perform a blood glucose curve. The owner feeds the animal in the
morning and administers the insulin injection. The pet is dropped of at
the hospital. The blood glucose is checked every few hours for the
entire day. The doctor can then adjust the insulin dose as needed to
regulate the animal.
Helpful Links:
http://www.petdiabetes.com/
http://www.health.ri.gov/disease/diabetes/pets.php
http://www.felinediabetes.com/
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will
not be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper
use of information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this
one do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their
veterinarian before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
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