Diabetes in Dogs

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Diabetes in Dogs

By: Dr. Leah Cohn

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Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic condition in which a deficiency of the hormone insulin impairs the body's ability to metabolize sugar. It is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) diseases of dogs.

There are two types of diabetes mellitus in dogs. Type I DM occurs when the body does not produce enough insulin. This can be the result of destruction of the cells in the pancreas that normally produce insulin. This form does not produce enough insulin and requires insulin injections to control the disease. Type II DM occurs when enough insulin is produced but something interferes with its ability to be utilized by the body. Dogs nearly always (99%) have the type I variety.

Diabetes mellitus usually affects middle-aged to older dogs of either sex, however it is most common in female dogs (twice as common in females as in males). The peak age seen in dogs is 7 to 9 years.

Juvenile-onset diabetes may occur in dogs less than 1 year of age. . Any breed can be affected. Breeds at increased risk for diabetes mellitus include the Australian terrier, Samoyed, Schnauzer (miniature and standard), Bichon frise, Cairn terrier, Keeshond, Spitz, Fox terrier and the Poodle (miniature and standard).

Diabetes mellitus leads to an inability of the tissue to utilize glucose. Disease occurs from high blood sugar levels, inadequate delivery of sugar to the tissues and changes in the body metabolism.

Risk factors for diabetes mellitus include obesity, recurring pancreatitis, Cushing's disease, and drugs such as glucocorticoids and progestagens that antagonize insulin.

What to Watch For

Increased thirst

Increased frequency of urination

Weight loss despite a good appetite

Sudden blindness

Lethargy

Poor body condition

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1 Home Monitoring of Diabetic Dogs
Diabetes is a disorder involving blood sugar and insulin. Proper home care is a vital part of keeping your diabetic dog healthy. There are many different ways to monitor your pet at home so it is best...
Read More
2 Insulin (Humulin®, Iletin®, Vetsulin™)
Insulin is a common medication used on dogs and cats to control blood sugar in diabetic animals. Insulin has also been used to temporarily reduce life-threatening levels of blood potassium related to certain...
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3 Obesity in Dogs
The primary causes of obesity in dogs are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your dog.
Read More
4 How to Give Injectable Medication to Your Dog
Some dog diseases require periodic administration of injectable medications. Frequently, this is done by the owner at home.
Read More
5 Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs
Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...
Read More
6 Polyphagia (Increased food consumption) in Dogs
Polyphagia is the term used for an increased consumption of food, and it may be caused by a diseased state or by psychological reasons. Animals with polyphagia are generally described as having a ravenous...
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7 Glucose Curve in Dogs
A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug....
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1Polydipsia and Polyuria (excessive drinking and urinating) in Dogs
Polydipsia is the term used to describe excessive thirst. Polyuria is the termed used to describe what results from excessive thirst, increase urine production. Polydipsia and polyuria are early signs...
Read More
2Polyphagia (Increased food consumption) in Dogs
Polyphagia is the term used for an increased consumption of food, and it may be caused by a diseased state or by psychological reasons. Animals with polyphagia are generally described as having a ravenous...
Read More
3Obesity in Dogs
The primary causes of obesity in dogs are overeating and lack of exercise. When regular caloric intake exceeds the energy burned, the excess is stored as fat on your dog.
Read More
4How to Give Injectable Medication to Your Dog
Some dog diseases require periodic administration of injectable medications. Frequently, this is done by the owner at home.
Read More
5Home Monitoring of Diabetic Dogs
Diabetes is a disorder involving blood sugar and insulin. Proper home care is a vital part of keeping your diabetic dog healthy. There are many different ways to monitor your pet at home so it is best...
Read More
6Insulin (Humulin®, Iletin®, Vetsulin™)
Insulin is a common medication used on dogs and cats to control blood sugar in diabetic animals. Insulin has also been used to temporarily reduce life-threatening levels of blood potassium related to certain...
Read More
7Glucose Curve in Dogs
A glucose curve involves multiple measurements of blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. This will help your veterinarian determine the proper insulin dose and the best time to administer the drug....
Read More

Diabetes in Dogs

Diabetes in Dogs

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